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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Looking for a fun and creative summer adventure for your child? Pittsburgh CLO Academy summer camps give young performers ages 3–18 the chance to sing, dance, act, and shine onstage in a welcoming, supportive environment! Whether your camper is just
discovering their love for musical theatre or ready to build confidence and skills, our one- and two-week sessions are packed with engaging instruction from experienced teachers and a final performance all families can enjoy. Camps are held downtown at the CLO Academy, where every student gets a role in the show — no audition required! Let your child make new friends, grow their talent, and create unforgettable summer memories with Pittsburgh CLO!
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Fall in love with endless beauty as new displays highlight Phipps' incredible orchid collection and classically trained bonsai. The beautiful gardens of Phipps provide the perfect warm escape from Pittsburgh's winter chill! You’ll be captivated by romantic
displays in this year’s Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: Blooming with Love. Gorgeous displays featuring an array of beautiful orchids and fascinating bonsai fill the glasshouse. Join us to celebrate love while immersing yourself in ephemeral and entrancing nature. You’re sure to leave with your heart feeling warm!
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Get your body moving and your brain buzzing at the Sports Museum!
Kids of all ages are invited to gear up and go long at the NFL PLAY 60 Training Day, sponsored by DICK’S Sporting Goods, on Saturday, Jan. 31, a week before pro football’s big game.
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Join the Carnegie Modular Railroaders for a special guest event with Kevin Davis, President-Elect of the Lionel Collectors Club of America!
Kevin will share his experiences and lessons learned from building over 100 model railroad modules. We’ll learn more about getting started with model railroading; discuss family and kids’ involvement in the hobby; and share some pointers on layout design and construction basics. A Q&A will follow – bring your curiosity and questions!
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Get ready for an electrifying karaoke tribute event inspired by the K-Pop Crew that took the world by storm—where music is power, vocals are weapons, and the stage is your battlefield. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love high-energy K-pop vibes,
this is a night you won’t want to miss.
This K-Pop–inspired karaoke and dress-up event at Dave & Buster’s invites fans to sing, dance, and perform like idols with live DJs, special guest characters, immersive visuals, and optional costume play. Ticket packages include a lunch banquet, soda, gratuity and taxes, with one option adding a Power Card for unlimited non-redemption video game play, making it a high-energy, interactive fandom experience.
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Children learn and grow through family play! Playdate is a time for families to grow their community; enjoy toys, games and supplies in the children’s space; and connect with Children’s Services staff. For children birth to 5 years and their
caregivers.
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KITTY BINGO – a charity event you don’t want to miss!
Seating starts at 7:05, first ball drops at 7:30! Arrivals before our 7:00 PM lounge closing time may be subject to a $5.00 lounge entry fee.
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Visit The Factory, our all-ages hands-on art studio. Experiment with a changing array of activities inspired by our collection and special exhibitions, from painting to collage to sculpture. Visitors can work with experienced artist educators to create
handmade silkscreen printed artworks and souvenirs. Printing on paper is free, and other materials like tote bags, t-shirts, bandanas and notebooks are available for purchase with cash or credit card. The Factory is located on the underground level of the museum and included with museum admission.
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Families with members who have sensory processing needs are invited to explore the museum galleries with reduced audio and visual elements. Calming spaces with support materials, including single-use ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc., will be
available. Museum experts will be on-hand to talk for as little or as long as you want about favorite topics like dinosaurs, rocks, gems, animals, bugs, and much more. Every program is designed to welcome all ages and abilities.
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Join art educators in the museum’s Art Studio every Friday for free art-making and sensory activities inspired by the exhibitions in our galleries. All ages are invited to participate, and activities are free with museum admission.
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Penguins on Parade is dependent on many conditions and may be canceled for the safety of our resident birds. Please check back regularly to see if Penguins on Parade will be available on your weekend of interest.
Waddling back into weather-permitting weekends this winter, enjoy our Pittsburgh Zoo penguins taking a walk outside the Aquarium. Fun for everyone!
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Travel “Into the Unknown” and “Under Sea” with music of your favorite animated family films set to vibrant laser lights and special effects! The track list includes songs from Frozen, The Lion King, Lilo and Stich, The Little Mermaid, Coco, and Moana. See
how far you’ll go in Buhl Planetarium.
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- Sensory Playtime at Pleasant Hills Public Library - Pleasant Hills Public Library, Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, PA, Friday, 01/30/2026, 10:30 - 11:30 am
- Drop-In Beading - Pleasant Hills Public Library, Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, PA, Friday, 01/30/2026, 2:30 - 3:30 PM
- Little Bookworms at Baldwin
Library - Baldwin Borough Public Library, Wolfe Drive, Pleasant Hills, PA, Friday, 01/30/2026, 10:30 - 11:30 am
- Carnegie Lab at Carnegie Museum of Art - Carnegie Museum of Art, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, Friday, 01/30/2026, 10 am - 1 pm
- Kids Winter Reading 2026 at Andrew Bayne Memorial Library - Andrew Bayne Memorial Library, 34 North
Balph Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, Friday, 01/30/2026, Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Babypalooza! Free class for Babies at Romp n' Roll Pittsburgh! - Romp n' Roll Pittsburgh, Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, Saturday, 01/31/2026, Times vary based on the day of the week
- Carnegie Modular Railroaders present: Kevin Davis of the Lionel Collectors Club of America - Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Ave, Carnegie, PA 15106, Saturday, 01/31/2026, 1:30 - 3 pm
- Story Saturdays at Carnegie Museum of Art - Carnegie Museum of Art, 4400 Forbes
Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, Saturday, 01/31/2026, 10 am - 5 pm
- Playdate at the Library - Carnegie Library of Allegheny - Carnegie Library of Allegheny, 1230 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA, Sunday, 02/01/2026, 10:30 - 11 am
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Pittsburgh? 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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2025's best places to take kids in and around Pittsburgh, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. Plus there is LOTS more to do in and around Pittsburgh beyond the Top 20: Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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