KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Sat, Feb 7: School Saturday Citywide Open House at The Waldorf School of St.
Louis Sat, Feb 14: Talon-tine's Day at the Edwardsville Children's Museum
Sat, Feb 14: Bud Light Grand Parade of
Mardi Gras at Mardi Gras, Inc.
Fri, Feb 20: Stories in the 100 Aker Wood at DaySpring Arts and Education
Sat, Feb 21: Royal Winter Ball at Maryland Heights Centre
Sat, Feb 28: Snow Sisters Winter Festival
Sat, Mar 7: A Visit with Daniel and Rebecca Boone
at The Historic Daniel Boone Home & Heritage Center
Sat, Mar 7: Maple Sugar Festival at The Historic Daniel Boone Home & Heritage Center
Sat, Mar 21: Skate with the Bunny at Brentwood Ice Arena
Fri, Mar 27: The Art Fair at Queeny Park at Greensfelder Recreation Complex Sun, Apr 19: Handyman Hall Comes to Town - Touhill Performing Arts Center, April 19 |
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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Inspired by Dr. Maya Angelou’s moving poem Life Doesn’t Frighten Me, this original play by multi-disciplinary hip-hop artist Paige Hernandez bursts onto the stage with energy and heart. Through a powerful blend of spoken word, hip-hop, and dance, the story
explores the everyday fears we all face—and the courage that helps us rise above them. Audiences will be inspired by this upbeat celebration of strength, creativity, and self-confidence that reminds every child (and adult!) that we are all fearless royalty.
Recommended for K–12.
Tickets: Adult $15 - Senior $15 - Youth $5Group discounts available for 10 or more!
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Join us for another Birds of Winter Sunday Funday!
Enjoy tickted owl meet and greets, an education table, and crafts! View wild eagles and swans in our heated bulding through high powered spotting scopes.
This sunday is all about owls, come down to learn and meet some of these Superb birds!
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Aloha! Come join us for our very first tropical-themed skate night on Sunday, February 8th, from 6:15pm to 7:45pm.
We’d love for you to get into the spirit by wearing Hawaiian shirts, leis, grass skirts, and coconut bras—just make sure to wear them over your regular clothes!
As always, normal admission prices apply for this fun public skating event. If you have any questions, give us a call at 314-615-5572. We can't wait to see you there!
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Each February in Saint Charles, love takes center stage on Historic Main Street as our Valentine's Celebration, Once Upon a Valentine® Stories for the Loved & Loveless, unfolds. This micro festival blends history, fun, and spirited entertainment for
locals and visitors alike. Join us for an array of activities embracing both the adoration and the playful disdain for Valentine's Day traditions.
This festival caters to a diverse audience, ensuring an inclusive experience for families, friends, and those seeking unconventional V-Day activities. With a combination of pro and anti-Valentine's Day programming, Once Upon a Valentine® promises something for everyone, whether you're a hopeless romantic or you roll your eyes when the heart-shaped candy boxes hit store shelves.
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Get ready for the world’s biggest, boldest, most over-the-top costumed pet parade. Whether your furry friend is a diva, an athlete, a ham for the camera, or just a very good sport, this is their moment to strut through Soulard like the star they are—all
while supporting a great cause.
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Join us as we celebrate Take Your Child to the Library day! A presenter from the St. Louis Zoo will be here at 1pm to present Animal Tales, a romp though stories about ... animals in the library.
Disclaimer: There will be no live animals at this performance.
This program is free of charge.
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This event will showcase the movie adaptations of two books by award-winning author, Angie Thomas- "The Hate U Give" will begin showing at 11:15 a.m. "On the Come Up" will start showing at 2:15 p.m. Between the film showings, a reception with refreshments,
crafts, and music will celebrate hip hop and the music that inspired Thomas' writing of each story.
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Join the famous chefs from Treats Unleashed and the amateur cooks from the Humane Society of Missouri as we mix, roll and bake cookies for the special canine guests here in our shelter!
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Attending a St. Louis Ambush home game is an exciting and unforgettable experience for any sports fan. From the moment you walk into the arena, the energy is contagious, with cheering crowds, lively music, and a strong sense of community pride. The
fast-paced indoor soccer action keeps everyone on the edge of their seats as players showcase incredible skill, speed, and teamwork. Fans passionately support the Ambush, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the match. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, a home game is filled with fun, excitement, and memorable moments.
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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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Dads, grandpas, uncles, or guardians, grab your dancing shoes and bring your little sweethearts to Shrewsbury and dance the night away!
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Come join us for our monthly homeschool skate during the 2025-26 ice rink season! It's a great opportunity to have fun on the ice and spend time with other homeschooling families.
The cost is $6 per person, which includes skate rentals. We look forward to seeing you there!
Any other questions? Call us at 314-615-5572
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Put on your dancing shoes for the Sweetheart Dance! Enjoy dinner, dancing, a photo backdrop, and more!
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- Disco Boogie - 1010 Meramec Station Road, Manchester, MO,
Friday, February 6, 2026, 10 am
- Songs and Stories - Babies & Toddlers - Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer Ave, Maplewood, MO 63143, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10-10:30 am
- Baby & Me: Lapsit - Jefferson County Library - Arnold Branch, 1701 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10 am
- Open House at The Soulard School
- The Soulard School, Victor Street, Saint Louis, MO 63104, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10 am- 2 pm
- Music and Movement Storytime - St Louis Public Library - Schlafly Library, 225 North Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10:30-11:30 am
- Diaper Distribution and Sensory Play Time - St. Louis Public Library - Central Library, 1301 Olive
Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10:30 am- 12 pm
- School Saturday Citywide Open House - 912 Bell Ave, Webster Groves, St. Louis, MO, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10am to 2pm
- Angie Thomas Double Feature - St. Louis Public Library - Central Library, 1301 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 11 am- 4 pm
- Once Upon a Valentine - St.
Charles Historic District, Katy Trail, Saint Charles, MO, Saturday, February 7, 2026 to Sunday, February 8, 2026, 12-3 pm
- Bookmark Party - Ferguson Municipal Public Library, North Florissant Road, Ferguson, MO, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 1-3 pm
- Take Your Child to the Library day - Animal Tales - Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer Ave, Maplewood, MO 63143,
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 1-1:45 pm
- How Long Til Black Future Month? St Louis' Black Community 100 years from now - St. Louis Public Library - Central Library, 1301 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, Saturday, February 7, 2026 to Sunday, February 8, 2026, all day
- Purina Pet
Parade - 2200 Dolman Street, St. Louis, MO 63104, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 1 pm
- Superb
Owl Sunday- Audubon Center at Riverlands - Audubon Center at Riverlands, 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO 63386, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 10 am - 2 pm
- Sunday S'mores with Nature Valley - Hidden Valley Ski Resort, 17409 Hidden Valley Drive, Wildwood, MO 63025, Sunday,
February 8, 2026, 3 pm while supplies last
- Paint and Sip - Tween Style! - Webster Groves Public Library, 301 E Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 2:30-4:30 pm
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 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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