KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Mon, Feb 9: Black History Month at Discovery Gateway Children's
Museum
Mon, Feb 9: Hidden Hearts - Springville Library
Tue, Feb 10: Dog Day Afternoons at the Sprague Branch
Library
Wed, Feb 11: Discover Girl Scouts - Mermaid Party at Herriman Library
Wed, Feb 11: Bug World at Natural History Museum of Utah
Mon, Feb 16: President's Day Clinic - M14Hoops Salt Lake City South
Wed, Feb 18: Alphabet Soup: An LGBTQ+ Club for Teens - Day-Riverside Branch Library
Sat, Feb 21: The 15th Annual 90-Second
Newbery Film Festival
Sat, Feb 28: Consent: the What, How, and Why for Teens at the Anderson-Foothill Branch Library
Wed, Mar 4: 3D Printing for Beginners at Utah STEM Action Center
Sat, Mar 14: Spring Concert Series at Canyons Village - Park City Mountain Resort |
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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Save your seats by registering for FREE tickets! Each season, Plan-B Theatre creates a new play by an Utah playwright that serves 100 schools statewide throughout the school year as our Free Elementary School Tour. This year's offering is EB & FLO
by Elaine Jarvik, created specifically for grades K-3. "Flo, a fantastic flamingo who craves adventure meets Eb, a sensible seagull worried about a shrinking lake. They concoct a unique way to spread the word about the importance of Great Salt Lake and how small actions can have big effects." Join us for free public performances on February 14, 21, and 28 at 1pm in the Studio Theatre at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center (138 W 300 S, SLC). And we have cushions for your kiddos to sit on the
floor! **TICKETS ARE FREE, BUT REQUIRED**
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Clark Planetarium in downtown Salt Lake City is a premier destination for astronomy and science exploration. Open daily with free interactive exhibits across three floors, the Planetarium invites visitors of all ages to dive into hands-on experiences about
Earth, space, meteorites, planetary processes, and more. Inside, the Hansen Dome Theatre projects immersive, 360-degree star shows that transport audiences through the cosmos, while the Northrop Grumman IMAX® Theatre showcases stunning science and nature documentaries on a giant screen.
With engaging exhibits, educational programming, and an inspiring mission to connect people with the universe, Clark Planetarium is both fun and enlightening for families, students, and curious minds alike.
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This February, celebrate Black History Month at Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum with “Celebrating Black Artists,” an inspiring month-long experience in our Art Studio, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Kids will unleash their creativity as they
explore the vibrant styles of influential Black artists like Alma Thomas, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Kehinde Wiley. Through hands-on artmaking, children will connect history, culture, and imagination in a fun, interactive way. Discover how play sparks curiosity, inspires creativity, and turns every visit into a memorable learning adventure at Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum!
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Calling all jewelry lovers! Our most popular class, Silver Band/Ring Making, is back and better than ever! And perfect for Valentine’s Day!! Learn the basics of silver jewelry making, including shaping, and polishing. In this class, you’ll learn how to
make your own unique silver ring from scratch. You’ll start by finding your ring size. We will cut a piece of silver that will become your ring. Then, you’ll use a variety of tools to shape, add texture. Finally, you’ll polish your ring to a beautiful shine. We will provide a jewelry box to treasure your ring in. And while we work, we will provide some treats. Have fun and make lasting memories with friends. No experience is necessary, so everyone is welcome. Our experienced instructor will
guide you every step of the way. This class is intended for ages 16+, but younger kids can attend if accompanied by an adult!
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Ogden Arts After Dark returns for the winter season with a cozy indoor series at Two Bit Bistro inside the historic Bigelow (2510 Washington Blvd). Created in partnership with OgdenCAN, Cultura & Craft, and the team behind the yART Sale, this series is
all about celebrating local creativity and community connection. Each month, the bistro transforms into an intimate night market featuring a curated mix of art vendors, an open arts gallery, and an open mic for music, poetry, and spontaneous performances. Two Bit Bistro will offer a special menu crafted just for After Dark nights, giving the evening an inviting, warm atmosphere perfect for exploring, gathering, and connecting. Come experience a winter night where Ogden’s creativity comes alive
indoors.
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The Salt Lake Eastern Art Club, Utah Chinese Association of Sciences and Technology (CAST-UT), and the University of Utah Asia Center jointly hold the 2026 Utah Tradition Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Exhibits. The exhibits celebrate the Chinese Spring
Festival or Lunar New Year, the most important holiday for family reunion in Chinese culture.
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Valentine's Day is a holiday dedicated to expressing love and affection. Join us as we create hand-made cards and heart-shaped sun catchers. Plus, in recognition of our special exhibit LOVE BUGS, we’ll be creating a few of our very own to take home! These
crafts provide a creative and personal way to celebrate Valentine's Day, allowing you to express fondness through handmade, heartfelt creations.
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- Tinker Time - 3848 SW Temple Suite 105, South Salt Lake City, Friday, February 6, 2026, 12 - 8 PM
- Creative Lab Workshops: Polymer Clay Jewelry at the Main Library - East 400 South, Salt Lake City, Friday, February 6, 2026, 4 pm
- 2026 Utah Traditional Chinese
Calligraphy and Painting Exhibit at the Main Library - East 400 South, Salt Lake City, Friday, February 6, 2026, See website for details
- Kids Café | Café para niños 2026 at Hunter Library - West 4100 South, West Valley City, Friday, February 6, 2026, See
website for details
- Kids Café | Café para niños 2026 at Ruth Vine Tyler Library - Wood Street, Midvale, Friday, February 6, 2026, See website for details
- Storytime at Glendale Branch - Concord Street, Salt Lake City, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10:30 am - 11 am
- Playtime at Glendale Branch - Concord Street, Salt Lake City, Friday, February 6, 2026, 11 am - 11:30 am
- Community Art Hour at the Day-Riverside Branch
Library - West 1000 North, Salt Lake City, Friday, February 6, 2026, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
- Bouncing Babies - Orem Public Library - 58 North State Street, Orem, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10 am
- February Film Screenings: Sweethearts Showcase - Orem Public Library - 58 North State Street,
Orem, Friday, February 6, 2026, 6 pm
- Leap Into Reading - Springville Library - 45 South Main Street,
Springville, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10:30 am
- Tiny Tot Tales - Springville Library - 45 South Main Street,
Springville, Friday, February 6, 2026, 11:30 am
- Hola Frida - West 400 North, Salt Lake City, Saturday, February
7, 2026, 10:00am
- In the Company of Birds: Artist in Residence Show Opening - East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
- Creative Lab Club: Board Game Club at the Main Library - East 400 South, Salt Lake City, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
- Science Saturday Kids at the Main Library - East 400 South, Salt Lake City, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 2:30 pm - 4 pm
- Make Your Own Valentine's Day Card at the Sweet Branch Library - F Street, Salt Lake City, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 11 am - 1 pm
- Valentine Making: Cards and Door Decorations at the Sprague Branch Library - 1100 East, Salt Lake City, Saturday,
February 7, 2026, 4 pm - 5:30 pm
- Bilingual Storytime/Cuentitos bilingüe - Springville Library - 45 South Main Street, Springville, Saturday, February 7, 2026, See website for details
- Free Valentine Event - Provo Beach - 4801 N University Ave #210, Provo, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 12 pm - 2 pm
- Playtime at the Main Library - East 400 South, Salt Lake City, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 2 pm - 3 pm
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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…
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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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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Salt Lake City area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Salt Lake City 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! Check out your fellow
readers' favorites, and enjoy exploring the best of the region!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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