KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
For much of the country, it's been the hardest winter in recent memory: cold, monochrome, relentless. The kind of season that reminds us how little control we really have. We do our best to manage routines and moods and expectations, but parents feel it most. February stretches long and flat after the excitement of the holidays, before the lift of spring. You're still packing
lunches, wrangling homework, managing emotions (your kids’ and your own)... all while the cold keeps the family cooped up. This is the season of endurance. Of course, endurance isn’t about being stoic or silent or superhuman; it’s about continuing, even when things are hard. It’s about showing up for your people, your plans, and yourself, day after chilly day. And it’s about knowing that if you’re feeling the drag right now, you’re not alone. Many of us are moving through it
together. Even for those who don't live in Nature's Refrigerator,* February can still bring its own version of stuckness: that long stretch between holidays, where kids are restless and routines feel stale. Sometimes, by February, our gray matter feels just as gray as the weather. When that happens, help is allowed! Check out our article and outsource the brainstorming to KidsOutAndAbout: Stuck Inside This Winter? 20 Creative Indoor Activities for Kids is packed with creative, practical, low-effort ways to keep your family engaged (and sane) when outside play isn’t an option. And it shows you how to tap your favorite AI to be your thought partner to personalize it for your
family. February Gray doesn’t need to be conquered; it just needs to be lightened a bit. So whether you're "out and about" or "in and not at all about," we're here to brighten the rest of your winter!
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build
Strong Communities
*Rochester, NY ☺️ |
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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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Camp Integem is Magical, Fun, and Future-Focused for Ages 6-18: dive into AI, Robotics, Drones, Holographic AR, coding, 3D, Game Design, STEM, Art, Animation, Space/Nature Exploration, STEM, STEAM and more. Teleport into their creation to experience the
magic of their design with Holographic AR and prepare students for future success, all the while having a blast! No prior knowledge is needed and suitable for all levels: beginner to advanced levels. ACS WASC accredited, NVIDIA-partnered camp. Visit https://camp.integem.com or call 408-459-0657. Space is limited. Save $50/week with KOAB today!
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Bilingual Storytime, songs & crafts for kids. This is a fun interactive time for all children! Stories and songs are provided in both Spanish and English. Join us in the Wildomar Library Community Room for children's stories, songs and crafts.
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This outdoor festival aims to honor the rich history and contributions of African Americans while providing a vibrant platform for education
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of culture, history, and community!
We’re proud to present “Legacy & Unity: Black History Celebration”, a vibrant outdoor festival honoring African American achievements and heritage in the heart of Downtown Long Beach. This free community event will take place on 2.14.26 at The Promenade (near Ross), offering a day full of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, Black-owned businesses, wellness resources, and cultural exhibits.
Whether you’re enjoying live music, learning about local African American pioneers, shopping from incredible vendors, or participating in our engaging activities, there’s something for everyone!
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Improve your reading skills while interacting with certified therapy dogs at the Wildomar Library! Everyone is welcome.
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Calling all little makers and bookworms! Join us for Listen & Create, a special story time program where we'll dive into enchanting tales and then unleash our creativity to bring them to life!
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Teens and tweens, join us every third Wednesday of the month as we munch on snacks provided by local restaurants and get creative with a different craft each month!
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Little Folk Club returns to Dana Point Harbor. Join us on the Island for plenty of interactive music and Friday fun to kick off the weekend.
Located across the bridge at Island Way right in front of the Richard Henry Dana Statue. Please feel free to bring along your favorite instruments, blankets, towels, and chairs.
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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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You are invited to participate in our new continuous initiative, the Lunch at the Library Partner Project. Your child can come to the library after school for a meal and dedicated study time. We encourage all children to utilize this space for homework,
homework help, test preparation, or collaborating on school projects with a partner. Funding for this project is supported by the California Library Association.
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Open to actors aged 7-18, Star Theatre Youth Company hosts auditions for "HONK!", a musical adaption of "The Ugly Duckling" on February 16 & 17 from 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM.
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Alta Loma Christian School is excited to host its annual Open House event that brings together both current and prospective families, to see examples of student learning and accomplishments, talk with the school’s teachers and support staff, and hear about
our direction for the future.
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- Family Game Night @ Eastvale Library - Eastvale Library, 7447 Scholar Way, Eastvale, Friday, 02/13/2026, 4:00 - 7:00pm PST
- Story Time at Louis Robidoux Library - Louis Robidoux Library, 5840 Mission Blvd, Jurupa Valley, Friday, 02/13/2026, 11:00am - 12:30pm
- After School Snacks at the Woodcrest Library - Riverside County Library System - Woodcrest Branch, 16625 Krameria, Riverside, Friday, 02/13/2026, 2:30 pm - 4 pm
- Family Storytime @ Eastvale Library - Eastvale Library, 7447 Scholar Way, Eastvale, Saturday, 02/14/2026, 11:00am - 12:00pm
- 2nd Annual Legacy Unity & Love: Black History Celebration on The Promenade - 228 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, Saturday, 02/14/2026, 2:00
- 7:00pm PST
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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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