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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For the month of February join us at the Legler Benbough Teen IDEA Lab every Monday to Tuesday at 6pm, and Wednesday to Thursday at 4pm, as we watch films that center Black voices and experiences to celebrate Black History Month.
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Learn the fascinating and ancient art form of ceramics with Meg, a full-time potter, in this 5-week, weekday evening wheel series. Whether you’re a beginner or intending to deepen your relationship, all are welcome to experience the world of clay in this
fun and friendly environment. By focusing on techniques to confidently create functional and aesthetic pottery, we will learn creative design, how to throw on the wheel, trimming and glazing!
Military, first responders and sibling discounts
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Give your loved one a card that comes straight from the heart. Create a unique card using our Silhouette Studio software and Cameo Cutter to make one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day card for that special someone in your life. All ages are welcome at this
event!
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Story Concerts are the signature event of Write Out Loud. They were born from the desire to share literature as a communal, participatory experience. Each Story Concert presents a curated selection of short stories, poetry, and sometimes music, revolving
around a central theme, all read by professional actors. We produce a six-show season of Story Concerts every year, in addition to special concerts with a variety of cultural organizations.
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Ages 16+yrs welcome! Weave your own stunning bracelet cuff using dyed reed and cane over a metal bracelet blank that can be sized to fit your wrist. Various colors of dyed reed will be available. You can select the weaving pattern that includes the Japanese
knot or the Castle version. The bracelet cuff makes a fabulous gift or keep it for yourself. No experience necessary. Military, first responders and sibling discounts.
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⚔️ Full Armor of God Virtual Race – 2026
Distances: 1 Mile • 5K • 10K • 13.1 • 26.2
Complete Anytime in 2026
“Put on the full armor of God…” — Ephesians 6:11
Step into strength, faith, and purpose with the Full Armor of God Virtual Race. This event is a reminder that we are never alone in our battles. By putting on the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit, and the Shoes of Peace, we move boldly forward —
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Storytime with Trinity Theatre Company is a 30-minute program that transforms children’s books & fables into interactive plays. Storytime begins with a reading of The Biggest Valentine Ever by Steven Kroll, and afterwards actors come out and perform the
same story in a play format. There will also be a Valentine craft. For all ages.
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All are invited to the annual Family Fun-Day & Open House at the ECDS TK-8th grade campus on Sunday, February 1st from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Current and prospective students, along with their families, will enjoy performances in the amphitheater and view
student creations in the Art Show tent and, if they’re inclined, let their imagination come to life in the Art Activity Zone tent. Visitors are encouraged to speak with teachers in their classrooms or at grade level booths located on the Central Promenade, where student work will be on display and student docents will be on hand to answer questions about their latest classroom projects.
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Mellano Farm Stand is open Thursday through Sunday, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, unless otherwise noted for special closures.
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Students in this course will build essential sewing skills using both hand-sewing techniques and the sewing machine.
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the San Diego 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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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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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the San Diego 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 heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the San Diego 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 best places to take kids in San Diego as voted by parents. Who won the top spot? An indoor play center, museum, farm, nature center, sports team? Click through to find out, as well as favorite Arts Educator, Sports Educator, and STEM educator! Plus
there is LOTS more to do in San Diego!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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