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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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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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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Discover the splendor of ancient China before communism with Shen Yun, the world-renowned performing arts experience reviving 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. Through exhilarating dance, stunning animated backdrops, and a majestic live orchestra
blending East and West, Shen Yun transports you to a world of beauty, wisdom, and hope. Based in New York, this nonprofit company brings to life the traditions and spirit once lost to history. Be uplifted by breathtaking artistry, powerful storytelling, and the timeless message of truth and renewal that has left millions around the world inspired and in awe.
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Discover the beauty of orchids as these remarkable flowers take center stage. Take a reprieve from winter and explore lush displays of yellow, white, and orange in the Historic Mansion. Vibrant layered orchid chandeliers transform the Loggia into a tropical
paradise.
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Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Hermitage with a full day of family-friendly history, creativity, and fun—all included with General Admission, VIP, or Wagon Tours. From 11 AM to 3 PM, enjoy come-and-go kids’ crafts and two screenings of The President’s
Lady (1953). Meet Hermitage horses during a special presentation and feeding, explore historical flower arranging with Garden Manager Kimberly Weeks, and learn about Andrew and Rachel Jackson’s enduring love story in a gallery talk. Activities run throughout the afternoon, offering visitors a charming blend of history and hands-on experiences inspired by the Jacksons’ romance. Reserve your spot today!
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Celebrate Daddy Daughter Date Night at Slick City on Sunday, February 15th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (check-in at 5:00), featuring two 60-minute tickets, dinner, dessert, and crafts. The cost is $39.98 per couple and $18.99 for each additional child. Enjoy
thrilling indoor slides, air courts, and fun for all ages at this exciting event, located inside Opry Mills Mall.
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- Kidsville Storybook Walk - 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, Feb 6-8, Park hours, 6 AM - 8 PM
- Storytime in the Children’s Gallery - Tennessee State Museum - Tennessee State Museum, Nashville, Feb 7, 10:30 a.m.
- Kidsville at the Parthenon (February) - 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, Feb 7, See website for details.
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Nashville 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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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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