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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Omnium Circus reimagines world-class family entertainment delivering a unique blend of thrills, chills, fun and laughter! Join us where everyone is in on the action in a spirited limit-defying & life-affirming spectacle with award winning
artistry, memorable music, and a heartwarming story. OMNIUM CIRCUS features America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer- Mandy Harvey, Malik Paris, a Deaf dancer and ASL performance artist, and top talent from across the nation. You’ll enjoy 2 Guinness record holders, the world's fastest female juggler, a record-holding hair hang artist with a PhD, and the comedy antics of Monday and Riley. Experience jaw-dropping performances of skill, dexterity and comedy, while creating memories your family
will treasure forever.
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We LOVE our Passholders! Crayola Experience Easton's Annual Passholders are invited to enjoy an exclusive night Friday, February 6th from 5pm-8pm. Enjoy after-hours access to the Crayola Experience Easton attraction, along with the following Annual
Passholder activities and promotions.
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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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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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Hundreds of sugar maple trees line the banks of Moore's Creek and the nearby woods at the foot of Baldpate Mountain...and in February farmers begin the annual work of sap collection and maple syrup production. The first step takes place in the sugar bush.
Visitors can join Howell Farm’s expert tree-tappers for a lesson in how to tap a backyard maple tree and make syrup at home.
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Meet colonial women who will share true tales of the Black experience in Philadelphia and listen to Ince Upon A Nation Storytellers share little-known stories about the city’s Free Black community in the 18th century and beyond. These Black History Month
programs at the Betsy Ross House are FREE.
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Step into the world of Mossy Bottom Farm and join Shaun the Sheep™️ and his flock of friends for a baa-rilliant adventure! Shaun the Sheep™️: Flock This Way! is a hands-on exhibit that encourages playful problem-solving and resilience through fun, quirky
activities inspired by Aardman’s award-winning animations. This exhibit runs from Feb. 7 to May 10.
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Join us for our biggest event of the year! Celebrate the Lunar New Year and usher in the year of the Horse! Enjoy hands-on art activities in our studios for all ages, face painting by Studio 323, and an outdoor performance of the iconic Lion Dance by The
Philadelphia Suns.
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Join us for a spectacular performance by the Philadelphia Children's Theater!
Baby Whale journeys through the ocean to reunite with Mommy Whale, who has become tangled in a ghost net in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. With help from his community of aquatic pals & new human friends, Baby Whale helps make the ocean more safe (and more fun) for all.
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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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Explore the Magic Gardens Museum with a knowledgeable educator on a 40 minute guided tour followed by 20 minutes to explore the space on your own before we open to the public. Learn about the history of the artists, neighborhood, and artwork in a tranquil
setting. This tour also includes access to the fully mosaicked basement, which is not normally open for general admission visitors.
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Interested in swim lessons? Experience what Goldfish is all about at our Glimpse of Goldfish Weekend!
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Love is in the air at Winter in Franklin Square! Celebrate Valentine’s Day all February at Philly Mini Golf with LOVE. Adorable decorations and red and pink lights adorn the Philly Mini Golf course, setting a dreamy mood for you and your Valentine!
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- Valentine Craft Workshop for Kids - Pennypacker Mills, Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA, Sat, 02/07/2026 10am-1pm
- Artsy Craftsy Storytime: Freedom Quilts at Kingsessing Library - Kingsessing Library, 1201 South 51st Street, Philadelphia, PA, Sat, 02/07/2026 10:30 am
- Collage as Healing for Black History Month - Cecil B Moore Library
- Cecil B Moore Library, 2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, Sat, 02/07/2026 1 pm
- Black History Month: History Maker Saturdays & Storytelling Sundays - Betsy Ross House - Betsy Ross House, Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, Sat, 02/07/2026 - Sun, 02/08/2026 11 am - 3 pm
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Philadelphia 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 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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