KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
For much of the country, it's been the hardest winter in recent memory: cold, monochrome, relentless. The kind of season that reminds us how little control we really have. We do our best to manage routines and moods and expectations, but parents feel it most. February stretches long and flat after the excitement of the holidays, before the lift of spring. You're
still packing lunches, wrangling homework, managing emotions (your kids’ and your own)... all while the cold keeps the family cooped up. This is the season of endurance. Of course, endurance isn’t about being stoic or silent or superhuman; it’s about continuing, even when things are hard. It’s about showing up for your people, your plans, and yourself, day after chilly day. And it’s about knowing that if you’re feeling the drag right now, you’re not alone. Many of us are
moving through it together. Even for those who don't live in Nature's Refrigerator, February can still bring its own version of stuckness: that long stretch between holidays, where kids are restless and routines feel stale. Sometimes, by February, our gray matter feels just as gray as the weather. When that happens, help is allowed! Check out our article and outsource the brainstorming to KidsOutAndAbout: Stuck Inside This Winter? 20 Creative Indoor Activities for Kids is packed with creative, practical, low-effort ways to keep your family engaged (and sane) when outside play isn’t an option. And it shows you how to tap your favorite AI to be your thought partner to personalize it for your
family. February Gray doesn’t need to be conquered; it just needs to be lightened a bit. So whether you're "out and about" or "in and not at all about," we're here to brighten the rest of your winter!
—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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Enroll now for an unforgettable summer at Camp Chaverim and Camp Woodlight! This summer, our campers will enjoy a season packed with exciting trips, hands-on activities, creative arts, outdoor adventures, and plenty of time to make new friends. Every week
is thoughtfully planned to keep children engaged, active, and smiling. Our camps are proudly located at the Lassin & Paley Early Learning Centers, offering a safe, nurturing, and fun-filled environment led by experienced, caring staff. From special events to memorable excursions, there’s always something to look forward to. Give your child a summer full of laughter, learning, and lasting memories—spots are filling quickly, so enroll today and join us soon.
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The Circus is here! You’re invited to the most next-level family fun party on the planet. The all-new Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is a non-stop celebration of jaw-dropping acts, laugh-out-loud fun, and memory-making moments you won’t want to
miss.
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Love is in the air at the Betsy Ross House this Valentine’s Day weekend. For the most unique date in town, grab your plus one and join Betsy herself for Tipsy History: A Love Story on Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14.
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Valentine’s Day is almost here… and The Grinch is NOT feeling the love. Skate into a hilarious, anti-Valentine’s twist with fun, games, and a little mischief.
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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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Join us over Presidents Day Weekend at the Museum to explore the life and leadership of two of our nation’s most consequential presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Through hands-on demonstrations, discovery carts, pop-up talks, crafts, and
more, discover lesser-known stories from their legacies.
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Join us for the world premiere of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, an inside look at the storytelling, innovation, and world-building behind Universal’s legendary creations.
To mark opening weekend, extended hours are being offered Saturday and Sunday, giving fans extra time to explore stunning props, immersive photo ops, interactive displays, and behind-the-scenes stories from fan-favorite attractions, including Jaws, Illumination’s Minions, The Secret Life of Pets and Sing, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, Jurassic World, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon, Universal Monsters, and more.
Last available time slot is at 6:30 p.m. with the exhibition closing at 8:00 p.m.
Join us for an adventure this President’s Day weekend!
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It's almost that time of year again, our annual Make Love Market is back!
Our curated market for lovers will take place at Philly's epicenter of affection, LOVE PARK.
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Get ready to frolic in the frost at Elmwood Park Zoo’s Winterfest Weekend! We’re embracing the chilly weather with winter-themed entertainment and fun activities! Slide into excitement on a twenty foot ice slide crafted by the talented Ice Concepts. Meet
our adorable animal ambassadors, dance to live music, take a spin on the carousel, and warm up by the fire while crafting a delicious s’more. Plus, for our guests 21 and older, indulge in drink specials at ZooBrew to add a spirited touch to the winter festivities.
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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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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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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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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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Bring your buddies and join us for Friendship Fest! Join us for Friendship Fest! Bring your besties and make a splash at our open swim, enjoy face painting, tasty snacks, and a few fun surprises along the way. It’s the perfect chance to swim, snack, and
celebrate friendship—don’t miss the fun!
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- Black History Month: History Maker Saturdays & Storytelling Sundays - Betsy Ross House - Betsy Ross House, Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Sat Feb 14 - Sun Feb 15, 11 am - 3 pm
- Love is Love is Love - Mister John's Music, 761 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, Sat Feb 14, 3pm & 4pm
- Now & Then Marketplace Valentine's at Love
Park - Now & Then Marketplace, John F Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Sat Feb 14, 12 - 5 pm
- Presidents Day Weekend 2026 at the Museum - Museum of the American Revolution, South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Sat Feb 14 - Sun Feb 15, 10 am - 5 pm
- Storytime & Skate with Characters at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest - Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, 121 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Sun Feb 15, 2 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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