KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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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Celebrate the season at the Bay Area’s premier holiday destination. A beloved annual tradition rivaling the nation’s most celebrated events, Holidays at Filoli transforms the historic estate into a wonderland of breathtaking beauty and festive delight. Day and night, there's something magical for everyone at Filoli. During the day, take a Gilded journey through the elegantly decorated House and Garden and explore Thistlewyck, an enchanting village in the Redwoods with Rose Wonders, Filoli's brand new Troll, at the heart of it all. At night, immerse yourself in the glowing wonder of Holiday Lights. Each experience reflects our mission to curate unique moments and create shared stories, inviting you to celebrate the season with family, friends, and community in unforgettable style.
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Gather your family and friends for a beloved holiday tradition! The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente is back for its 17th magical season of outdoor skating and holiday festivities in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Ice skate outdoors daily November 6 through January 20, 2025. Hour-long sessions start every 90 minutes. General admission is $20 or $15 for kids 8 and under; prices include skate rental. Don’t miss our special events throughout the season, including Drag On Ice, Silent Skate, Polar Bear Skate and more! Be sure to follow us on social media at @UnionSquareRink.
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Toddler Storytime is a 20-30 minute program that uses stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement to help young children ages 1-3 years old develop word and sound recognition, gain background knowledge of how the world works, and encourages families to build social connections with other parents and children.
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This fast paced lap-sit program for little ones and their caregivers includes songs, nursery rhymes, knee-bounces, and movement to help develop important pre-literacy skills. This class is appropriate for infants through 2 years old.
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Come to Garden Party and join Farmer Emily to help us maintain a thriving edible garden. Through hands-on science and art activities, you will learn more about sustainable gardening practices you can use beyond our walls in your own home garden. There might even be something to harvest for your next meal!
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Recharge your winter wonder with luminous artworks that will surprise and delight the whole family—paint with light and shadow, soak in colors, and play with exhibit prototypes in the Light Lab. Don’t miss Glow, our seasonal exhibition that celebrates the art and science of light! To make the weekend extra special, join us for even more dazzling programs including Storytime Science and other light-related activities.
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Meet us in the S.T.E.A.M. Room, adjacent to Ella's Art Studio, every weekend from 1:00pm – 3:00pm to enjoy and explore an experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math! Toys and materials will be available in this space for your child to engage with at their own pace. A CMOSC staff member will be there to provide expertise and an enhanced experience with the materials.
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This lap-sit program for little ones and their caregivers includes songs, nursery rhymes, knee-bounces, and movement to help develop important pre-literacy skills. This class is appropriate for infants through 2 years old.
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A 20-30 minute storytime for children in Kindergarten through third grade featuring picture books new to our collection.
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- Toddler Plus Storytime - Main Library - Children's Department, Main
Library - Children's Department, Saturday, January 10, 10:30am
- Family Storytime - Alameda Free Library - West End Library, 788 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501, Saturday, January 10, 10:30am
- Family Storytime - Main Library -
Children's Department, Main Library - Children's Department, Saturday, January 10, 10:30am
- Family Storytime - Main Library, Main Library, Sunday, January 11, 12:30pm
- Junior Rangers at the Refuge: Salt Marsh Senses - 1751 Grand Blvd, San Jose, CA, Sunday, January 11, 10:30am-12pm
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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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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 the Bay Area. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
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There are lots of places to have a birthday party in the San Francisco area! Start thinking outside the box! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens (and dozens) of ideas! In addition to venues in San Francisco, there are places in Oakland, Alameda, Pacifica, San
Leandro, Walnut Creek, Hayward, Dublin, and San…
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2025's best places to take kids in the San Francisco Bay area. Early each summer, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout 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: Who won for Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM Educator?
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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