KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
My first job out of college was as the managing editor at a small medical publishing company in New York City. I worked alongside Steve, our associate editor. My strength was structure and rhythm; his was medical accuracy and detail. We made a good team. One day, Steve walked into my office waving some printed pages. “Deb, can you do that
thing you do, so I can check out the science?” “What thing?” I asked. “You know,” he said, “that magic you work where the writing comes in muddy and you turn it into something clear, logical, and even fun to read.” I’ve never forgotten that moment. Not just because it felt great to be seen, but because of what it taught me about leadership. We’re surrounded by people with unique strengths. As parents, friends, or leaders, one of the most
powerful things we can do is notice those strengths and say them out loud. When we do, people rise. Kids rise. They lean into what they’re good at, and their futures get brighter. It’s not magic—it’s just the natural result of being seen and valued—but it feels like it. Over the years, as I raised kids, built a business team, and worked within various communities, I kept returning to that lesson: Leadership isn’t about having a title, it’s about paying attention.
You can’t run a family or a business unless you know who you’re with and what makes them shine. And once you start validating others (“You know that thing you do? Please do that!”) you become a leader. Even if you're just leading someone to be more themselves. So today, find a reason to start a conversation: “You know that thing you do?...” You won't see it right away, but trust me: Their horizon will glow.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
This Valentine’s Day, the entire family is invited to Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts for a not-to-miss musical event! Peppa Pig, along with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George and new baby sister Evie join professional musicians on stage for PEPPA PIG:
MY FIRST CONCERT, a fun, interactive introduction to a live orchestra for ages 18 months and older. Join Peppa and George to learn all about the different sounds that instruments make together! Enjoy some of your favorite music from the show played by a live orchestra and discover some other exciting orchestral pieces perfect for children. Plus, some little piggies can join Peppa and her family to make music of their own!
|
|
|
|
The Napa Lighted Art Festival is a celebration of creative arts, technology, lights, and supports innovative techniques using light and light technologies as a growing art medium.
This walkable outdoor experience is FREE in Downtown Napa. Additional community add on events include the Lantern Parade and Artist Meet & Greets.
|
|
|
|
Toddler Plus Storytime is a 20-30 minute program using stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement to help young children ages 2-3 years old develop word and sound recognition, gain background knowledge of how the world works, and encourage families to build
social connections with other parents and children. Toddler Plus Storytime is a bit longer and more complex than what is typically presented during Toddler Storytime and is perfect for children about to enter preschool.
|
|
|
|
Drop by the Randall Museum’s Art Room and get creative with your kids. Art instructors guide a different hands-on art activity each week. All ages are welcome to participate. Afternoon Art is a great way to get a taste of the Randall Museum’s arts and
crafts programs. All children under 8 must be with a paying participating adult.
|
|
|
|
Hey Families! Happy new Year. We wanted to share for any parents looking for a fun way to get their little ones active this winter, Super Soccer Stars is hosting some FREE demo classes!
This program uses creative storytelling and imaginative games to teach soccer skills. One minute they’re 'explorers' and the next they’re 'knight and princesses.' It keeps the kids engaged and laughing the whole time. What sets this program apart is the coaching. The staff is specially trained to work with early childhood age groups—they know how to keep a 2-year-old engaged and a 10-year-old challenged, all while keeping it fun
I know it's hard to commit to a new activity without knowing if your child will love it. That’s why a free trial class is a fantastic way to come see the smiles for yourself with zero commitment!
|
|
|
|
Have you ever wanted to make a zine? We’ll teach you! On January 31 and February 1 from 12pm to 4pm, we will be making zines using collage and drawing. Supplies including recycled comics, paper, and stamps will be provided.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Pre-University Percussion Group is a youth percussion ensemble for ages 8 – 16 promoting music education and elevating percussion into the limelight. Join Pre-University Percussion Group with “Rhythm Discovery Zone,” featuring a lively performance and talk
with the audience about a wide variety of percussion instruments.
|
|
|
- Family Storytime - 788 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10:30am
- Family Storytime - Main Library -
Children's Department, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10:30am
- Zine-Making Workshop - Cartoon Art Museum - 781 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94109, Saturday, January 31, 2026 and Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 12-4pm
- Family Storytime - Main Library, Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 12:30pm
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the San Francisco? 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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…
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
