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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Life in Westchester is busy enough without worrying about what’s crawling, buzzing, or nesting where it shouldn’t. That’s why Suburban’s Proactive Protection Membership keeps your home protected year-round—so you don’t have to think about it. Regular visits
stop problems before they start, saving you time, money, and a few heart-stopping surprises.
Our mission is simple: to protect and provide peace of mind through proactive, effective pest control.
You focus on family, friends, and the good stuff—we’ll handle the pests.
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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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-Looking for super-engaging, screen-free fun that fits your winter break schedule? Foundry Fundays at Brooklyn Robot Foundry offer flexible half-day or full-day options—join for a single day or a full week. Each day, kids build, decorate, and take home a
brand-new robot (no repeats!) while learning through hands-on tinkering, creativity, and collaboration. Days also include outdoor or movement time, games, arts and crafts, and the occasional dance party. Located in Mamaroneck at Harbor Island. Open to grades K–5, with multi-day discounts available. Registration is now open—come build with us! Questions? Call 914-200-4879.
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Hudson Country Montessori School is a private, co-educational school in Westchester offering a rigorous and engaging Montessori education for students in Elementary and Middle School at our New Rochelle campus. Building on a strong Montessori foundation,
students develop critical thinking, independence, and confidence through hands-on learning and individualized instruction. As students progress, learning becomes increasingly interdisciplinary and connected to the real world, fostering leadership, responsibility, and academic strength. HCMS graduates are known for their curiosity, adaptability, and preparedness for high school and beyond. Serving students through 8th grade, HCMS provides a thoughtful, continuous educational journey.
Schedule your tour today: https://www.hudsoncountry.org/new-rochelle-ny-campus/schedule-a-tour
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For tweens and teens in grades 6 - 12. Stressed? Need a moment to relax? Join our mindful activities including coloring mandala's, listening to calming music, and getting into a state of relaxation. Snacks and drinks will be provided! No registration
required; just drop in!
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In the winter, Bald Eagles come to the Hudson River to hunt for fish. To celebrate EagleFest, we’ll make wings of our very own modeled after birds of prey found in the Bronx.
Wave Hill House is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator.
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Attracting eastern bluebirds to your yard can be as simple as offering them a bluebird-specific nest box. These cavity nesters begin scouting out the perfect nesting spot starting in early spring, so join us in building a nest box to have ready for when
their search begins. We provide all the supplies for the house itself, but ask that you bring a hammer to help during construction. Ages 6+.
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Winter fun is in full swing at Alfred B. DelBello Muscoot Farm, which will host its annual Winter Festival on Saturday, February 7, from 11 am to 3 pm. People of all ages are invited to celebrate the season with hands-on activities, live music, tasty food
and classic farm experiences. Please be aware that some activities may be weather dependent and are subject to change. Check back for more details!
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Bring your child to the library and discover all the wonderful things we have to offer! We will hold a storytime at 10:30 and we'll have many fun activities including crafts, a scavenger hunt and Lego free build. Plus, meet Izod the Therapy Dog, Sonic,
Pete the Cat and Leonardo the Ninja Turtle!
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Calling all little sweethearts – Stepping Stones invites you to a day of heartwarming fun at our annual Sweetheart Ball! Explore a sparkling, museum-wide celebration filled with music, dancing, creativity and playful surprises around every corner. Put on
your formal best and twirl on the dance floor at the Love Bug Bash, soak up the cheers on the glamorous red carpet and get hands-on creating elegant boutonnieres, wrist corsages and more while embracing friendship, family and each child’s unique sparkle. With whimsical puppetry, mini-concerts and cuddly keepsakes to take home, every child will feel valued, confident and truly special.
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The 22nd Annual Teatown Hudson River EagleFest® will be on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Join us for an all-day celebration at Croton Point Park! The program includes thrilling live bird shows spotlighting birds of prey, bird walks where you can view eagles
through spotting scopes, heated tents filled with educational displays and exhibits, crafts and games for children, food trucks, and more! We look forward to celebrating together with Bald Eagles as they descend upon Hudson River during their annual winter migration.
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- Mindfulness for Teens at New Rochelle Public Library - New Rochelle Public Library - Library Plaza, New Rochelle, NY 10801, Friday, February 6, 2026, 4 pm - 5 pm
- Little Sprouts
Storytime (Babies & Toddlers) at Bedford Hills Free Library - Bedford Hills Free Library - 26 Main Street, Bedford Hills, NY 10507, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10:30 am - 11 am
- Sensory Storytime at New Rochelle Public Library - New Rochelle Public Library - Library Plaza, New Rochelle, NY
10801, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 2 pm - 2:30 pm
- Take Your Child to the Library Day - John C. Hart Memorial Library - John C. Hart Memorial Library - 1130 East Main Street, Shrub Oak, NY 10588, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10 am - 12 pm
- Family Programs at Yale Peabody
Museum - Yale Peabody Museum - 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, Sunday, February 8, 2026, See website for specific program times
- Challenge Camp Information Session - Challenge Camp - 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 11:00 AM
- 1:00 PM
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Westchester 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 Westchester County 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 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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