KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Mon, Nov 24: FREE Kid's Theatre Classes by 2nd Generation Theatre Academy at Isaias Gonzalez-Soto Branch Library Fri, Nov 28: A Magical Christmas Adventure at Hidden Valley
Fri, Nov 28: Black Friday Holiday Camp at Rolly Pollies of Western New York
Fri, Nov 28: Santa at the Botanical Gardens
Sat, Nov 29: A Magical Christmas Adventure at Hidden Valley
Sat, Nov 29: The Princess Bride in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra With the BPO Thu, Dec 18: Holiday Pops With the BPO at Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
Fri, Dec 19: ‘Twas The Night Before...by Cirque Du Soleil at Shea's at Shea's Performing Arts Center
Sat, Dec 20: Dream Builders: Winter Wonder Lab at The Foundry
Sat, Dec 20: White Christmas, the Musial at MusicalFare at MusicalFare Theatre
Sun, Dec
21: Breakfast with St. Nick at Genesee Country Village & Museum
Sun, Dec 21: Christmas Tree Cake Pop Decorating Class at Buffalo Cake Pops |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
When I was about four years old, I turned to my mother and asked, “Mommy, do you know what I’m thinking?” She said no, that no one can know what’s going on in someone else’s head unless they say it out loud. I was instantly relieved. “Good!” I said, emphatically. This family story points to something we all figure out eventually: No one—not even those we love most—can
truly know us completely. That’s because our minds are crowded with thoughts, memories, emotions, and those little sparks of insight that are hard to pin down for ourselves, much less explain to someone else. So no matter what, we can only really share just a slice of who we are. Some people might say that being selective about what parts of ourselves we show to different people means we're being fake, but I don't. Full transparency isn't even possible, so the goal is
sincerity. As long as what we share is true to who we are, we’re being honest. Selective, but sincere. This is especially helpful to remember during the holidays, when we’re surrounded by lots of people, sometimes all at once. Some of them we love dearly. Others... less so. So when Aunt Viv is going on (again) about the zoning board, you don’t have to confess how bored you are. Just focus on what’s real—the part you truly mean—and say that. “So sorry that's getting in your
way, Aunt Viv. But I just have to say: Your pecan pie is amazing.” So this holiday season, try to tune your radar to see the good stuff. Say out loud what you honestly appreciate. And take comfort, as four-year-old Deb once did, that no one can read the rest of what’s going on in your head.
—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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Just a minute of your time could make a big impact. 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.
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Weekends Nov 28 - Dec 21, 2025: Another Magical Christmas Adventure awaits at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure in Varysburg! The Lodge, in full holiday splendor, will host Santa’s Wonderland where you’ll decorate cookies, write letters to the North Pole, take holiday photos, and more before boarding your trolley for a journey through Hidden Valley’s Mystical Forest. There you’ll see herds of bison and elk, Randy the camel, llamas, and blackbelly sheep roaming the wintery terrain. Upon your return, pet and feed a variety of live animals in open-air stalls. Four consecutive weekends starting Black Friday, November 28 – December 21, 9am-4:30pm. Reservations Required. Book online at hiddenvalleyadventure.com. Allow 3 hours for the full experience.
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This holiday season, The Summit is delighted to sponsor two signature events for the entire family right in Rochester. At the RMSC, visit “Astronaut” and learn the reality of a space explorer’s experience. It’s an interactive exhibit for the whole family. Visit Rochester Museum & Science Center for tickets and opening times. Join our scavenger hunt for your chance to win a prize! Then, head on over to the George Eastman House for “Sweet Creations,” where the historic mansion is filled with gingerbread creations from local organizations and companies. Visit the George Eastman Museum homepage for more information. Be sure to check out our Sweet Spaceship Creation for your chance to win a LEGO® set and a family membership to the Museum. The Summit is thrilled to give back to the community and make events such as these possible!For these and more events, visit summitfcu.org!
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Head over to the Aquarium of Niagara on Saturday, November 22nd for Fin-tastically Wicked. For one short day, the Aquarium of Niagara is getting an Oz-tastic makeover! Join us to learn how you can be a source "For Good" for our oceans. Together, we can defy the gravity of our changing climate's impact on our our aquatic emerald cities. Enjoy a singalong with the Pink AND Green Witches, watch a Wicked-themed sea lion presentation, create bubble crafts and magic wands, and more! All activities are included with general admission. This event is sure to be pop-u-lar—get your tickets today!
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You’d better watch out….Santa Claus has arrived at Walden Galleria! Kids, families, and even pets are invited to whisper their Christmas wishes to jolly old St. Nick at his temporary fireside lounge on the lower level near the Apple Store, now until Christmas Eve! With a giant 25-foot-tall Christmas tree, a cozy fireplace, and presents scattered around, it’s the perfect setup for a holiday card! Stop by Santa’s Workshop today for hours and photo package pricing or find out more HERE.
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Private Schools in the Buffalo, NY area: 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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Private and alternative schools in the Buffalo area cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. 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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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Buffalo and Western New York: ways to make the holidays special in our area: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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Pizza Unites! The Festival of Slice is a celebration of Western New York’s pizzerias, local restaurants and the Culture of Cup & Char. The 2025 Festival of Slice is a pizza party featuring 20+ local vendors hosted by Tap & Craft at the Niagara Falls Convention Center on Friday, November 1st from 6 - 8 pm. Children under 16 are FREE. Just email cheers@tapandcraft.com from the same email address that you booked your ticket with the number of kids coming, and we will make a note.
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Lace up your skates and come chill with us at the Ice presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield! Canalside's Snack Shack at The Ice is a perfect spot to grab a warm cup of hot cocoa and a quick bite to eat while enjoying a gorgeous winter day on the ice with family and friends! Age 5 and Under: Free; Children and Military: $5.00; Age 13 and Up: $8.00. Skate Rentals: $6.00; Training walker: $2.00; Lockers available. Family Season Pass: $99.00
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Drop-off the kids (ages 6-8) at Tifft for a night of fun with our staff! We'll enjoy a pizza dinner, go for a night hike, make crafts, play games, and end with a nature-themed movie and fresh popcorn! Limited space.
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This whimsical musical follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. Part vaudeville, part make believe... all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons. November 20-23, 2025 Thursday-Saturday evenings, 7:30pm Sunday matinee, 2pm Tower Fine Arts Center Mainstage Theatre
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Kids can learn 6 basic crochet stitches. For children with their adults. The fourth Saturday of the month at 10:30am from September - May, not on holidays. Please call 716-892-8089 or register in person at 2580 Harlem Rd Cheektowaga, NY 14225.
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Open to all ages, this 15-minute experience allows you to work with hot glass up close while staying on the cool end of the glassblowing iron at all times. You’ll start by choosing the glass colors you want to use and the shape of your ornament, and then partner with our professional glassblowers to create your design. You will blow into a blow hose, or use a foot pedal connected to compressed air, to inflate the glass while our experienced glassblower guides and shapes the glass with special tools. After your ornament is shaped, it is removed from the blowpipe, and it is placed in an oven to begin an overnight slow cooling process.
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This event...will...be...pop-u-lar! Head over to the Aquarium of Niagara on Saturday, November 22nd for Fin-tastically Wicked! The Aquarium of Niagara is getting an Oz-tastic makeover for a day all about how you can be a source "For Good" for our oceans. Climate change is having a wicked effect on the ocean's emerald cities but we're ready to defy the gravity of the situation. Follow the yellow brick road to the Aquarium for a special sea lion show, fun activities, and more! Plus, we will be joined by both the Pink Witch AND the Green Witch who will lead guests through all their favorite songs!
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Journey to medieval times for this Castle Construction Class! We will take learners back to the Middle Ages, and talk about all things castles. Participants will construct their own castle model and have a chance to lay siege with catapults! Please register in advance. $20 Includes Class + Museum Admission for 1 Child + 1 Guardian
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Step into the wizarding world at Buffalo Iron Works and the Goblet of Lemonade for a magical day of mischief, music, and lemony enchantment! Join us with Lumos & Nox, our favorite handcrafted beverage company for witches, wizards, and non magic folk alike! Whether you’re a die-hard Potterhead or just love a themed party, this event promises a day of interactive activities, live entertainment, themed drinks, and unforgettable moments.
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Jurassic Quest is ROARING into a city near you!
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- Buffalo & the Erie Canal: An Enduring Legacy - Central Library - Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System - 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203, Friday, November 21, 2025 to Sunday, November 23, 2025, All day
- M&T Third Friday - The Buffalo History Museum - Museum Court, Buffalo, NY 14216, Friday, November 21, 2025, 10:00am-5:00pm
- Visit the Buffalo Fire Historical Society! - Buffalo Fire
Historical Society - 1850 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14206, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10 am - 4 pm
- Bidwell Farmers Market -
Elmwood Bidwell Farmers Market - Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14222, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 8 am - 1 pm
- Open
Studio - Burchfield Penney Art Center - 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:30-2:30
- Scavenger Hunt
at the Library! - Isaías González-Soto Branch Library (formerly Niagara Branch) - 280 Porter Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14201, Saturday, November 22, 2025, varies, see website
- Free Community Art Classes - Locust Street Art - 138 Locust St, Buffalo, NY 14204, Saturday, November 22, 2025, Saturday 1-5pm
- Kids Crocheting at Anna Reinstein - Reinstein Memorial Library - 2580 Harlem Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14225, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:30 - 11:30 am
- Board Game Saturdays! at Kenmore Library - Kenmore Branch Library - Delaware Road, Kenmore, NY, Saturday, November 22, 2025, all day, 10 am - 5 pm
- Small Pet Thanksgiving at CountryMax - CountryMax Stores - Rochester/Buffalo Area, Saturday, November 22, 2025 to Sunday, November 23, 2025,
10:00AM to 11:00AM
- Fall Family Movie - Isaías González-Soto Branch Library (formerly Niagara Branch) - 280 Porter Avenue, Buffalo, NY
14201, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 3:00PM-4:30PM
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Buffalo and Western New York: ways to make the holidays special in our area: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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The Buffalo area 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 Buffalo and WNY 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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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