KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When Madison and Ella were young, I made it a point to stretch their comfort zones in small, manageable ways. They’d order their own food at restaurants, they'd arrange their own homeschool work schedules, they'd try activities where they didn’t know anyone. I did my best not to step in unless invited. Over time, they started trusting their
own ability to navigate the world without me. That, of course, was the point. But the better they got at being independent, the more I started to feel a quiet kind of discomfort. They were moving outward—into the world, into themselves—and I could feel the shift. There’s a concept in astrophysics called red shift. When a star or galaxy moves away from us, the light it emits stretches, shifting toward the red end of the spectrum. The farther away it moves, the
redder the light appears. It’s how we know the universe is expanding. The movement doesn’t mean the light is gone—just that it’s arriving to us in a new form, from farther away. I think about that a lot as my kids are no longer orbiting so closely. I still see their light; it just looks different now. I’m learning to recognize their new wavelengths. The trick, I think, is not to see red shift as loss, but as evidence of motion. The fact that I feel the stretch means the
universe is doing what it’s supposed to do: expanding, evolving, moving outward. I remind myself that this kind of shift is a mark of success. Increased wavelength, decreased frequency... it's all part of the natural order of things. Light travels and stretches, and love does, too.
—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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This winter, discover a garden where beauty never sleeps. When the world outside grows cold and quiet, our Gardens come alive with warmth and radiance. Step inside our glasshouses and find yourself transported—surrounded by vibrant blooms, tropical palms, and lush greenery that defy the season.
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This January celebrate Homeschool Month with an unforgettable, hands-on LEGO® experience —designed especially for homeschool families. Whether your focus is engineering, problem-solving, physics or math, our activities bring your curriculum to life in a fun, creative way your kids will never forget.
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Acclaimed for its “otherworldly ensemble and professional level of sophistication” (New York Times), the Curtis Symphony Orchestra offers a dynamic showcase of tomorrow’s exceptional young talent. This program features the world premiere of a new concerto for woodwinds and orchestra by David Serkin Ludwig, performed by Grammy-winning quintet and Curtis faculty Imani Winds. The concert concludes with Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra
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Join the National Constitution Center for its Sensory-Friendly Days, an accessible learning experience for people of all abilities and their families. Visitors with sensory-processing challenges can experience the museum in a secure and comfortable environment that includes modified programming and emotionally safe spaces with sensory objects, comfortable seating, and cool blue lighting.
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Celebrate pride, community, and winter fun at LGBTQ+ Skate Night, presented in partnership with Philly Black Gay Pride at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Glide under the lights with friends and chosen family while enjoying music, cozy fire pits, and festive vibes on the waterfront. Whether you're skating or just vibing, it's a joyful night of connection, celebration, and community, open to all.
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Dogs, cats, birds…and more! A complement to Small Living Things: The Magical Art of Eric Carle, this exhibition features a selection of works from the Michener’s permanent collection, putting your furry, feline, and flying friends on center stage. From sculpture to painting, artists like Henry B. Snell, Daniel Garber, Lizbeth Stewart, Charles Ward, Robert Winokur, Judith Heep, Katharine Steele Renninger, and Edith Emerson depicted animals in a variety of media, emphasizing the significant artistic inspiration they found in these creatures. Whether portraits of beloved companions or unique portrayals of everyday animals, these artworks invite viewers to experience the whimsy and wonder of the creatures in our collection.
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Extra! Extra! Read all about it! This bold, high-energy musical is about standing up, speaking out and seizing the day! These performers will bring the streets of 1899 New York to life with show-stopping songs and a story that proves even the smallest voices can make the biggest difference. Performed by 5th-6th Grade Actors,
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Get cozy in a heated cabin or by a fire pit, or enjoy boardwalk rides and games for the young and young-at-heart. Delicious food, hot beverages, the signature holiday tree, and ice skating on our NHL-sized rink await you. Winterfest is a top destination for anyone looking to rekindle family traditions. We are open from November 28, 2025, through March 1, 2026, 7 days a week, including holidays, unless otherwise noted.
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Children ages 3 and up are invited to join The Rock School for Dance for a FREE ballet class in the new year! Reserve your child's spot during this special week of trial classes at the Philadelphia or West Chester location today. Ranked #1 classical ballet academy in the U.S. in Scientific Reports, The Rock School is the premier place to introduce your child to the joy of music and movement! (No experience or dancewear required)
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Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
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The Philly Flurry is BACK with exclusive deals at neighborhood businesses only from January 15 to February 1. Beginning Thursday, shop local and save at 20+ small businesses in Fairmount, Brewerytown, and Francisville. Pick up a Philly Flurry card when you visit a participating business. Track your shopping for a chance to win a prize pack featuring gifts from local shops. Every business you visit = more chances to win so we made you a map to help you visit as many Flurry stops as you can!
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Philadelphia area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues, unlock
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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 Philadelphia 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 and around Philadelphia, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in Philly! Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com! What is listed below are just the starting point: Browse
through our site and calendar to find lots more!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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