KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a teenager, a math teacher I respected told me that there are two kinds of people: Those who make pizza, and those who grab as many slices as they can. "At the end of the day," he said, "you want to be someone who has made more pizza than she eats." He said this to me at the perfect time, when I was just forming my ideas about who I was and was going
to become. I decided I wanted always to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation, so I started thinking about how to use the time I have here on Earth to make as much pizza as I possibly could. Over the years, I found that the key to success in this long-term goal is to tune my mental radar to the very near future, to stay in control of my time rather than giving it away to an algorithm that serves endless empty calories: How best do I use the next five
minutes, the next half hour, the next day? It all adds up. Even young kids can add value to the world, especially if they watch their parents doing it. New Year's resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, especially when they're overly specific. But resolving to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation is straightforward. For some easy recipes for quick wins, check out my quick-read article 12 Starter Ideas for Pizza on Earth. Then look up from your phone, scan your world, and you'll find all the ingredients you need. Here's to a delicious 2026!
—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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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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The Darien Arts Center has opened registration for its Winter/Spring 2025 semester, offering classes in dance, music, visual arts, and acting for students of all ages. This season includes returning favorites and new offerings such as Workshop Wednesdays, youth and adult visual arts classes, expanded on-camera acting programs, and a wide range of dance styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Broadway Theater Jazz. With opportunities for beginners through advanced students, the DAC provides a supportive environment for creativity and skill-building. Register online at darienarts.org or call 203-655-8683 to learn more. Please visit our website for more information.
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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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Bundle up for A Frosty Fun Day at 1741 Pub & Grill! Join us on January 2nd from 12 PM - 2 PM for a wintery afternoon designed especially for families and kids. Enjoy Frosty the Snowman on repeat playing in the background on the TVs while the little ones get creative at our Make Your Own Snowman craft station. We'll also be serving up a special ice cream sundae special, plus kids menu specials to make lunch extra fun.
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Weather Alert: heavy snowfall has arrived at Stepping Stones! During this “Season of Fun”, experience enchanting indoor blizzards* plus shovel-ready “snow,” “ice forts” for playful snowball fights, sled-pulling adventures and more snowy surprises all winter long. Grab your coat and mittens – the frosty fun is about to begin (minus the chill)!
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The Holiday Lights Spectacular returns to Olde Mistick Village! The largest holiday light display in southern New England is FREE to the public and will run through the end of January, 2026 starting at 5pm every evening. Over a half-million lights will decorate the Olde Mystic Village square of shops and restaurants for families and holiday enthusiasts to enjoy. Parking is also free.
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Winter vacation is made for discovery, and the Science Center is open daily! Explore 165+ hands-on exhibits, step into the mind-bending Forest of Illusions, and escape to the tropics in Connecticut’s only year-round Butterfly Encounter. Add a spin on our sock skating rink and a fresh experience in the newly improved Forces in Motion gallery, and you’ve got a full day of fun for all ages.
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- Little Red Bar[n] Live Music at Bishop's Orchards - 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT, Friday, January 2, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2026, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- A Frosty Fun Day at 1741 Pub & Grill - 1741 Pub and Grill, Middlefield, CT, Friday, January 2, 2026, 12 PM - 2 PM
- Family Programs at Yale Peabody Museum - Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT, Saturday, January 3, 2026 to Sunday, January 4, 2026, See website for specific program times
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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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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.
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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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