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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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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Enjoy locally sourced spirits and wines, a late stroll in our galleries, and music. We keep our galleries open late and reduce our prices every Friday night. Join us for half-off admission, music, locally sourced drinks and snacks, and tours to start your
weekend. Every Friday at the Art Museum from 5–8:45 p.m.!
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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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Sweet and lilting, the flute is one of the highest voices in the orchestra.
Often used to signify springtime or even a playful giggle, flutes are always sure to make a big impact when they take center stage. Flutists bring melodies to life with speed, grace, and agility, so learn all about the flute this January with The Philadelphia Orchestra.
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Ring in the Year of the Horse at our 45th annual Lunar New Year celebration. Bring the whole family to experience vibrant Asian traditions during a full day of festivities, including storytelling, artmaking, live music and dance performances, and a
traditional Lion Dance finale.
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Celebrate Groundhog Day with us! Join our family-friendly walk at 10 am to learn about its history and nature. Enjoy crafts, music, and live animals from the Metro Wildlife Rehab Center from 11 am to 12 pm at the Visitor Center. Don't miss the Groundhog
Shadow Reveal at 12 pm!
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On Saturday, January 31, drop off your favorite stuffed animal or toy for a stuffie-only sleepover at the Michener Art Museum! At drop-off, make a name tag for your stuffie to wear, then after the museum closes, stuffies will explore the galleries, have a
delicious dinner, read a bedtime story, and have a slumber party. Pick up your special friend the next day and decorate a scrapbook with photos from their overnight adventure!
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Looking for the perfect family block of fun this winter? Join us at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest for Storytime & Skate with Characters, an afternoon of magical moments, cozy stories, and ice skating with your child’s favorite costumed
friends on select Sundays this season.
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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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Established in 2007, Headhouse Farmers Market is located in Philadelphia’s historic Society Hill neighborhood. Featuring rotating and weekly vendors, Headhouse is one of The Food Trust’s largest farmers markets. Beyond the abundance of fresh fruits and
vegetables, you can also find a great selection of locally prepared foods and goods such as bread, soup, baked goods, coffee, beer, wine and more.
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WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent.
When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”
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The Kennett Square Farmers Market has been serving our community since 2000. It is a program of Kennett Collaborative, the non-profit organization that works to promote, encourage and enhance the economic, community and social vitality of our town. As a
gathering point for the community, local farmers and food artisans bring their very own locally-grown and freshly-made goodness to market each week. Consumers have the opportunity to connect directly with small growers and producers, building relationships, trust, and a stronger local food economy.
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Philadelphia? 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 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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