KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Wed, Dec 10: Stuff the Train Dance Party at B&O Railroad Museum
Fri, Dec 12: Holiday Trains & Planes at College Park Aviation Museum
Fri, Dec 12: The Little Prince - The John F. Kennedy Center
for the Performing Arts
Sat, Dec 13: STEAM Saturday at National Building Museum
Sat, Dec 13: Atlas Presents Family Fun Day
Tue, Dec 16:
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland 2025 at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
Wed, Dec 17: Benjamin's Winter
Circus Adventure at The Great Benjamins Circus
Fri, Dec 19: The Dance Institute of Washington: The Spirit of Kwanzaa at
Atlas Performing Arts Cente
Sat, Dec 20: Hands on History: Festival of Lights at Riversdale House Museum - MD
Wed, Jan 14: Pokémon in Real Life at Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Mon, Jan 19: MLK Service and Learning Day at Frying Pan Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park - Herndon, VA
Tue, Jan 20: Gabby's Dollhouse Live! at Berglund Center |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my
own parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them
to grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—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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The Hylton Performing Arts Center believes that children should experience the arts early and often. That's why we offer performances designed for children, offer half-price Hylton Presents tickets for kids, and designate the performances most suitable for all ages as family friendly. Our Hylton 2025-26 Family Series features Secrets of Space, Click, Clack, Moo, and much more. Join us!
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Families, get ready to jingle all the way to Pinstripes for the most festive brunch of the season! Santa's making his list and checking it twice, and your family's invited to join him for our spectacular Santa Brunch. Every Saturday & Sunday from 11/29 - 12/21, the big man himself is trading his sleigh for a seat at our table. Join us for a holiday buffet packed with action stations, classic breakfast selections, and an amazing chocolate fountain that's sure to delight! Plus, kids 5 & under eat FREE! Gather your merry little band and make this season unforgettable. Spots fill faster than Santa's sleigh, so book today!
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Make this holiday season one to remember. Now through the entire month of December, The Nutcracker returns to the historic Warner Theatre. Whether you are surprising loved ones with an evening out or planning a family celebration, The Nutcracker offers the kind of magic that brings generations together. Premium seating includes extra-wide plush chairs, in-seat wait service, early lounge access, and complimentary parking, a gift that everyone will appreciate. Our concierge team ensures your evening feels seamless from start to finish, so you can focus on what matters most, spending time with the people you love. Gather your family and friends, select your night out, and share the joy of The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre. The best seats in the house are filling quickly. Learn more and view dates here. Questions? You can reach Maryclaire Griffin at 202-626-8255 or maryclairegriffin@livenation.com.
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Gather your family for an evening of holiday magic on the farm—wagon rides, crafts, campfires, and Santa himself await! Take a wagon ride through dazzling lights, cozy up by the campfire, and meet Santa before he heads to the North Pole. Create fun crafts, stroll the grounds to see friendly farm animals and soak up the festive farm charm. Admission includes a wagon, trackless train and carousel ride.
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Celebrate the holidays at ZooLights! Enjoy twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere as this beloved winter classic returns to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Journey through magical displays of glowing animal lanterns, watch live musical performances, sip hot cocoa and other festive treats, and explore the Zoo under the dazzling glow of one million environmentally friendly LED lights. ZooLights is a family-friendly, conservation-minded holiday tradition — each visit helps support the Zoo’s mission to save species and protect habitats worldwide.
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Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the National Harbor Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show at American Way Park! This festive event is filled with holiday items, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal décor created by local artisans and crafters. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts or capturing holiday memories with pictures with Santa, it’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!
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Experience the magic of the holiday season at the National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show series! Starting Thanksgiving weekend, on November 29, and continuing until December 21, join us every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm for an enchanting holiday experience. Unlike other long-term Christmas markets, we offer something unique every day with a rotating selection of talented artisans and crafters, along with an array of delectable holiday sweets and desserts. Come immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, discover one-of-a-kind treasures, and enjoy delightful treats. Create lasting holiday memories with family and friends at our vibrant and ever-changing Christmas market!
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Celebrate Christmas with the Critters! Activities include: photos with Santa Claus, live Nativity scene, Candy Cane Express rides, pony rides, Christmas arts & crafts, children's play areas, live animal encounters, holiday photos with live animals, bonfire & marshmallow roasting, thousands of outdoor holiday lights and animal petting & feeding!
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- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - DC Metro area - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, December 5, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, See link for times
- DECEMBER 6 - 7 National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show - National Harbor, 150 National Plz, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, Saturday, December 6, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair @ Veterans Plaza - Veterans Plaza, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
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The Washington, D.C. metro 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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KidsOutAndAbout is the DMV's online guide to everything for kids, teens, and families! The activities we've listed here are confirmed for this year, but many require reserving ahead of time, and
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas 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 Detroit Metro 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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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