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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Capture the Magic this holiday season when the 4th Annual Holiday Walk-Thru Experience arrives in Ballantyne - November 28-December 30th! Walk Through the Magic of The Holidays with your friends and family and immerse yourself in the wonder of the season with over a million Christmas lights along a half-mile walking trail, located in Ballantyne's Backyard. See spectacular Light Displays, dozens of oversized Snow Globes, Larger than Life Holiday Scenes, Magical Interactive Wand Elements throughout the event, hundreds of decorated trees, an Illuminated Elf Playground, a 30’ x 40’ Ice Castle with a Princess Carriage, a Christmas Village and the brand new Winter Wonderland Carnival, featuring the Ferris Wheel, Bear Affair, Sooper Jet Kiddie Roller Coaster, and Rapid Slide! ! Enjoy children’s activities and Santa will be there nightly through December 23rd. See Ballerinas and other performers every night – be sure to check the schedule regularly. Now open Thanksgiving Weekend! Join…
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Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story is Charlotte’s homegrown holiday classic! Join Clara on a whimsical adventure filled with breathtaking aerial dance, acrobatics, and laughter as her holiday party takes an unexpected turn. Perfect for families, this contemporary spin on The Nutcracker blends circus arts and dance into a heartwarming story of friendship, courage, and holiday magic. Presented by Caroline Calouche & Co., Clara’s Trip returns to the Booth Playhouse December 12–14, 2025, with a special Children’s Show on December 13 & 14. Tickets start at $35 at carolinecalouche.org/clarastrip
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A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams's charming and delightful score performed live by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra as the entire feature-length film plays on the big screen. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who's accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family.
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Experience Christmas Eve in a new way -- where kids can be kids as carols set the scene for an interactive nativity in which the whole family can participate, followed by the Christmas story told in a way you have never seen before. Take in the wonder after the 1:00 worship hour at the live Nativity in the courtyard while petting animals and snagging the perfect family photo or hang out after the 2:30 & 4:30 services for family activities, s’mores, hot chocolate, treats for Santa & more. Check out seasonal events for ALL ages at MatthewsUMC.org/Christmas.
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Private Schools in the Charlotte, NC 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 Charlotte 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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Turkey Dash is the best way to start your Turkey Day! Family. Fun. Run. 2025 is year THIRTEEN! We are excited to return to the Village at Robinson Farm for this momentous edition of Turkey Dash. This could just be the best celebration yet! Join us for Turkey Dash XIII. The foundation of Turkey Dash is family and friends, so we offer a 4-mile timed run/walk and a 1-mile fun run/walk on Thanksgiving morning. If you register for the 4-mile, you can run/walk the 1-mile at no additional cost! We also provide a "Family Village," with bounce houses and other activities for the kids so they are entertained waiting for Mom & Dad to run. This is also a great place to take pics, just remember to use the tag #TurkeyDashCLT !
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Join us November 29 for our annual tree lighting in Downtown Cornelius! Each year, thousands of people join us for our annual tree lighting in Downtown Cornelius. Attendees can enjoy community group performances, children's activities, a sledding hill, trackless train rides, a model train display, food and drink, s'mores, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! This is a free community event!
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Get ready for Gina Robinson's Annual Christmas Benefit Concert and Toy Drive! Bring a friend and a toy and enjoy some good Christmas/Gospel music by recording artist Gina Robinson and her many special guests. The evening will be topped off with your favorite Christmas carols, and don't be surprised if you find yourself with a microphone singing along! Partnering with the Blumenthal Arts Front of House Team, Bank of America and hundreds of individuals over the years, Gina has collected thousands of toys donated to local organizations such as The Salvation Army, Thompson Child & Family Focus and Least of These. This year will be no different as we support Toys for Tots, Least of These and Cody's Crew! Gina’s debut CD "Release" was produced by Grammy Award Winner Cedric Thompson. Gina has performed on numerous television shows and her songs have been featured on several radio stations. Gina is currently touring with the national stage play "When A Woman's Fed Up" and has…
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Our new winter ballet “The Snow Queen” is based on the world-famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. This fascinating romantic story set to the music of Edvard Grieg, Jules Massenet, Mozart, and Vivaldi will give unforgettable, bright emotions of happiness for adults and children. Handsome Kai, robbers, forest fairies, funny Snowman, fabulous trolls, and, of course, brave, beautiful Gerda who will pass all difficulties on her way. Kai and Gerda are sitting in their garden among roses when a shard of a witch’s mirror gets into Kai’s eye. His heart becomes hard and cold. One winter day, a whirlwind of snow rises around him, and he disappears. He is taken by the Snow Queen, who lives in a world of ice and snow. Gerda goes in search of Kai. There are many challenges ahead, but love helps her get through them and free Kai from the spell of the Snow Queen.
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- Christmas Tree Lot & Activities - Hodges Family Farm & Pumpkin Patch - Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC, November 28-30, 2025, 12:00pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! -
Broadway, New York, NY, November 28-30, 2025, see link for times
- 4th Annual Christmas Extravaganza - 4551 Old Airport Rd, Concord, NC 28025, November 29-30, 2025, 10 am - 4 pm
- SCNP: Turkey
Trot 5k or 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk - 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, November 29, 2025, 8:30am to 10:30am
- SCNP: Fall Crafternoon (drop-in) - 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, November 29, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
- 14th Annual Light Up Cornelius - 21445 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC, November 29, 2025, 4 pm - 7 pm
- Merry Moo-mories: Highland Cow Photo Experience - Millstone Creek Orchards - Parks
Crossroads Church Road, Ramseur, NC 27316, November 29-30, 2025, see website for details
- 67th Annual Lincolnton Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting! - Lincolnton, NC, November 30, 2025, Parade starts at 4 pm, with Tree Lighting Ceremony to follow
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The Charlotte 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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There are tons of opportunities for 2025 family holiday fun in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, Santa sightings, and more... plus activities for Chanukah and New Year's Eve.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Charlotte 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 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Charlotte Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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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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