KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
It's often said that parenting is a "thankless" job. In one sense, that's undeniably true, because it will likely be many years before the young humans you're raising—the ones who actually have a stake in the outcome of the excellent job you're doing—are in a position to thank you. So you don't hear that phrase often during the first couple of decades of parenthood.
My fervent wish
for the future is to live in a world filled with engaged, culturally literate, productive, happy people. This means that what I said above isn't precisely accurate: It's not only your kids who have a stake in your parenting success, we ALL do, because the path to that future starts NOW for the young people in your orbit. So I'm grateful that you care about getting them "out and about" to the wide variety of experiences available in your community: It will make all
the difference.
Our job here at KidsOutAndAbout.com is to help you do that as easily as possible. In 2001, I created the original version of this web platform that now connects 15 million people each year with their area's activities and resources. My team gets to see it all up-close and personal as local businesses post to KidsOutAndAbout through their free listings, and then we get to turn around and shout about them to y'all, bringing your community closer to you.
So I want to
step in for the rest of the world that's not (yet) thanking you, and say it to you today: Thank you so much for what you're doing. Raising kids is hard in any era, but no one could have anticipated all the roadblocks that a pandemic would toss onto our path.
As anyone who knows me knows, I'm endlessly looking for reasons to celebrate. So today, I'm celebrating YOU with my digital megaphone and pom-poms. You're doing a great job. Future Deb sends her thanks,
too.
—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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KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of AI. We're asking all parents, grandparents, and caregivers—whether you're tech-savvy or not—to weigh in. Your input will directly shape upcoming national resources designed to help families guide kids wisely and safely. The survey closes soon, so please take 60–90 seconds to be part of this important effort.
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Join us on the happiest street on earth - this Friday, NOVEMBER 28 at the Palace Theatre! Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood in Elmo and Friends Say Hello! Put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street! Get your tickets today!
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Celebrate the magic of the season at the first annual A Very FAIRy Christmas Village, a festive holiday experience held over three weekends in December at the Altamont Fairgrounds from 6 PM – 8:30 PM. Holiday happy hour starts at 5 PM. We have something for everyone! This free-admission event is open to the public and features a charming holiday market with handmade craft vendors, a country store, and free holiday activities. Enjoy a variety of optional holiday activities for a small fee. Check our website for details. A Very FAIRy Christmas Village is a fun, family-friendly way to kick off your holiday season.
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At Parker, joy and discovery unite our community of curious learners. Attitudes about learning are established early, and Parker gives students opportunities to take action as they explore their world—helping them grow into confident, compassionate citizens who take responsibility for themselves and others. Our teachers design authentic, project-based experiences that respond to each child’s interests and needs, fostering creativity, curiosity, and deep intellectual engagement. Graduates leave Parker uniquely prepared for high school and beyond. Families with younger children can also explore our Forest Toddler Program for ages 18–30 months—where wonder and connection to nature thrive year-round on our 77-acre campus. See it in action! Open House- December 4th at 9am.
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Join us for the 2025 Our Towne Bethlehem Turkey Trot! We have tons of fun in store for you this year! Kids activities, FREE hot cocoa, live music and more. All registrations will be general admission and start at the same time. There is NO official timing for this event. Speedy speedsters, don't worry, we have a huge time clock for you. We just want everyone to come out, have fun and support a great cause! All are welcome- runners, walkers, strollers, doggies, cats, kids and the whole gang!
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Come listen to your favorite Taylor songs and cook up some homemade foods to go along! Join Chef Julie for a fun, social learning experience in a working commercial kitchen. This class is a safe, creative and interactive event for kids 8-14. In our hands-on cooking classes, kids learn cooking and baking techniques, make friends, eat delicious food, and have a blast! Stir. Chop. Mix, Bake. Eat. Best of all, have fun!
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Deck the Hall-bany is downtown Albany's weekly holiday market and festival co-produced by ParkAlbany and the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, held at the Clinton Market Collective and Quackenbush Square every Saturday from 11 am - 4 pm from November 22 through December 13. Stay warm under heated tents as you shop gift ideas for everyone on your list with local independent businesses and creators, enjoy live music and entertainment, free hot chocolate samples, and holiday cheer in the core of our Capital Region community.
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Nothing says the holidays like the look and smell of gorgeous greenery styled into wreaths and swags. If you’ve always wanted to learn the secrets of creating holiday decorations using native greenery, join us from 9:00 AM to noon for a make-and-take adventure. Registration fee includes greenery, ribbon and decorations. Bring a pair of pruners to clip your greenery, and any additional decorative elements you’d like to place in your creations.
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The Albany-Schenectady-Troy-Saratoga region has many private schools and alternative education options from which parents can choose. Each has its unique benefits and advantages, so it's important to investigate carefully. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools. If your school is not on our list but should be, please email us at ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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New York's Capital District: Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences. If your school should have a video on this page, please send a link to the school's video on YouTube or Vimeo to ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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There are tons of holiday events in the Capital District this year! Here's our traditional 101 ideas for local holiday fun to make the holidays special around Albany, Schenectady, and Troy for 2025. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. .
. plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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- 2025 Shaker Holiday Market - Shaker Heritage Society - Meeting House Road, Albany, NY, November 28, 2025, 10am - 4pm
- Amsterdam’s Tree Lighting Festival at the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook - - Bridge Street, Amsterdam, NY, November 28, 2025, 4 pm - 6 pm
- Santa's Playland Christmas Lights at Quick
Response Restore - - 2077 Rt. 9, Round Lake, NY, November 28, 2025, 5 pm - 11 pm
- Troy Night Out - Downtown Troy
Business Improvement District - 251 River Street, Troy, NY 12180, November 28, 2025, SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
- Thankful Tree - Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library - - 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065, November 28, 2025, All day
- 6th Annual Makers Market - Samascott's Garden Market - - 65 Chatham St, Kinderhook, NY 12106, November
29, 2025, 10 am - 3 pm
- Music At The Market - Delmar Farmers Market - Delmar Farmers Market - 332 Kenwood Avenue Bethlehem Central Middle School, Delmar, NY 12054, November 29, 2025, 11 am - 1 pm
- Saturday Story-time - - Rensselaer Public Library, East Street, Rensselaer, NY, November 29, 2025, 11 AM
- Goodbye Leaves Paint Party - - Rensselaer Public Library, East Street, Rensselaer, NY, November 29, 2025, 1 PM
- Sunday School - Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Delmar, NY - 85 Elm Ave, Delmar, NY 12054, November 30, 2025, 9:45 am
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The Capital Region offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in
festive activities.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Albany 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 Capital District as voted by New York parents! Parents vote, we do the math, and the result is the Top 20 Places to Take Kids! But there is LOTS more to do in Albany than even just this wonderful list: visit
KidsOutAndAbout.com to see our events calendar, find seasonal activities, get ideas for the perfect day trip and MORE.
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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