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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The Holtville Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the 79th Annual Carrot Festival beginning January 23rd, 2026, through February 8th, 2026. This year’s Carrot Festival theme is “Hoppily Ever After”. Listed below are some of the main events during the
festival:
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Join us on the first Thursday of every month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the Riverside ArtsWalk, a vibrant community event that celebrates the diversity of arts and culture in Riverside and the Inland Empire.
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Families of all ages are welcome to come enjoy an afternoon playing board games and STEM toys.
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Tuesdays 11:00am-1:00pm is English. Wednesdays 11:00am-1:00pm is Bilingual Story Time! Come join us for stories, songs, and crafts. For ages 3-5 years.
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Big Fish Little Fish classes invite adults and children 3-6 years old to learn together through play, movement, and exploration. Children will use their observation skills to explore shapes, colors, and textures while touching animals in a private
classroom, touring Aquarium exhibits, and participating in hands on activities related to the theme. After your class, revisit your favorite exhibits. Aquarium admission is included!
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An event for parents and babies to meet new people and have some family fun. Join us as we read to our little ones and give out books to take home. Then enjoy a social hour full of snacks and toys perfect for little learners.
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The Dana Point Certified Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. California farmers bring fresh produce to sell and craft vendors provide a large selection of art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, candles, handmade soaps, and unique
one-of-a-kind gifts. The Farmers Market is located in La Plaza Park on Pacific Coast Highway and Golden Lantern. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags.
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The 46th Annual OC Black History Parade & Unity Festival is happening Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9 AM to 4 PM in Downtown Anaheim.
Join us for a day filled with culture, community, and celebration — you won’t want to miss it!
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Celebrate Valentine’s season with a cozy, creative experience designed for pet lovers of all skill levels.
Join us at Local Gem Collective for our Paint Your Pet: Valentine’s Day Edition, where you’ll paint your furry best friend in our signature cartoon style.
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We’re opening the city just for toddlers!
Climb, dance, problem-solve, and pretend your way through our miniature world, designed to support movement, connection, and big developmental leaps.
Designed for children 19 months to 3 years.
This program is exclusively for toddlers and their caregivers. No older siblings, please.
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Celebrate America’s past presidents at Pretend City for President’s Day! Enjoy a little patriotic adventure through the city while learning all about the role of the President, Monday, February 17, 2020!
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- Family Game Night @ Eastvale Library - Eastvale Library, 7447 Scholar Way, Eastvale, Friday, 02/06/2026, 4:00 - 7:00pm PST
- Story Time at Louis Robidoux Library -
Louis Robidoux Library, 5840 Mission Blvd, Jurupa Valley, Friday, 02/06/2026, 11:00am - 12:30pm
- After School Snacks at the Woodcrest Library - Riverside County Library System - Woodcrest Branch, 16625 Krameria, Riverside, CA 92504, Friday, 02/06/2026, 2:30 pm - 4 pm
- Jr Spy Academy - Riverside Library, 2913 Yucca Ave, Fort Worth, Friday, 02/06/2026, 10:30-11:30 am
- Family Storytime @ Eastvale Library - Eastvale
Library, 7447 Scholar Way, Eastvale, Saturday, 02/07/2026, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Inland Empire! 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 Inland Empire? 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 Inland Empire 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 the Inland Empire? Each May-June, thousands of parents vote in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Was the winner an indoor play center, museum, farm, nature center, sports team? Click through to
find out!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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