KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Wed, Jan 21: Civil War Experience at Lasdon Park & Arboretum (Ages 6 and up)
Sun, Jan 25: Click, Clack, Moo at Emelin Theatre
Sat, Jan 31: Cirque Mechanics: Tilt! at The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College
Sun, Feb 1: GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE LIVE! at Kings Theatre
Fri, Feb 6: Parent /Child Valentine's Dance at Greenburgh Parks and Recreation
Sat, Feb 7: Teatown Hudson River EagleFest at Teatown Lake Reservation
Sun, Feb 8: The All-New Wizard of Oz On Ice! at Paramount Hudson Valley
Mon, Feb 16: 2026 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
Tue, Feb 17: February School's Out Workshop: Maple Sugaring at Rye Nature Center
Tue, Mar 3:
World Wildlife Day at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Wed, Mar 11: Walking Tour: "All-of-a-Kind Family" at Museum at Eldridge Street
Sun, Mar 15: Puppet Festival Mississauga |
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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The Academic Excellence Program (AEP) is a scholarship to recognize and financially support students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and intellectual promise. AEP awards are two-year merit scholarships for high school students in 10th or 11th grade to begin college at Simon’s Rock at Bard College, the nation’s pioneering Early College. Awards will be granted on a competitive basis, by a committee of Simon’s Rock faculty. For fall 2026, the committee will award at least 20 scholarships across the three award levels. There are three scholarship awards levels available: 1. Founder’s Scholarship – $50,000 merit scholarship per year, 2. Provost’s Scholarship – $25,000 merit scholarship per year, and 3. Faculty Scholarship – $10,000 merit scholarship per year. Students may apply for additional need-based financial aid.
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When the chill hits Westchester, rats start looking for warmth, food, and shelter—which often means your home, garage, or even Grandma’s basement. They can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter and settle in fast. Listen for scratching in the walls or rustling under the sink—those are their calling cards. At Suburban Pest Control, we know January is prime time for surprise “roommates.” Keep food sealed, clear clutter, and call if you spot droppings or gnaw marks. A quick inspection now can save a big headache later. Stay cozy—and keep the rats outside where they belong.
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Weather Alert: heavy snowfall has arrived at Stepping Stones! During this “Season of Fun”, experience enchanting indoor blizzards* plus shovel-ready “snow,” “ice forts” for playful snowball fights, sled-pulling adventures and more snowy surprises all winter long. Grab your coat and mittens – the frosty fun is about to begin (minus the chill)!
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During the holiday break, you’re invited to experience all the HRM has to offer. Enjoy current exhibitions and engage in fun art and science workshops. Experience a tour of Glenview, festively decorated for the season, and choose from a variety of planetarium and laser shows, including Laser Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Beyonce, the Beatles, and more! Please note, planetarium shows and tours of Glenview are ticketed.
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Taylor Swift is a global pop sensation with more than 200 million records sold and a legacy of Grammys and devoted fans. Now, her biggest hits—like Anti-Hero, Love Story, and …Ready for It?—come to life in a dazzling laser light show. The Eras Tour may be over, but you can still rock your favorite Taylor Swift outfits and trade friendship bracelets at Laser Taylor Swift. A 55-minute spectacle you won’t want to miss!
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Celebrate the first Full Moon of 2026! Guests will learn about the history of wolves in the United States, the importance of wolves in a healthy ecosystem and the efforts to save these magnificent creatures for future generations. Guests will also take will take a short walk to visit Ambassador Wolves Nikai, Silas, and Kinari, and will hopefully enjoy a symphony of howls from the 30 wolves that call the WCC home! Please bring flashlights. Pre-registration is required!
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Now through Jan 4: Come skate at the Cross County Center Pop-up Ice Rink all holiday season! The pop-up ice rink is not real ice but is a smooth "glice" material, great for young and first-time skaters. We wear real ice skates, but glide a little slower than on real ice (plus it's not as cold!) Admission is $12 per person and includes skates and a one-hour session. Character skate nights will take place throughout the season.
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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 Westchester County, NY. Here are local organizations
that offer memberships.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Westchester County 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 winners in KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Westchester. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories! 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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