KidsOutAndAbout's weekly e-newsletter |
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Save the Date Fri, Feb 6-Sun, Feb 8: Between the Lines at Stages (3rd floor theater at the Auditorium)
Sat, Feb 7: In Focus Dutch Connection starts at George Eastman Museum
Sat, Feb 14 - Mon, Feb 16: Jurassic Quest x Brick Fest Live @ Rochester Riverside Convention Center Mon, Feb 16: Video Game Creation Workshop at The Strong Museum
Mon, Feb 16: Winter Vacation Program at Central Rock Gym Rochester Mon, Feb 16: Winter Break Camp: How to Get Away
with a Murder Mystery at Stages
Tue, Feb 17: February Break Small Animal Days at CountryMax Stores
Wed, Feb 18: Wicked starts at RBTL's West Herr Auditorium Theatre Thu, Feb 26: Open House at Rochester Christian School Sat, Mar 7: School Choice Fair 2026 at GoodSchoolsRoc Sun, Mar 8: (585) KIDS 2026 Camp Fair at Eastview Mall |
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. Connect more. Do 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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Friday, Feb 13 at 7:30pm: The unforgettable animated classic "Up" returns to the big screen at the Eastman Theatre, with Michael Giacchino’s Oscar- and Grammy award-winning score performed live to picture! Follow the unlikely duo of a curmudgeonly
78-year-old balloon salesman and his 8-year-old stowaway on this hilarious, heartwarming journey to a lost world filled with danger and surprises. A Friday night outing perfect for the entire family! USE CODE KOAA15 for a 15% discount on your tickets! (And feel free to pass this along to your friends!)
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Don’t miss Between the Lines JR at A Magical Journey Thru Stages, a captivating musical adventure that blends imagination, heart, and powerful storytelling. This enchanting production follows a young book lover who steps into the pages of her favorite story
and discovers the courage to be her true self. Featuring energetic musical numbers and colorful characters, our talented young cast brings this magical world to life on stage. Audiences will be charmed by its humor, moved by its message of confidence and belonging, and inspired by the passion of our performers. Perfect for all, this show celebrates creativity, bravery, and the joy of finding your voice. Experience this unforgettable journey!
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Ignite your student's curiosity at the RMSC, where young learners can explore, play, and discover, in engaging, hands‑on environments! The RMSC offers specially designed programs for children–including Homeschool Afternoons–that nurture natural wonder
through outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, and curiosity‑driven learning. Guided by experienced educators, little scientists build confidence, social skills, and a love of the world around them while connecting with peers in meaningful & joyful ways. With access to the Museum & Science Center’s interactive exhibits, nature spaces, and STEM‑inspired activities, every day becomes an exciting adventure in discovery! Visit rmsc.org/homeschool to learn more.
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What a week! Back by popular demand for the 21st production – the Missoula Children’s Theatre experience at TYKEs! Join us for THE JUNGLE BOOK show-in-a-week! Kids ages 5+ (kindergarten and up) rehearse after school for just one week, then put on a
full-scale musical, complete with sets, costumes and props. All rehearsals take place between 4 and 8:30pm, Monday to Friday, March 23 to 27; performances at 1pm and 3:30pm on Saturday, March 28 at the JCC Hart Theater.
To register, simply email fschneider@jccrochester.org. No experience necessary, all are welcome! Cost is $175 and includes one free show ticket.
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FREE FUN! Looking for something fun and free to do over February break? Visit select CountryMax locations on Tuesday, February 17 or Thursday, February 19, 10am to 11:30am or 1pm to 2:30pm. Kids start with a craft – make a cute egg carton animal or paper
chain snake. Then, meet the friendly small animals of CountryMax – ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, even snakes and lizards! It’s like a free trip to the zoo with fun facts and plenty of interaction. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Registration required. Not all animals available at all stores. Follow the link for available locations and registration: https://www.countrymax.com/february-break/
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Sunday, February 15, The Theater at Innovation Square, 5pm: This vibrant cultural event will highlight the rich traditions of Latin American Carnaval, featuring folkloric dance performances, live music, and traditional costumes representing countries
such as Brazil, Panama, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. Each performance will include educational elements that explore the history and meaning of Carnaval, emphasizing the diversity and beauty of Latino culture. Get your tickets now; they're only $10!
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Feb 6-22, 2026: Find respite from Rochester’s chilly winter with a warm favorite, Dutch Connection! Drawing thousands of visitors to the museum, this annual floral display serves as a sweet reminder that spring is on its way. A nod to those original orders,
the annual display features thousands of colorful tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, amaryllis, and spring annuals, throughout the historic mansion. Tropical orchids, courtesy of the Genesee Regional Orchid Society, are displayed as well.
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Beat the winter blues at the Aquarium of Niagara and enjoy the lowest admission prices of the year. From Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20, all admission is just $7.16. That's 70% off the price of standard adult admission! Tickets are
available both at the door and online, no promo code needed. Admission includes access to two buildings,180 species of aquatic animals, and a full schedule of daily presentations. The 716 Days discount is not combinable with other coupons or promotions. Book your visit today!
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Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts is a tuition-free public charter school for grades K–6. At RA learning is joyful, rigorous, and creative! Academics are enriched through the arts and grounded in a deep commitment to social-emotional learning,
ensuring we educate the whole child. With support from our school therapy dog, Remy, students grow with confidence and belonging. Schedule a tour by emailing Mrs. Moyo-White at moyowhite@renacad.org or calling (585) 225-4200 ext. 209. Apply by April 1 for better chances in the 2026-2027 lottery at GoodSchoolsRoc.org or renacad.org.
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Discover the many ways to climb, train, and connect at Central Rock Gym Rochester. With 20,000 square feet of climbing terrain, you’ll find lead climbing, top rope walls, bouldering, auto-belays, and over 70 rope stations. Whether you’re new to climbing or
looking to level up, you can take an Intro Belay class, take fitness & strength training courses, or join yoga sessions from mellow to Acro yoga. Enjoy gym events like Boulders & Brews, climbing leagues, and themed workshops. Groups can host birthday parties, corporate team-building, late night events, or lock-ins with flexibility, staffing, and full access to climbing and activity space.
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Is your child looking for adventure this summer? Does he or she love to play outdoors?
Mountain High Adventure Camp has been providing fun outdoor adventures for boys and girls ages 7 to 16 for over 25 years. The younger kids go hiking, geocaching, swimming, biking, treasure hunts, canoeing and kayaking, games and exploring locally with an overnight camp to one of our great State Parks at the end of the week. The older teens spend 6 days camping in the Adirondacks with rock climbing, swimming, hiking one of the mountains and a
back-country canoe trip. For more information about this year's opportunities, click the graphic to visit our website. See you this summer!
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Stay warm!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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