KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which
explained why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30. Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time:
Presence creates the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them
together. They don’t pile up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—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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I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
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Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
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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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Gates Quest Congregation Gates of Heaven We are more than a Hebrew School— We are a place that is anchored in caring, purposeful relationships Our students and staff seek the answers to the questions, challenges, and meaning of everyday We enable individuals to construct their own meaning through inquiry, problem solving, and discovery. We explore content that is rich and accessible. Experiential and project-based Jewish learning and community-building. We are Gates Quest, Sunday mornings, Preschool through Seventh Grade, Middle and High School programs. Please visit our website for more information.
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Celebrate your special day in a creative way at Arts & Glass! At our Pottery-Painting Parties (age 4+), artists pick their own pottery pieces and design them using non-toxic, washable glaze paints. Our team then fires the pottery to a permanent, food-safe, glossy finish. At our Glass Fusing Parties (age 8+), artists learn how to safely handle and assemble designs of brightly-colored glass to build suncatchers, dishes, or even nightlights. Our team then fires the glass in our kilns to a solid, smooth glass work of art. Every party includes a personal party host, private party room, instructional art lesson, all tools and art materials, cleanup, and a FREE personalized keepsake ceramic plate for the birthday child. All pottery and glass art is ready for pickup in 7-10 days. Please visit our website for more information.
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Families are welcome to join us throughout the day to share in colonial holiday traditions, including those celebrated by the Dutch-American Mabee family. We’ll learn how revelers of yore celebrated the season, enjoy colonial-era treats and stories by the Inn’s fire, and make a craft to take home. Plus, we’ll have a very special scavenger hunt — kids can use riddles and clues to find holiday friends nestled around the historic site. Feel free to stop by anytime between 11 am and 2 pm. The hearth will be going all day, and we’ll have plenty of treats and holiday cheer! This program is free for SCHS members at the family+ member, but RSVP required. Non-members are $10/person.
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The M&T Bank Holiday Movie Series presented by Bonacio continues this Monday, DECEMBER 15 with ELF!! Bring the whole family to the Palace for a FREE evening packed with fun & holiday cheer. Doors open at 6pm, arrive early and get your photo taken with Santa in the lobby. Reserve your free tickets and join us!
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Join us for this special Gift Shopping Experience! Craft fair and Consignment in a one day Christmas event! Support local crafters by getting one of a kind gifts for your loved ones! And also shop consignment with a twist! New items being resold at a discount! Find stocking stuffers for kids, toys, clothing and much more! Christmas decorations and gift wrapping supplies will also be available.
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Join us for Empire State Aerosciences Museum's annual Christmas in the Air! Santa will fly to the museum all the way from the North Pole, meeting and greeting every child who attends. This year, we will have two sessions of fun to choose from. The "Candy Bomber" will drop sweet surprises for the children. We'll have hot chocolate, popcorn and coffee. Other food and drinks will be available for purchase. Photo opportunities with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and our beautiful Christmas display will be available. This is one of our favorite events throughout the year! We cannot wait to welcome you to the most unique local Santa event, Christmas in the Air!
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We understand that some children may need a special quieter time with the Santa. Just so you know, reservations are required, and no walk-up opportunities are available. November 30 & December 14 from 9 am - 11:30 am. Don't wait too long to schedule your reservation for - spots are filling up quickly! Your $20 deposit will be applied towards your Photo and/or Digital Download purchase at your visit.
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Join us for our 18th year of Into the Light! This beloved seasonal production is a collaboration between The Vanaver Caravan and Arm-of-the-Sea Theatre. Into the Light tells the story of a young girl’s journey to overcome darkness and rediscover the light of hope through the rich traditions of world cultures. With original choreography, live music, and larger-than-life puppetry, Into the Light captures the spirit of the season in a heartwarming and visually stunning show for all ages. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will raise your spirits and bring warmth and joy to you and your loved ones.
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Give the Gift of Innovation! Registration Open Winter Semester Registration is officially OPEN at STEAMwhiz - The Capital Region's #1 Kids STEM Learning Lab! Secure your child's spot in our popular robotics, 3D printing, and applied STEM labs before the new year. Whether they want to build VEX robots, code their own video games, or become a scientist, we turn curiosity into confidence in our Academic Year. Looking for the perfect gift? Grab a STEAMwhiz gift card (now with a holiday bonus!)—valid for soon-to-open Summer Camps and semester labs. It’s the stocking stuffer that lasts a lifetime. Need immediate fun? Keep the learning going over winter break with our Minecraft "Ice & Inertia" Winter Break Mini-Camp (Dec 29-30). Seats are limited!
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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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- Wiggly Wanderers - Moreau Lake State Park - Moreau Lake State Park - 605 Old Saratoga Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831, Friday, December 12, 2025, 9:30 am
- Pinecone Bird Feeders - Moreau Lake State
Park - Moreau Lake State Park - 605 Old Saratoga Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831, Friday, December 12, 2025, 11 am - 2 pm
- Winter Tree ID at Creekside Classroom Environmental Education Center - Creekside Classroom - Geyser Loop Rd, Saratoga
Springs, NY, Friday, December 12, 2025, 1 pm - 3 pm
- Preschool Nature Time - 90 Scout Road, Gansevoort, NY, Friday, December 12,
2025, 10:00 AM
- Santa's Playland Christmas Lights at Quick Response Restore - 2077 Rt. 9,
Round Lake, NY 12151, Friday, December 12, 2025, 5 pm - 11 pm
- 2025 Shaker Holiday Market - Shaker Heritage Society - Meeting House Road, Albany, NY, Friday, December 12, 2025, 10 am - 4 pm
- Music At The Market - Delmar Farmers Market - Delmar Farmers Market - 332 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11 am - 1 pm
- Saturday Story-time - Rensselaer Public Library - East Street, Rensselaer, NY, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11 AM
- Candy Houses - Rensselaer Public Library - East Street, Rensselaer, NY, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 1 PM
- Toys for Tots Train in the Village of
Delanson - 1797 Main Street, Delanson, NY, Saturday, December 13, 2025, See website for details
- International Makers & Flavors Market - Presented by the Albany Muslim Advocacy Coalition (AMAC) and Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) - Albany Institute of History & Art - Washington Avenue,
Albany, NY, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Kids Concerts with Terry A La Berry and Friends at The Garage - The Colonial Theatre - 111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 12 pm
- A Very FAIRy Christmas Village - Altamont Fair Weddings, Grand St, Altamont, NY, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 5 PM - Holiday Happy Hour, 6 PM Holiday activities
- Santa's Playland Christmas Lights at Quick Response Restore - 2077 Rt. 9, Round Lake, NY 12151, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 5 pm - 11 pm
- Sunday School - Bethlehem Lutheran Church - 85 Elm Ave, Delmar, NY 12054, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 9:45 am
- Chanukah on Jay 2025 - Jay Street, Schenectady, NY, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 3:30 pm - 5 pm
- Visit with Santa - Main Street Mercantile - 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 1 PM - 3 PM
- Winterfest in Altamont - Altamont Boulevard, Altamont, NY 12009, Sunday, December 14, 2025, See website for details
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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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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Have a wonderful weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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