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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
We are excited to invite you to our exciting event! Get ready for a magical holiday experience the whole family will love! We'll have free pictures with Santa, a craft vendor show, hot cocoa, coffee, food trucks, a kids zone, and more holiday surprises. Bring your family, bring your friends, and get into the holiday spirit at Santa’s Village in Wesley Chapel where the magic of Christmas comes to life!
|
|
|
|
Join us at Santa's Village in First Federal Park! Get ready for a magical holiday experience as you visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at their cozy house in the park! Step into their charming house and snap a picture with the jolly old man himself! Don’t forget to bring your Christmas wish list – you can write him a letter and drop it in the special mailbox while you're here! If you forget to bring your letter, don't worry because we have a Santa letter and coloring station set up for you. We'll also have a marshmallow roasting station where you can cozy up with friends and family as you roast delicious marshmallows at our roasting station. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy while you take in the festive atmosphere! Join us for live entertainment on various evenings, with music, holiday stories, and festive performances that will get you into the holiday spirit. We've heard that the Grinch will be here one night also. There will also be rides on Santa's Express Train! Hop on for a…
|
|
|
|
The timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is back for the fourth year in a row, bringing its classic tale to the stage once more! This beloved story follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who, on one fateful Christmas Eve, is visited by three spirits. These ghostly encounters lead him on a journey through his past, present, and future, ultimately resulting in a profound transformation and experience of redemption.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 pronto.
|
|
|
- Holly Jolly Movie Night - Town of Stallings - Town of Stallings - 340 Stallings Road, Stallings, NC, Friday, December 19, 2025 - 6 pm
- SCNP: Friday Fire and S'mores (drop-in) - 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC, Friday, December 19, 2025 - 10:30am to 12:00pm
- City of Belmont's Annual Festival of
Trees - City of Belmont - South Main Street, Belmont, NC, Fri-Sun, Dec 19-21, 2025 - See website for details
- Holiday Lights of Christmas Town U.S.A. 2025 - McAdenville, NC, Fri-Sun, Dec 19-21, 2025 - Nightly 5:30 pm - 10 pm
- Christmas at
the Library - Billy Graham Library, NC, Fri-Sat, Dec 19-20, 2025 - Friday-Saturday 5-10 pm
- Christmas Tree Lot & Activities - Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC, Fri-Sun, Dec 19-21, 2025 - 12:00pm
- Movies in the
Park - Downtown Belmont - 24 S Main St., Belmont, NC, Saturday, December 20, 2025 - See website for details
- SCNP: Toddlers
on the Trails (TOTs) Hike - 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC, Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 9:00am to 10:30am
- Whimsical Woodland Ornaments - York Road, Charlotte, NC, Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 2pm-4pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Charlotte - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, Sat-Sun, Dec 20-21, 2025 - See link for times
- Family Storytime - ImaginOn - ImaginOn - 300 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC, Sat-Sun, Dec
20-21, 2025 - 10:30 am - 11 am
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
