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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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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Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool is a preschool - Grade 8 program by design. The intellectually inspiring curriculum fosters joyful learning and uplifts each student to rise to their authentic self. Students benefit from small classes, individualized attention, and a vibrant, connected community that encourages them to take risks and speak their mind. The Ridgefield, CT campus offers programs for preschool through Grade 8. The Westport, CT and Bedford, NY campuses offer preschool programs for ages 2-5.
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Nov 28-Dec 24, every day except Sunday: Santa and his three LIVE reindeer are returning to Greenwich for the 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop presented by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell at Compass Real Estate, "The North Pole on North Street", Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street, Greenwich. The cherished town tradition continues for the seventeenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the beautiful Santa's Workshop, which provides more space for families while they wait in line for their photo with Santa. This all takes place just minutes from downtown Greenwich. Parking is free. Click here for details.
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Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences for Fairfield County, Connecticut. 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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Looking for a birthday party that packs in fun, games, and glowing memories? The Cave in Bethel has you covered! Their party packages include favorites like mini-golf, laser tag, and mini-bowling—plus arcade credits, prize tickets, and delicious pizza and drinks. The guest of honor always celebrates for free and gets bonus goodies like extra arcade time and prize tickets! Choose from standard, semi-private, or VIP party options, all hosted by friendly Party Pros who keep the good times rolling. It’s the perfect all-in-one party destination for up to 12 guests (or more!). Learn more at thecavect.com or call to book your glowing celebration today.
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Fairfield County parents have many options for educating their kids, both traditional and non-traditional! This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools, featuring schools in Greenwich, Stamford, Bridgeport, Norwalk, Westport, Danbury, Ridgefield, and many other towns.
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The City of New London is proud to announce the commencement of its holiday season with a calendar of events celebrating the diverse array of faiths and holidays in New London’s culture. Celebrate the spirit of the season with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Parade Plaza in downtown New London on November 28! From 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, enjoy a festive evening filled with Christmas carols from the Eastern CT Symphony Chorus the melodious sounds of the Shoreline Ringers Bell Choir and a special performance by The New London Arts Magnet Pathway Chorus.
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Visit the Fairfield Museum this holiday season and experience the magic of the Holiday Express Train Show! Young and old alike will delight in the model trains winding around spectacular winter villages and beautiful holiday scenery. Museum Members and children aged 5 and younger can visit for FREE. If you become a member in December, you receive 18 months for the price of a 12-month membership! This offer is valid for new members only.
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Bring your family for one last memory-making visit to Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce. The event will be retired after 2025, so don’t miss your last chance to mingle among a half million twinkling lights throughout the park. Hop on some of your favorite family rides while you enjoy holiday treats and admire Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree. Be sure to stop in and say “hello” to Santa himself. Put some sparkle in your season one final time at Holiday Lights ‘25, select nights November 28 thru December 28.
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Take the whole family to come and see the latest exciting adventures of Santa Claus! This year, Santa is on a wild ride with a super charged, fancy sleigh that takes him on the craziest adventures you can imagine, meeting a cast of the funniest characters ever! But is his sleigh playing tricks on him? Was the villainous Krampus involved in trying to take down Santa and take over the North Pole? Will Rudolph and Dasher find their way in the world, or will they join forces with the elves and save Christmas after all? Whether you saw Santa Story 2 or are joining us for the first time, you’ll love the heartwarming and hilarious story of how Santa and his trusty reindeer and elves teamed up for Christmas. It’s a perfect mix of fun, laughter, and holiday spirit for the whole family. Make TYA part of your holiday traditions!
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Hamden Hall is a Pre-School through Grade 12 community with a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by fostering each student’s individual growth. Our students benefit from a balance of rigorous academics, athletics, and extracurricular and creative offerings amid a caring and supportive community. With a Hamden Hall education as their foundation, our students leave our halls as well-rounded individuals with broad outlooks on life and attend some of the world's finest colleges and universities. Learn more about The Hamden Hall Experience by scheduling a visit to our school community today.
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Fairfield Country Day School (FCDS) is a private, all-boys day school in Fairfield, Connecticut that prepares K-9 boys to face everyday challenges and pivotal moments with confidence, courage, and compassion. Our academic program is grounded in research on what best supports boys' learning and development. We embrace intellectual curiosity, foster social-emotional growth, and encourage empathic inclusion. We focus on the importance of foundational education during the elementary and middle school years, when boys form their understanding of learning, curiosity, resilience, and character. As students explore secondary school options, we provide exceptional guidance so each boy knows himself well and can find the best path that supports his educational goals. At FCDS, boys thrive in a community where they feel a deep sense of belonging, are valued for their contributions, and are challenged to be their best selves. Please visit our website for more information.
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Fairfield County 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 Fairfield County'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,
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Fairfield County 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 Fairfield County Kids: Once again, our readers have spoken! Thousands of parents voted in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners
in special categories like favorite spot for indoor play, favorite nature center, favorite museum, and much more!
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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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