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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A masterful retelling of the original sensation, injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements. Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin,
Children of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, "Day by Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side." A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to
vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
Boasting a score with…
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Henri-Emile Matisse was an artist who was best known for his paintings. When a serious illness confined him to a wheelchair, he began exploring color and shapes through paper cut-outs. Explore more about Matisse’s life as we read “Henri’s Scissors” and
“paint with scissors” to create a collage with cut-out shapes.
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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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Celebrate the Year of the Horse with us! Enjoy an exhilarating evening of spectacular performances and rich cultural traditions. Free cultural activities begin at 4:00 PM, followed by the main performance at 6:00 PM. Contact PITChinese@gmail.com for group
ticket purchases of 5 or more.
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Join us for a market celebrating all things LOVELY
I Made It! Mine features over 100 local artists/makers/small batch food sellers/distillers with gifts perfect for Valentine's gift giving for yourself or anyone you .
Shop local artists on 2 floors from 11 am - 5 pm. The Block Northway offers free parking.
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Fun event for the whole family! Celebrate Valentine’s Day early with hands-on art and creative fun for all ages! Guests can create personalized valentines and decorate candy leis with Gracefully Bloomed. Sing along to tunes and all-ages karaoke with DJ
Savvy Sounds, and don’t miss a special meet-and-greet with the Queen of Hearts!
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You are invited to join us for the very first Sensory Friendly Hours event at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum!
Explore the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in a sensory modified setting with quieter streetcars, lowered exhibit sounds, and soft lighting. Advanced registration is not required for this event. Tickets will be available at our regular admission prices.
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Story Saturday is a monthly story time that takes place in Extraordinary Ordinary Things, our decorative arts and design collection galleries. Each month, assistant curator Alyssa Velazquez will read a different children’s book. After the story, Jena
Schieb, manager of youth programs, will lead an art-making activity designed for children ages 12 and under.
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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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Join us for Storytime at the Museum! Hear nature and science stories read by our Natural History Interpreters and get a chance to touch museum specimens. Stop by for one page, one book, or stay for the whole time. Meets at the bench in the entrance of the
Kamin Hall of Dinosaurs. Registration is not required.
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A guided tour exploring the Black history and legacy rooted in Fair Hill, highlighting stories of resilience, leadership, and community impact.
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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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- Kids Winter Reading 2026 at Andrew Bayne Memorial Library - Andrew Bayne Memorial Library, Pittsburgh, Friday, February 6, Saturday, February 7, Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sensory Playtime at Pleasant Hills Public Library - Pleasant Hills Public Library, Pittsburgh, Friday, February 6, 10:30 - 11:30 am
- Little Bookworms at Baldwin Library - Baldwin Borough Public Library, Pleasant Hills, Friday, February 6, 10:30 - 11:30 am
- Carnegie Lab at Carnegie Museum of Art - Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, Friday,
February 6, 10 am - 1 pm
- Drop-In Beading - Pleasant Hills Public Library, Pittsburgh, Friday, February
6, 2:30 - 3:30 PM
- Green Teens - Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium - Pittsburgh Zoo &
Aquarium, Pittsburgh, Saturday, February 7, 10 am – 12 pm, * 9:30am-12:30pm – field trip day
- Story Saturdays at Carnegie Museum of Art - Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, Saturday, February 7, 10 am - 5 pm
- Family Nature Walk at Powdermill Nature
Reserve - Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, Saturday, February 7, 2 - 3 pm
- Playdate at the Library - Carnegie Library of Allegheny - 1230 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, Sunday, February 8, 10:30 - 11 am
- Sunday Fun Day: I Heart Art - The Westmoreland Museum of American Art - The
Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, Sunday, February 8, 10 am- 3 pm
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Pittsburgh 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 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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