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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Experience holiday magic with Glimmer Nights at Fenimore Farm! This year, find a larger selection of light displays, free carousel rides, themed weekends, and more. Family-friendly ticket prices make this third season of Glimmer Nights even more appealing. Kids six and under are FREE! See the enormous Mega-Chicken light display, traverse the multi-colored lights of Rainbow Road, and walk among the larger-than-life flora of the Flower and Mushroom Garden. Stop at Todd’s General Store, Bump Tavern, and then the Crossroads Café for our famous hot chocolate! So much to see and do!
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Experience the magic of the newly expanded Christmas in America event in Mount Vernon! Explore a 12,000 square foot walk-through filled with enchanting holiday décor and delight. Don’t miss Santa Claus's visits, open now and continuing throughout the holiday season. Best of all, this is a free holiday experience! Located at 30 Warren Place in Mount Vernon, NY, the Christmas in America store is the largest Christmas shop in Westchester, offering a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience and holiday destination for families, collectors, and holiday enthusiasts.
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In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, Master storyteller Perry Ground (Turtle Clan, Onondaga Nation), will share Haudenosaunee and other Indigenous cultures through storytelling, performance, and artifact-sharing. 1pm sessions are geared toward families; 3pm sessions are geared towards older teens and adults. Inspired by works by Shelley Niro and Frederic Remington in Everything Has a Story, Perry’s storytelling will illuminate Haudenosaunee contributions to American identity while challenging common myths about U.S. history.
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The creative team at Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Attractions; the #1 Haunted attraction in America now presents a new family fun holiday light spectacular that will prove to be unlike any other event in the country. A Frosty Fest features a drive-thru display of holiday lights and animations with music, actors and animatronics, as well as Santa, your favorite characters, a magical comedy show, and much more!
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Our beloved, large-scale Holiday Market is back for its 16th year, taking place over 3 days, beginning on Black Friday, and running through Sunday, November 30! Shop from 75+ local artisans and specialty food makers for holiday gifts, provisions, and more! The market is free to attend. Stop by from 11AM - 7PM on Friday/Saturday and 12PM - 6PM on Sunday to experience the fun! Food and beverage concessions will be available for purchase, but the market and parking are free.
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Private and alternative schools in New York's Hudson Valley 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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Private and alternative schools in the Hudson Valley: 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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The Hudson Valley 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 Hudson Valley'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
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Hudson Valley 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 winners in KidsOutAndAbout's annual survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Hudson Valley. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Favorite Art Educator, Favorite Sport Educator,
and Favorite STEM Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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