KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
I'm in Phoenix this week for a meeting of the American Astronomical Society, where I'm giving a talk about my new book, The Eclipse Effect. One of the best parts of being here is getting to attend the other presentations, too, which is how I found myself Monday night inside under the Dorrance Planetarium Dome at the Arizona Science Center, gazing up at a sky unlike any I’ve ever seen. Thanks to cutting-edge LED projection technology and the first imagery from the nearly-complete Rubin Observatory in Chile, the dome became a portal into the depths of our galaxy and beyond,
rendered in light so vivid and detailed it felt like we could fall in. The room was full of astronomers, researchers, educators—professionals who have dedicated their careers to explaining the universe. These were the very people who helped build the tools, who'd worked the math, who’d waited decades to see the science take shape... and even they were astonished: Their faces were lit up with the kind of awe you usually only see in children. It was a reminder that at its
heart, science is about connection. Connecting those points of light above my head, yes; connecting the dots, sure... but also connecting people—to each other, to wonder, and to what’s possible. If you want your kids to connect deeply with science—or history, or nature, or culture, or space—you don’t need a telescope on a mountain, you just need a person. So go to the museum, walk the trail, step into the planetarium. But don’t stop at the
exhibit signs: Find the people! Ask them questions. They want to talk to you! These docents, tour guides, librarians, explainers, and educators are the ones who turn information into illumination. They are the lens your kids can look through to see what their future might be. So seek the sky painters. Then stand next to your kids, look up, and be amazed together.
—Debra Ross, publisher |
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
Visit the park during the hours of 1PM-3PM on Saturday, January 10th for fireside kid story readings with warm beverages, treats, and games. This outdoors fun is great for families, all ages, and leashed dogs. Each family will receive a free book (Where’s Rodney or Fatima’s Great Outdoors). Participation is free; donations are appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Come join us & the kitties for a great night of fun. You are booking your kitty time with the option to join the Bingo game free! As always you are welcome to just play with the kitties. Get your tickets today!
|
|
|
|
The Frist loves families! Make your Sunday at the Frist truly inspiring with hands-on activities for all ages! From 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., dive into discovery at the Multisensory Exploration Station, where you can touch, smell, and listen to fascinating materials connected to the featured exhibition. Get creative in Studio A from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at our Drop-In ARTlab—design and decorate your own “camera,” then flaunt it during Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm. Keep the creativity flowing at Martin ArtQuest, open 1:00 to 5:30 p.m., with painting, printmaking, and animation stations. Don’t miss the Family Tour at 1:30 p.m., starting at the Ingram Gallery information desk!
|
|
|
- Kidsville Storybook Walk - 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, Friday, January 9, 2026 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, Park hours, 6 AM - 8 PM
- Storytime in the Children’s Gallery - Tennessee State Museum - Tennessee State Museum, Nashville, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
- Architecture Tour at Frist Art Museum - Frist Art Museum, 919 Broadway – Downtown, Nashville, Saturday, January 10, 2026 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, 3:30 pm
- Nashville Children's Theatre Drama School- OPEN HOUSE - Nashville Children's Theatre, 25 Middleton St, Nashville, TN 37210, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 2p - 4p
- Fireside Stories - Jan 10th - Antioch, 12965 Old Hickory Blvd, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 1PM-3PM
- Richland Park Farmers Market - Richland Park Farmers' Market - 4711 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, Saturday, January 10, 2026, April -
December, 9am to 12pm | January - March 10am-12pm
|
|
|
|
EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions. Here are local organizations that offer memberships.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Nashville 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
The best things to do with kids in the Nashville area for 2025 as voted by KidsOutAndAbout.com's local readers. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of our readers' annual top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top
Sports Educator, and Top STEM Educator!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
