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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Hope Church Preschool is a faith based preschool where children 2-5 years learn that they are wonderfully created by God the Father, and he loves them very much. They will learn how to love others as Jesus teaches us. They will prepare both socially and academically for kindergarten through developmentally appropriate activities in all learning domains. Our program practices the Pyramid model, which focuses on teaching social and emotional skills to young children, and helping them to be problem solvers and "Super Friends". We would love to meet you and talk more about our "faith based, fun place". Contact Kathy Grandprey at [email protected] or 602-992-1980 to schedule a tour. |
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Whether you visit ZooLights every year, or you’re starting a brand-new family tradition, the Phoenix Zoo has everything you need to celebrate the season. Embrace the holiday spirit as millions of twinkling lights transform the Phoenix Zoo into a winter wonderland, with over two miles of glimmering tree-lined trails, dozens of life-like animal lanterns and the tallest floating digital tree in North America, featuring an all-new Lake Lights show. Relax by the fire pit while enjoying s’mores and hot cocoa, swing into fun at Glow Garden, get your photo with Santa and so much more!
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Lean Teen is a virtual nutrition, fitness and weight loss program for teens age 13-17 yrs. Lean Teen is designed to address unique teen challenges with the goal of changing daily eating habits by nutrition education and interactive challenges. This 90 day program is paid for by most health insurance companies. You and your teen will meet with us virtually at a time that is convenient for you. Our website contains all the information you need and once you contact us any questions can be answered. I have been using this system in a face to face office setting with excellent results. I am a pediatric nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the Phoenix area. Pauline GossPediatric Nurse Practitioner
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The BEST of the local organic harvest every week is brought straight from our family farm to you Ahwatukee! Amazing award winning pies, tons of variety of local honeys, seasonal veggies and fruit, amazing all natural preserves and pickles. We are in front of Century 21 on the north west corner of 40th St and Chandler Blvd.
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Discover Nature Play at the Children’s Garden! Unplug and reconnect with nature! Join us for Nature Play at the Children’s Garden, where families can escape the screens and dive into the wonders of the great outdoors. Every Saturday, from November to April, bring your kids to explore, play, and learn using nature-based activities. Free with admission, no registration required.
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Power in Motion – Sundays 3-5 PM Pull up, peek, practice, plug in! Join us for an open house clinic where students and families can tour our facility, watch classes in action, try a practice session, or just stop by to say hi. Get a firsthand look at our programs, meet instructors, and see how we bring learning, arts, and movement to life.
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- Family Storytime at Pecos Park - Pecos Park, South 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ, Friday, January 9, 9:30 am - 10 am
- Music & Movement | Ironwood Library - Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, Saturday, January 10, 9:30 am
- MakersBase | Ironwood Library - Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, Saturday, January 10, 3 pm - 4 pm
- Open House Sunday Series - At The Outlet,
Inc., 3004 North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ, Sunday, January 11, 3 - 5 pm
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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. Here are local organizations that offer memberships.
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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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There are lots of places to have a birthday party in the Phoenix area! If there is an attraction that we have missed, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it promptly. Thank you! And you can
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2025's winners in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Phoenix area. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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