KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
My first job out of college was as the managing editor at a small medical publishing company in New York City. I worked alongside Steve, our associate editor. My strength was structure and rhythm; his was medical accuracy and detail. We made a good team. One day, Steve walked into my office waving some printed pages. “Deb, can you do that
thing you do, so I can check out the science?” “What thing?” I asked. “You know,” he said, “that magic you work where the writing comes in muddy and you turn it into something clear, logical, and even fun to read.” I’ve never forgotten that moment. Not just because it felt great to be seen, but because of what it taught me about leadership. We’re surrounded by people with unique strengths. As parents, friends, or leaders, one of the most
powerful things we can do is notice those strengths and say them out loud. When we do, people rise. Kids rise. They lean into what they’re good at, and their futures get brighter. It’s not magic—it’s just the natural result of being seen and valued—but it feels like it. Over the years, as I raised kids, built a business team, and worked within various communities, I kept returning to that lesson: Leadership isn’t about having a title, it’s about paying attention.
You can’t run a family or a business unless you know who you’re with and what makes them shine. And once you start validating others (“You know that thing you do? Please do that!”) you become a leader. Even if you're just leading someone to be more themselves. So today, find a reason to start a conversation: “You know that thing you do?...” You won't see it right away, but trust me: Their horizon will glow.
—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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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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Ensworth Summer Camps offer students in Grades K-12 a unique blend of fun and education, providing a nurturing environment to develop new skills, forge lasting friendships, and create unforgettable memories. Our sports camps, led by Ensworth's High School
athletes and coaches, are skill-building camps designed for serious fun and athletic development. Master fundamentals, build confidence, and forge lasting friendships in a competitive yet supportive environment.Our enrichment and art camps ignite creativity, build confidence, and fuel curiosity. Students will learn to code robots, craft masterpieces, climb rocks, and discover hidden talents – all while making friends and having a blast!
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We’re pushing the limits of basketball and having even more fun. Don’t miss the one and only Harlem Globetrotters in an all-new tour. There will be new high-flying dunks, hilarious stunts, a new record-breaking attempt and unforgettable family
moments.
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Join us for a family activity in the park! Make a family trip to visit our Storybook Walk trail in Centennial Park. Read the pages of the storybook that are displayed along the path while spending quality outdoor time with your children. You can enjoy the
Walk anytime during park operating hours of 6 AM - 8 PM.
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Let the good times roll at our Family Mardi Gras Party on February 7! Bring the whole family to enjoy a colorful, joy-filled celebration from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in our Historic Carriage House. Create dazzling Mardi Gras masks with feathers, jewels, and
glitter, savor a slice of traditional King Cake—and maybe find the hidden baby! Throughout the day, enjoy games, a themed photo booth, and our lively Mardi Gras Parade Dance. Your ticket includes all craft materials, King Cake, Mardi Gras–themed Kool-Aid, and access to our grounds, including two restaurants, the Coop n’ Scoop coffee shop, mini-games court, and historic structures. Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
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Follow the yellow brick road to a land of imagination, adventure, and heart at TPAC’s Family Day celebration! Step into a twister of wonder where ruby slippers sparkle, lions find courage, and the road to Oz winds through music, magic, and make-believe.
Enjoy sensory-friendly activities, tasty treats, and live performances inspired by Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and more. Best of all, your ticket includes it all—activities, snacks, entertainment, and more—so the whole family can enjoy the excitement. TPAC’s Family Day invites you to discover the magic of Oz and celebrate the arts in a place where courage, friendship, and imagination shine. TPAC's Family Day 2025 will have activities from 1:30PM to 4:30PM. Activities
will be in TPAC's Jackson Hall and Polk Theater. Book your tickets today!
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- Kidsville Storybook Walk - 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, Friday, January 30, 2026 to Sunday, February 1, 2026, Park hours, 6 AM - 8 PM
- Tu B’Shevat - Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, Nashville, Friday, January 30, 2026, 10:00am to 12:00p
- Storytime in the Children’s Gallery - Tennessee State Museum - Tennessee State Museum, Nashville, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
- Richland Park Farmers Market - Richland Park Farmers' Market
- 4711 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, Saturday, January 31, 2026, April - December, 9am to 12pm | January - March 10am-12pm
- Kidsville at the Parthenon (January) - 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, Saturday, January 31, 2026, See website for details.
- Nashville Collegiate Prep - Kindergarten Roundup on January 31 - 14897 Old Hickory Blvd., Antioch, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 9am to
11am
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Nashville 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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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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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!
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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!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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