KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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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Forsyth School fosters a spirit of curiosity and joy, empowering children age 2 through Grade 6 to pursue challenges with confidence. Located in the Wydown-Forsyth Historic District, Forsyth's one-of-a-kind campus consists of six historic homes; the challenging and engaging curriculum promotes age-appropriate independence and prepares students to thrive in secondary school and beyond. Find yourself at Forsyth on Saturday, January 24, 9:30–11:30am for our Early Childhood Open House—perfect for families with candidates for Eyas, Pre-K, Jr-K, and Sr-K! Visit our early childhood classrooms in the Falcon's Nest, Fillmore House, and New House to talk with our teachers, administrators, and current parents. Advance registration is required; children are welcome to attend!
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Enjoy our twist on the traditional S'more brought to you by Nature Valley! Free every Sunday in January & February. Starts at 3pm, available while supplies last.
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Snow tubing is just like sledding, but better! No sleds required- we provide each rider with special tubes that are fast, safe, and comfortable. No skills required and anyone can participate! Simply grab a snow tube and experience a thrilling day of fast-paced runs down our specially designed tubing lanes. Polar Plunge has convenient and easy-to-use conveyors to take you and your tube back to the top so you can get the most out of your day! It is a great way to beat the winter blues and experience the snow in a new way.
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St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) is launching its annual MLK Food Drive in partnership with St. Louis Area Foodbank, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by supporting individuals and families across the St. Louis community.
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This is a once-in-a-century celebration of 100 Years of Jaw-Dropping "No Way!" moves, 100 Years of "Wow!" and 100 Years of Heart-Pounding Thrills! The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to your city with their most LEGENDARY TOUR EVER. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, experience the team that redefined basketball! This is history you can feel and a celebration of 100 years of over-the-top FUN with all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding®. This is fan celebration from the moment you arrive with epic new pre-game magic, unforgettable post-game interactions, and the most fan-fueled experience in sports. This is your only chance to be part of The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour. Don't miss your chance to be a part of the LEGACY.
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Join us for a fun weekend Arctic event! Crafts, sensory bins, and creative science! *Free for members or with paid admission for non-members*
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You’ll need to jump, climb and leap your way to safety – because THE FLOOR IS LAVA! The gym is now an epic lava-filled landscape, and the survivors will have to cartwheel over the molten pits and swing over lava islands to conquer our best adventure yet. The lava’s heating up, so let’s get moving!
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Agape Adventure Academy is hosting a Winter Open House for families enrolling for the 2026–27 school year. Tour our St. Louis Christian school, explore our nature-based classrooms, and learn how our classical, Montessori-inspired program offers a peaceful private school alternative for Pre-K through 6th grade.
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Step into the Wizarding World at Skate City for a magical night of Harry Potter–themed skating on Friday, January 9th. Choose from two enchanted sessions, 4–6pm or 6–8pm, and skate alongside fellow witches and wizards. Dress up in your favorite Hogwarts gear and enjoy themed music, photo opportunities, and plenty of spellbinding fun. Admission is $8 per skater with $5 skate rental (if needed).
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Who’s that hooting it up each December evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective nighttime hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a short walk and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us. Dress appropriately since we will be outside part of the time (warm clothing including gloves and flashlights).
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Come explore, jump, and play at St. Louis Spirit’s Preschool Open Gym! Perfect for ages 5 and under, this fun-filled, unstructured playtime lets little ones burn energy, build coordination, and explore our safe, kid-friendly gymnastics equipment. No experience needed—just bring the giggles and get ready for big fun!
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Did you know that school-age children are experiencing increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation due to the rise in social media, video games, and screen time? Give those screens a break and join us for an evening of connection and fun!
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- Board Game Night at Waldorf STL - The Waldorf School of St. Louis - 814 Bell Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119, Friday, January 9, 2026, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Admissions Events at The College School
- 7825 Big Bend Blvd, Webster Groves, MO 63119, Friday, January 9, 2026, varies
- We Can
All Serve - MLK Food Drive - 1301 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, Friday, January 9 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, all day
- Agape Adventure Academy: Winter Open House - Agape Adventure Academy - Agape Adventure Academy, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:00AM
- Explore & Play - Jefferson County Library - 1701 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010, Saturday, January 10,
2026, 10 am
- Tabletop Role Playing: The Hazardous Harbor - 8001 Dale Ave, Richmond Heights, MO 63117, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 2-3:30 pm
- Sunday S'mores with Nature Valley - 17409 Hidden Valley Drive, Wildwood, MO 63025, Sunday, January 11, 2026, 3 pm while supplies last
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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. Here are local organizations that offer memberships.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the St. Louis 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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Best places to take kids in St Louis in 2024! Once again, our readers have spoken! Thousands of parents voted in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in
special categories like favorite spot for indoor play, favorite nature center, favorite museum, and much more!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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