KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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
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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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Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured, or malnourished marine mammals along Orange County’s coastline. As an educational hub for marine science, part of our mission is sharing what our scientists are discovering about ocean health through the patients we treat. Our hands-on, STEAM focused education programs engage all ages and audiences, including schools, groups, scouts, children, teens, and college students. Programs include time observing rehabilitating patients and hearing their stories, which exemplify real-world conservation issues our scientists are investigating. Our visitor yard is open daily, free of charge (beginning in March of 2026). You can view our patients and talk with knowledgeable docents.
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Music is a great way to start off the year! Bring your friends & family! Come visit complimentary classes and events for every age group all week.
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Celebrate the season at Discovery Cube’s Winter Festival with giant slides, bumper cars, and festive photo displays. Kids can write letters to Santa, build with “ice” blocks, explore an inflatable igloo, and toss snowballs at the Snowball Toss game, while little ones enjoy the Reindeer Corral. With holiday STEM fun and activities for all ages, it’s the ultimate winter family experience.
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Get hands-on gardening experience and help care for Descanso at this volunteer opportunity. Instruction will be provided.
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Do you know a child who loves the ocean? Ocean Investigators is a series of programs at the Aquarium for participants 7-12 years old, that encourages exploration of marine life. Each 2-hour class includes theme related activities, guided gallery tour, interaction with our animal care staff, and a keepsake journal. See below for each program theme, activities, and dates.
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Celebrate the New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse during the Japanese American National Museum’s 2026 Oshogatsu Family Festival at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center! The 2026 festival includes free crafts, performances, and cultural activities for all ages. One of the festival highlights is a mochitsuki performance where sweet sticky rice is pounded into a smooth and elastic dough called mochi. We look forward to seeing you there! Follow us on social media at @jamuseum for more content.
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Join us on January 23 from 9:30am-11:30am for our World of Magic & Wishes Event, hosted by Mr. Bear! Located at the Play Area on Level 1.
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- Lynn Kleiner's Music Rhapsody Open House Week 2026 - Music Rhapsody - Redondo Beach, CA - 1603 Aviation Blvd. Suite 1, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, Friday, January 9 to Sunday, January 11, 09:15am
- Way to Play - Pretend City Children's Museum - Pretend City Children's Museum, Friday, January 9, 10am-3pm
- Community Service Day - Descanso Gardens - 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, Saturday, January 10, 8:00 am - 10:00 am
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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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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 in and around Orange County. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Orange County 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 best places to take kids in the Orange County, CA area. Each May-June, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Who won the top spot? An indoor play center, museum, farm, nature center, sports team?
Click through to find out!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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