KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Hartford readers! We're so sorry for the confusion. We accidentally sent a newsletter that included an incorrect Save the Date section. This version includes the corrected up-to-date and local information. Thank you very much for your patience! -Your
KidsOutAndAbout Team |
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Fri, Nov 21: Glow Hartford Holiday Light Festival & Market
Sat, Nov 22: Lincoln Center Young People’s Concerts
Sat, Nov 22: Native American Heritage Month Programming at Mystic Seaport Museum
Fri, Nov 28: Cirque Dreams: Holidaze at Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Fri, Nov 28: Santa Express at Railroad Museum of New England - Naugatuck Railroad
Sat,
Nov 29: Hearth Cooking - Life on the Webster Farm
Sat, Nov 29: Santa Arrives By
Tugboat, Lighted Holiday Boat Parade & Tree Lighting 2025 - Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
Fri, Dec 5: Holiday Stroll: North Pole at Lounsbury House
Fri, Dec 5: 2025 Lantern Light Village - At Mystic Seaport Museum
Sat, Dec 6: Winter Moon Living Exhibition at Mashantucket Pequot Museum &
Research Center
Thu, Dec 11: Movie Night at the Museum: Christmas on the Carousel
Fri, Dec 12: Playtime
Adventures at The Children's Museum- West Hartford, CT |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
When I was about four years old, I turned to my mother and asked, “Mommy, do you know what I’m thinking?” She said no, that no one can know what’s going on in someone else’s head unless they say it out loud. I was instantly relieved. “Good!” I said, emphatically. This family story points to something we all figure out eventually: No one—not even those we love most—can
truly know us completely. That’s because our minds are crowded with thoughts, memories, emotions, and those little sparks of insight that are hard to pin down for ourselves, much less explain to someone else. So no matter what, we can only really share just a slice of who we are. Some people might say that being selective about what parts of ourselves we show to different people means we're being fake, but I don't. Full transparency isn't even possible, so the goal is
sincerity. As long as what we share is true to who we are, we’re being honest. Selective, but sincere. This is especially helpful to remember during the holidays, when we’re surrounded by lots of people, sometimes all at once. Some of them we love dearly. Others... less so. So when Aunt Viv is going on (again) about the zoning board, you don’t have to confess how bored you are. Just focus on what’s real—the part you truly mean—and say that. “So sorry that's getting in your
way, Aunt Viv. But I just have to say: Your pecan pie is amazing.” So this holiday season, try to tune your radar to see the good stuff. Say out loud what you honestly appreciate. And take comfort, as four-year-old Deb once did, that no one can read the rest of what’s going on in your head.
—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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Want to have some jumping fun? Book your party with Fun City Trampoline Park! At Fun City we do all the set-up and clean-up so you can relax and have fun. All Fun City parties include two large one-topping pizzas, ice cream, bottled water, socks, a private room, an enthusiastic party host, a full hour of unlimited attractions, a t-shirt for the birthday child and even a $5 arcade card for each jumper. Kids love our trampolines, games, rock climbing and foam pit. It’s a party the kids will never forget! Click here to book your party today!
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Private Schools in the Hartford, CT area: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences. 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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Private and alternative schools in the Hartford area cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools. If your school is not on our list but should be, please email us at ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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KidsOutAndAbout's big list of 2025 holiday events for the Hartford area: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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Celebrate the holiday season under the twinkle of a million lights at Glow Hartford! Glow Hartford returns to the Connecticut Convention Center, November 21st through December 23rd. Enjoy interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, seasonal food and drinks, family-friendly activities, a festive holiday market and daily live entertainment. Don’t miss a FREE photo with Santa and ride on our trackless “Glow-comotive” train.
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This holiday season, step into Holiday Enchantment—a dazzling, whimsical experience for the whole family at the Connecticut Science Center. From November 15 through December 21, the Science Center is transformed into a glittering wonderland filled with festive surprises around every corner. Delight in breathtaking holiday décor and magical photo backdrops that bring the spirit of the season to life. Glide across the sock skating rink, bounce through the holiday cottage, and wander the Holiday Forest of Illusions, where science and enchantment intertwine. Meet Santa Claus on select weekends and enjoy special science demonstrations and hands-on holiday workshops—all included with your General Admission ticket. Whether it’s your first visit or a new family tradition, Holiday Enchantment is the ultimate way to experience the wonder, the laughter, and the magic that make this the most enchanting season of all.
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From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Tomaquag Museum will present an open-hearth cooking demonstration in the Buckingham-Hall House. Discover how Indigenous communities celebrated the harvest season while enjoying the rich aromas of a traditional fall meal prepared with seasonal ingredients. At 2:00 p.m. in the Masin Room, join us for a screening of One with the Whale (2024), a powerful documentary sharing Native Alaskans’ perspectives on the cultural and spiritual importance of subsistence whale hunting. Learn more about the film at www.onewiththewhale.com.
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Board our locomotive-powered sleigh for a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive sing-a-longs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa. Children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas! Make sure those PJs are warm and cozy…it’s cold up at the North Pole!
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- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Google Maps, Friday, November 21, 2025 to Sunday, November 23, 2025 (See link for times)
- Little Red Barn Live Music at Bishops Orchards - Bishops Orchards, 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT, USA, Google Maps, Friday, November 21, 2025 to Saturday, November 22, 2025 (6:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
- Touch Truck at Apple Barrel Farm Market - Lyman Orchards
Farm Store at the Apple Barrel, 32 Reeds Gap Road, Middlefield, CT 06455, United States, Google Maps, Saturday, November 22, 2025 (10:00 - 2:00 pm)
- Fire Making Class at Ansonia Nature Center - Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Lane, Ansonia, CT 06401, United States, Google Maps, Saturday, November 22, 2025 (2 pm)
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The Hartford 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 Hartford'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 Hartford 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 Hartford Kids, as voted by KidsOutAndAbout.com readers! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Favorite Arts Educator, Favorite Sports Educator, and Favorite 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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