KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Next week, my husband and I are heading to a Valentine's Evening behind-the-scenes tour of the Darwin Martin House in Buffalo, New York. It’s the same Frank Lloyd Wright museum we’ve
visited several times, but this version is fancily dressed for the holiday: candlelight, champagne, treats, and a fresh perspective on something familiar. That’s the real magic of Valentine’s Day: It’s one of those perfectly made-up holidays, constructed out of paper hearts, glitter, and good intentions... and it manages magically to transform our spaces, our schedules, and our spirits. As publisher, I've had a 25-year front row seat to
communities around the country who turn nothing into something every February. This year, visitors can say "I Love Thee" in a Victorian mansion in Riverside, CA while a re-enactor in a top hat explains the romantic origin of the Hershey’s Kiss. Frying Pan Farm Park in
Virginia will help kids say "I Love MOO!" with farm animal puns. The Oregon Rail Heritage Center invites everyone on a Valentine's Express Steam Train ride that is more light-hearted than steamy. And next Saturday, biologists at the California Academy of Sciences will hand out heart-shaped valentines to their African penguins—who will then present them to their mates to help line
their nests. Not all Valentine’s Day celebrations require you to get out and about, though; just muster some creativity and apply it to stuff you already have lying around the house. Cut hearts from red paper and tape them to the door. Dress in scarlet or rose or salmon pink. Light a candle at dinner while you're eating heart-shaped cheese, toast, bacon, or lasagna (here are 25 fun recipes from Food Network). When you and your kids dress up your world together, you’re not just celebrating love, you’re celebrating creativity. And they're learning the life skill of transforming ordinary stuff around them into something special. It only takes one step beyond the good intention to make it
so. Love can be grand, indeed. But it doesn’t have to be grand to be great.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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For 35 years, families across greater Milwaukee have trusted USM Summer Camps for exceptional enrichment, academic, and athletic programs. Campers discover new talents, build friendships, and explore diverse interests within a flexible schedule. With
healthy meals, extended care, transportation options, and multi-week discounts, families enjoy a convenient and valuable experience. Now accredited by the American Camp Association, USM meets the highest national standards for safety and quality. This milestone year introduces two exciting additions: a new Sports Camp for athletes of all levels and a Counselors in Training program for teens. Learn more at www.usm.org/summer and use code EBKOAA26 for early bird savings.
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Get ready to see the world more curiously, because Blippi is coming to your town in the all-new Be Like Blippi Tour!
Join Blippi and Meekah live on stage for a one-of-a-kind interactive adventure that inspires kids to move like, play like, and explore just like Blippi!
This brand-new show is packed with high-energy music and surprises, featuring fan-favorite songs like “The Excavator Song,” “Monster Truck,” “Dino Dance,” and “Curious Like Me.” With Blippi’s signature mix of play, learning, and exploration, families can get curious together while singing, laughing, and dancing along during this unforgettable adventure full of fun and discovery.
The Be Like Blippi Tour invites you to break out your orange Blippi glasses and ignite that spark of curiosity that lives inside every single one of us and share in an unforgettable experience that encourages kids to… Be Like Blippi!
Date Feb. 21, 2026
Event Starts 2:00 PM
Venue Miller High Life Theatre
Doors Open
1:00 PM
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Dive into the thrilling Blue Man Group experience – a blend of captivating music, interactive art and audience engagement. Blue Man Group creates a fun, disruptive and out of the ordinary atmosphere that exhilarates the senses and uplifts spirits for
audiences of all ages. Join over 50 million fans who’ve experienced the magic of Blue Man Group across the world!
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Join us for a one-night-only, ticketed event at Discovery World as we celebrate the magic of winter weather with an unforgettable dance party! Bring family and friends to enjoy music, movement, and merriment. Groove to the beats of Kid Boogie Down, explore
interactive spaces, and soak in the seasonal vibes. This evening experience is perfect for all ages. Come ready to dance, laugh, and make warm memories on a chilly night! Reserve your tickets today!
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Winter doesn’t have to feel so long when you spend a February day at the Zoo — for free! Join us on February 7, when all guests receive free admission (parking and regular attraction fees still apply). Bundle up and spend time with the animals active in
cooler temps, like the snow leopards, caribou, Bactrian camels, Japanese macaques, and harbor seals. Then warm up in the Aquatic & Reptile Center, Giraffe Barn, Elephant Care Center, and other indoor animal buildings.
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Bundle up and join us for a joyful day celebrating winter—Milwaukee style! Winterfest is a free, family-friendly event packed with cozy fun for all ages. Enjoy guided winter hikes through Washington Park, race down the sledding hill, and then warm up with
tasty drinks by a crackling campfire. From snowy adventures to laid-back moments by the fire, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, no matter the weather. Snow activities are weather permitting, but the winter magic is always on, complete with laughter, community spirit, and plenty of smiles. So, dress for the season, bring your friends and family, and come celebrate winter with us!
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This February, celebrate Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day with an indulgent Sweetheart Tea at the Pabst Mansion. Enjoy bottomless champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and signature teas inspired by Captain and Mrs. Pabst, all served in the elegance of
Mrs. Pabst’s Parlor. Guests can explore the first floor during this immersive Gilded Age experience in one of Milwaukee’s iconic landmarks. The event does not include a full mansion tour, though tickets for the 3 p.m. tour are available separately. Space is limited, advance reservations are encouraged, and while children may attend, no child rate or vegan/gluten-free options are provided.
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International percussion sensation STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty—and utterly unforgettable. With absolutely no traditional instruments, STOMP transforms everyday objects into a pulsating, rhythm-fueled spectacle that’s equal parts music,
movement, and pure energy.
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The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of
entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Milwaukee area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the
schools.
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- Women & Girls in Science - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, West Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Family Free Day at Milwaukee County Zoo (February) - 10001 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Winterfest in Washington
Park - Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th St, Milwaukee, WI 53208, Saturday, February 7, 2026, See website for details
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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Milwaukee area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping
a spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Milwaukee Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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