KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Sun, Jan 25: 2026 Open House - St. Rose School
Sun, Jan 25: The Clackamas Bookshelf HUGE 50 Cent Book Sale at Kraxberger Middle School
Sun, Jan 25: 20th Annual
Portland Seafood and Wine Festival at Portland Expo Center
Wed, Jan 28: Join Us for Story Time & Craft Fun! at Venvino Art Studios
Fri, Jan 30: 2026 Portland's Folk Festival at Crystal Ballroom
Fri, Jan 30: Teen's STEM Day | Día STEM para Adolescentes at Cornelius Public Library - Cornelius, OR
Sat, Jan 31: NWCT presents Pete the Cat at Northwest Children's Theater and School
Sat, Feb 7: Free Dental Screenings at Hands On Children's Museum
Sat, Feb 7: Puddletown Chess - Winter Wonderland III Tournament at Puddletown Chess
Sat, Feb 7: Brooklyn Cooperative Preschool Open House 2026 at Brooklyn Co-Op Preschool
Sun, Feb 8: Jewelry Making Workshop | Venvino Art Studios
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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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Summer at One River School is all about creativity, confidence, and unforgettable experiences. Our Summer Art Camps are designed for kids and teens who love to draw, paint, design, and explore new ways of thinking. Led by our professional artist instructors, each camp blends skill-building with fun, encouraging students to experiment, collaborate, and grow in a supportive studio environment. With over 90 curated camps to choose from, students can explore illustration, painting, digital art, animation, mixed media, and more—perfect for every creative interest and skill level. Campers make new friends, build impressive portfolios, and leave each day inspired by what they can create. Register early and receive an Early Bird Discount of $75 off summer camp tuition. Spots are limited and fill quickly. Give your child a summer filled with art, imagination, and confidence at One River School Lake Oswego.
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Indigenous peoples have long been in relationship with and shared stories about sacred forest protectors, often called Sasquatch and Bigfoot. Leave your preconceived notions behind and immerse yourself, not in the question of if Sasquatch exists, but rather, how are we existing with and honoring this non-human other.
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Join us every Saturday as Gerard "The Bard" Bardler (the bard of Wonderwood) reads stories and sings songs! Books are generously donated by our neighbors at Twin Rivers Books. Free for all ages!
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This one day only captive bred event features the northwest’s finest breeders!!!!! Lots of different species of reptiles, amphibians, bugs, and feeders along with endless amount of product to house, feed and keep your critters warm.
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The Hillsdale Farmers' Market is a year-round market hosting 50+ local farmers and food artisans from Oregon and Southwest Washington. Product selection includes a wide range of seasonal vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, honey, baked goods, specialty and ready-to-eat foods, native plants and herbs, and fresh and dried cut flowers. Stock up on farm-fresh produce, artisan goods, and cozy seasonal favorites—all while supporting your local farmers and makers.
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- Winter Village @ Orenco Station - 943 NE Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro, OR, Friday, 01/09/2026 to Sunday, 01/11/2026, 10 am • 11:30 am • 1 pm • 2:30 pm • 4 pm • 5:30 pm • 7 pm
- Meet the Artist | Conoce al Artista - Cornelius Public Library, Cornelius, OR, Saturday, 01/09/2026, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
- All Ages Storytime | Oak Lodge Library - Oak Lodge Library, Oak Grove, OR, Saturday, 01/09/2026, 10:30 am & 11:30 am
- Bard Storytime with the Bard! | Wonderwood
Springs - Wonderwood Springs, Portland, OR, Sunday, 01/10/2026, 11 am - 12 pm
- Dungeons and Dragons - Cedar Mill Library - Cedar Mill Library, Cedar Mill, OR, Sunday, 01/10/2026, 1pm - 3pm
- All Ages Storytime | Gladstone Public Library - Gladstone Public Library, Gladstone, OR, Sunday, 01/10/2026, 10:30 am - 11
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- Puddletown Chess - Hello 2026 Chess Tournament - Puddletown Chess, 10940 SW BARNES RD #247, Portland,
OR, Sunday, 01/10/2026, 10:00am - 3:30pm PST
- Sensory Storytime | West Linn Public Library - West Linn Public Library, West Linn, OR, Sunday, 01/11/2026, 10 am
- Family Storytime | West Linn Public Library - West Linn Public Library, West Linn, OR, Sunday, 01/11/2026, 10:45 am
- Teen and Young Teen D&D | West Linn Public Library - West Linn Public
Library, West Linn, OR, Sunday, 01/11/2026, 2 pm - 4 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 in and around Portland. 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 Portland area! Start thinking outside the box! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens (and dozens) of ideas! Also includes the areas of Lake Oswego, West Linn, Beaverton, Clackamas, Tigard, Tualatin, Milwaukie,
Oregon City, and Hillsboro.
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2025's best places to take kids in the Portland area: In early summer each year, thousands of parents vote in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page is an annotated list of the winners, both of the top 20 slots
and of the three category winners.
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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