KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
|
|
Wed, Feb 11: Dungeons & Dragons for Teens at Ironwood Library
Thu, Feb 12:
Homeschool Explorations: Stained Glass Discovery (For students 6-11) at The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
- Taliesin West
Fri, Feb 13: Ernie Barnes-Inspired Painting - Black History Month | at Ironwood Library
Sat, Feb 14: Transportation Day at God's Garden Preschool of Ahwatukee
Sat, Feb 14: Girls in STEM: Stellar Science at Arizona Science Center
Sat, Feb 14: Pokémon Trainer Academy at Cholla Library
Mon, Feb 16: Lunar New Year Celebration at Sam Garcia Library (All Ages)
Thu, Feb 19: Alice in Wonderland Jr. at Musical Theatre of Anthem!
Sat, Feb 21: Kids Market- Casa Grande Farmers Market
Sat, Feb 21: Arizona Matsuri 2026 at Steele Indian School Park |
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
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrate art, culture, and community with an evening full of inspiration and connection!
Join us at the Heard Museum’s First Friday and enjoy FREE admission to celebrate the opening of Blue Bird, an exhibition exploring how the iconic brand (well known for its use in frybread and tortillas) has become a symbol woven into Native popular culture. See examples of how Indigenous artists transform the flour sacks into clothing, bags, masks, and paintings that celebrate its cultural resonance.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate Black History Month at Star Bar on the 2nd floor! Discover inspiring African and Black trailblazers whose creativity, leadership, and achievements have shaped history across generations. Explore their stories through books and posters that
highlight their lasting impact in art, science, culture, and music, including the vibrant Harlem Renaissance! Then, bring the rhythm to life as you color jazz-inspired instrument pages—a fun way to honor history through art and imagination!
|
|
|
|
Come experience "Movies at the Boardwalk," sponsored by Valley Toyota Dealers, a free family event with music, games, and tons of prizes beginning at 5:00 pm. The movie will begin at 6:30pm. There are plenty of options to grab a bite before the movie in the
courtyard.
|
|
|
|
We’re proud to open early just for our special loved ones & families – everyone is welcome, every ability celebrated!
|
|
|
- Music & Movement - 4333 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85048, Friday, February 6, 2026, 9:30 am
- Teen First Fridays (Ages 13-17) - Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library, East Western Avenue, Avondale, AZ, Friday, February 6, 2026, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
- Yoga Storytime -
1750 E Highland Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10:15 am
- First Friday | Blue Bird Exhibition Opening - 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, Friday, February 6, 2026, 4 pm - 8 pm
- Free Movies at the Boardwalk: Coco - 9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, Saturday, February 7,
2026, 5 pm
- MakersBase - 4333 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85048, Saturday, February 7,
2026, 3 pm - 4 pm
- FREE Movie in the Park, Valentines Party, Food Trucks & More @ Peoria 1st Saturdays - Feb 7th - Paseo Verde Park, West Greenway Road, Peoria, AZ, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 4:30 pm
- Teen Council - 10050 North Metro Parkway East, Phoenix, AZ 85051, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 1 pm - 3 pm
- Open House Sunday Series - 3004 North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 3 - 5 pm
- POWER IN MOTION: SUNDAY
OPEN HOUSES POP UP SESSIONS - 3004 North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 3 - 5 pm
|
|
|
|
Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Phoenix 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Phoenix area? 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
