KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: This Sunday marks the Winter Solstice—Robert Frost’s “darkest evening of the year.” It’s when we in the Northern Hemisphere most appreciate human inventiveness: We flip a switch, and light floods the room. It feels like magic, but it’s not. It’s the result of generations of curious, determined humans trying to make life better, brighter, safer. That’s why my
family celebrates Lightbulb Day every December 21. It’s our homegrown holiday honoring the inventors and problem-solvers whose insights fuel our lives. We toast our favorite technologies, learn some history, imagine the future. Past years’ MVPs include contact lenses, antibiotics, the internet, veterinary science,
and the Covid vaccine. This year’s front-runner: artificial intelligence. Last weekend, I had breakfast with a friend and her 13-year-old daughter, Lily. Lily said she loves math and science but struggles with how her teachers approach the humanities, especially writing. When I showed her how AI can help her learn in the way she learns best, her face lit up. So I went home and wrote a how-to article for Lily, her mom, and any of you with kids in middle school or older: How Students Can Use AI to Learn to Write (Without Giving Away their Brains). AI isn’t here to think for us. It’s here to help us think more effectively with our own minds. That’s a message worth repeating, especially to our kids. In this new AI age, the real danger isn’t
the technology itself, it’s the temptation to hand our brains over to it and say, “Here, you do all the work.” So this Lightbulb Day, I’m raising an Erlenmeyer flask, not just to the great inventors of the past, but to Lily, and to every young person learning to think with tools rather than letting tools do the thinking. Because the real magic isn’t flipping the switch; it’s understanding where the current comes from, and imagining what we’ll power with it in the
future.
—Debra Ross, publisher
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The M&T Bank Family Fun Days presented by Bonacio continues this Sunday, DECEMBER 28 with A MINECRAFT MOVIE!! Bring the whole family to the Palace for a FREE event packed with fun. Doors open at NOON for an hour of classic trailers & cartoons and fun crafts, educational activities & giveaways courtesy of the Palace Theatre, Ten Broeck Mansion & STEAMWhiz. Reserve your free tickets and join us!
|
|
|
|
Unlock the ultimate birthday party or summer adventure at VDO Gaming & Esports Education Center in the Capital Region. Birthday Parties: Host an unforgettable gaming bash! We provide the latest games, high-spec PCs, consoles, and dedicated staff to ensure a fun, stress-free celebration for all ages. Summer Programs: Our immersive summer programs offer a unique blend of competitive gaming, skill development, and educational workshops. Learn strategies, improve gameplay, understand game design, and explore career paths in the booming esports industry. From beginner to pro, there's a program for every aspiring gamer! Special Events: You have an idea for a personalized gaming event? Contact us, and we will make it happen. Build Skills, Foster Teamwork, Have Fun! Visit us at www.vdogaming.com for more information!
|
|
|
|
School is almost out—do you have a plan? Beat the boredom with Steamwhiz’s Winter Break Mini-Camo (Dec 29-30)! Kids ages 6-13 will engineer real Hovercrafts and design custom Minecraft Winter Worlds. Only a few seats remain! Bonus Family Fun: Join us for a FREE Mincraft Movie Night at the historic Palace Theatre! It’s the perfect way to connect with our community on the big screen. Missed the camp? Winter Semester enrollment is also open for January. Start 2025 with a new skill! See all this and more by clicking on the image!
|
|
|
|
Presented in partnership with Operation Unite NY, come celebrate African-American culture and unity with friends and family. Join us for an afternoon of arts and crafts for children, dancing, drumming, a candle-lighting ceremony, and the sharing of Nguzo Saba; the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
|
|
|
|
Schenectady’s Stockade is beautiful any time of year but the holidays always bring out a certain magic! In this walking tour we’ll explore the lights and sights of this historic district while learning the ways in which generations past celebrated the season. Warm drinks will be served, and guests are invited to explore the sparkling Festival of Trees before and after the tour! All tours meet at SCHS at 5:30 pm.
|
|
|
|
“It’s a Jazzy Christmas” is returning to UPH! When it’s the most wonderful time of the year, “It’s a Jazzy Christmas” has all your favorite holiday songs! This ensemble performs concert hall shows that feature the music of Vince Guaraldi from the Peanuts holiday specials and many other seasonal favorites. Wrapped in the theme of an audio show (podcast, satellite or terrestrial radio…you chose!), their concerts take the audience on a holiday ride through decades of great music, stories and even a commercial or two! Audiences will even have a jolly laugh! “It’s a Jazzy Christmas” is the perfect concert to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
|
|
|
|
Come celebrate the changing of the seasons during this special community day at Olana! Join us for an afternoon of free activities to celebrate the season. Did you know the artist Frederic Church was inspired by the Hudson Valley’s beautiful winter landscape? Welcome winter by learning more about the science of snow, exploring Olana’s historic house, participating in seasonal artmaking, and visiting with everyone’s favorite miniature donkey, Hank!
|
|
|
|
Experience a recreated 18th century chocolate house at the Festival of Trees. Living historians will tempt your pallet and tickle your tastebuds with a trio of historic hot chocolates, including delicacies enjoyed by English kings and the middle-class settlers of the Mohawk and Hudson Valleys. You’ll learn how easy it is to create and enjoy this wonderful treat favored by the ancestors. As a special finale to the evening, we’ll taste a libation infused with port or madeira. All amidst the backdrop of glittering holiday lights and decorated fir trees!
|
|
|
- Santa's Playland Christmas Lights at Quick Response Restore - 2077 Rt. 9, Round Lake, NY 12151, Google Maps, December 19, 2025 — 5 pm - 11 pm
- It's a Wonderful Life at the Palace Theatre - Palace Theatre - 19 Clinton Ave, Albany, NY 12207, Google Maps, December 19, 2025 — Doors open 6 pm; movie 7 pm
- A Very FAIRy Christmas Village -
Altamont Fair Weddings - Grand St, Altamont, NY, Google Maps, December 19–20, 2025 — Holiday happy hour 5 pm; activities 6–8:30 pm
- Wiggly Wanderers - Moreau Lake State Park - Moreau Lake State Park - 605 Old Saratoga Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831, Google Maps, December 19, 2025 — 9:30 am
- The Holiday Stockade Stroll - Schenectady County Historical Society - 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady, NY 12305, Google Maps, December 19–20, 2025 — 5:30 pm
- Music At The Market - Delmar Farmers Market - 332 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054, Google Maps, December 20, 2025 — 11 am - 1 pm
- Saturday Story-time - Rensselaer Public Library - East Street, Rensselaer, NY, Google Maps, December 20, 2025 — 11 am
- 2025 Winter Solstice Walk - 90 Scout Road, Gansevoort, NY, Google Maps, December 20, 2025 — 8:00 am
- Kwanzaa 2025 - Operation Unite NY - Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House - Warren Street,
Hudson, NY, Google Maps, December 20, 2025 — 5 pm
- OLANA Winter Solstice
Celebration - Olana State Historic Site - New York 9G, Hudson, NY, Google Maps, December 20, 2025 — 1 pm - 5 pm
- Kemet the Time Traveler: Kwanzaa Youth Celebration - The 224 Ecospace - 224 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105, Google Maps, December 20, 2025 — 11 am - 1 pm
- Shrews, Voles, and Moles… - Moreau Lake State Park - 605 Old Saratoga Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831, Google
Maps, December 20, 2025 — 11 am - 12 pm
- Welcome Winter Scavenger Hunt - Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center - 87 Nature Center Way, Voorheesville, NY 12186, Google Maps, December 20, 2025 — See website for details
- New Moon &
Constellation Hike - Old Stage Road Trailhead, Voorheesville, NY, Google Maps, December 20, 2025 — 5:30 pm - 7 pm
- Holiday Movie Night - Grafton Lakes State Park - 254 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton, NY 12082, Google Maps, December 20, 2025 — 5 pm - 7 pm
- FREE photos with Santa at Bass Pro Shops - Bass Pro Shops - Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY, Google Maps, December 20, 2025 — 10:00 am -
8:00 pm (ongoing dates)
- New Moon at the Telescope - Moreau Lake State Park - 605 Old Saratoga Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831, Google Maps, December 21, 2025 — 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
- Holiday Story Hour - Grafton Lakes State Park - 254
Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton, NY 12082, Google Maps, December 21, 2025 — 9:30 am - 10:30 am
- Bilingual Story Hour - Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center - Nature Center Way, Voorheesville, NY, Google Maps, December 21, 2025 — 10:30 am - 11:30 am
- Walking in a Winter Wonderland - Moreau Lake State Park - 605 Old Saratoga Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831, Google
Maps, December 21, 2025 — 1 pm - 2 pm
- Sensory Friendly Christmas Service - Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Elm Avenue, Delmar, NY, Google Maps, December 21, 2025 — 4:00 pm
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring in the New Year with a little help from KidsOutAndAbout! Our Big List of family-Friendly celebrations is just what you need to find ball drops, fireworks displays, NOON Year's Eve fun, activities, parties and more! If your favorite isn't on the list be
sure to send us an email and we'll add it…
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Have a wonderful weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
