KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Tue, Dec 16: SCNP: Tiny Trekkers - Leaf Painting at Stevens
Creek Nature Preserve and Center
Tue, Dec 16: Family Storytime - ImaginOn
Wed, Dec 17: North County Regional Library
Letters to Santa-Writing Group
Sat, Dec 20: Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in Downtown Lincolnton
Sat, Dec 20: The Nutcracker
Ballet - Harris YMCA
Tue, Dec 23: Snow Days: Winter Experience at Discovery Place Science
Sun, Dec 28: Animal Ambassador Meet n' Greet at McDowell Nature Center
Wed, Dec 31: NYE Art Party with Kidcreate Studio (3-9 years)
Sat, Jan 10: Rocky Road Half Marathon, 10K and 5K at U.S. National Whitewater
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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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Dive into the holiday spirit at SEA LIFE Charlotte’s SEAson of Trees! Wander through an underwater winter wonderland featuring over 20 uniquely themed Christmas trees sparkling throughout the aquarium. From ocean-inspired ornaments to festive sea creatures, it’s a magical celebration that brings holiday cheer beneath the waves!
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Bring the family for festive songs, singalongs, and more at Holiday Pops with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra! On December 13, experience the magic of the holidays at Knight Theater in a special one-hour family performance with the Orchestra, the Charlotte Master Chorale, and special guests including Santa and friends! Songs like "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and traditional carols with sounds of bluegrass and blues will wrap you in the season's warmth and joy. Get your tickets now!
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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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The circus meets the Symphony at Cirque de Noël! Join the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra on December 19–21 for jaw-dropping feats as aerialists soar high above the Orchestra and awe-inspiring acrobatics unfold to holiday music at Knight Theater. Experience the wonder and joy of the holiday season in this magical event for the whole family. Get tickets now!
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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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Capture the Magic this holiday season when the 4th Annual Holiday Walk-Thru Experience arrives in Ballantyne - November 28-December 30th, 5:30pm-10:00pm! Tickets start at $10. 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, 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, and a brand new Winter Wonderland Carnival. See Ballerinas and other performers every night. Santa will be there nightly through December 23rd.
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Unforgettable Birthday Parties & Family Fun at Spare Time Entertainment! Spare Time Entertainment is the ultimate destination for kids to be kids! Our mission is to Create Memorable Experiences, and when you host a party with us, we’ll go out of our way to create an unforgettable memory for your family and friends. Each of our four customizable birthday party packages include: Tons of Activities including Bowling, Laser Tag, Game Zone, and more. Hand-Tossed Pizza and Soft Drinks Celebratory Place Settings, Lights, and Music Dedicated Party Host This year, let our team handle all the hard work while you kick back, relax, and enjoy the celebration! Spare Time Pineville - 9600 Pineville-Matthews Road, Pineville NC 28134 https://www.sparetimeentertainment.com/pineville/ Spare Time Huntersville - 16317 Statesville Road, Huntersville NC 28078https://www.sparetimeentertainment.com/huntersville/
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Welcome to the North Carolina Transportation Museum! The N.C. Transportation Museum is a historic site, once home to one of Southern Railway’s major steam locomotive repair facilities located between Washington, DC, and Atlanta, GA, and a museum featuring all types of transportation history – railroading, automotive, aviation, and more! Visitors can take a 25-minute train ride around our 60-acre site pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive and explore our displays and exhibits. We also host a variety of fun events for kids! Visit our website to learn about upcoming events, see our seasonal train ride schedule, and more!Plan your visit today for a trip into the past at the museum that moves you!
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Join us for a Family Farm Day with the Greenway Stables at the Crandall Bowles Children’s Farm! In addition to regular Family Farm Day activities, visitors will enjoy holiday-themed photo opportunities through the Children’s Farm. Bring your own camera! Family Farm Days are themed, monthly events at the Crandall Bowles Children’s Farm that give visitors the opportunity to interact with the animals in a more hands-on way. Get up close with animal interactions or snap photos with the Children’s Farm’s friendly residents—alpacas, horses, cattle, goats, chickens, ducks, and pigs! Enjoy lawn games and fuel the fun through a variety of snacks from on-site vendors. Lead line rides will be available for an additional fee.
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The Kannapolis Christmas Parade will be held at 6 pm, on December 13, in downtown Kannapolis. Once again, the parade will start at the intersection of Laureate Way and Main Street and travel down Laureate Way, and down West Avenue. With over a hundred entries and numerous marching bands featuring Christmas lights and decor this well-known nighttime parade is a holiday tradition you do not want to miss. It is one of the oldest nighttime parades in North Carolina. The parade route offers many areas to watch the parade comfortably with the beautiful backdrop of the North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis City Hall & Police Headquarters and West Avenue. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
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This show features everything that you’ve come to love most about Repticon’s two days of fun and excitement! See live animals from around the world, purchase pets and pet products direct from the experts at amazing prices you won’t find anywhere else, and learn more about reptiles and exotic animals. Repticon Charlotte is one reptile and exotic animal expo that you can’t afford to miss!
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- SCNP: Friday Fire and S'mores (drop-in) - Stevens Creek Nature Preserve - 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, Friday, December 12, 2025, 10:30am to 12:00pm
- Free mini photo session with
Shoott! - Charlotte - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, Saturday, December 13, 2025 and Sunday, December 14, 2025, see link for times
- Old Waxhaw Christmas by Sunny Day Markets - Sunny Day Markets - 8215 Waxhaw Highway, Waxhaw, NC, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10 am - 4 pm
- The Oaks Christmas Show - The Oaks Events - Lovers Lane, Midland, NC, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10 am - 3 pm
- Cramerton Holiday Bazaar - Town of Cramerton - Julian Street, Cramerton, NC, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 9 am - 1 pm
- Channel The Holidays 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run at United States National Whitewater Center - U.S. National Whitewater Center - 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, Saturday, December 13, 2025, see website for details
- Family Fort
Building - McDowell Nature Center - York Road, Charlotte, NC, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 1:30pm-3pm
- Visit
Santa - Main Street Mercantile - 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 1PM - 3PM
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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 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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