KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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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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KidsOutAndAbout.com's big 2025 list of holiday happenings in the Jacksonville area: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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Discover the wildest, biggest, and brightest Christmas experience around! Surround yourself in the magic of the holidays when you step into a world of over 2 million dazzling lights, including the Twinkling Timbers and the Glimmer Grove. Don't miss the return of a mesmerizing Carol of the Animals Lake Show, meet-and-greets with Santa and cheerful holiday characters alike - all united for the ultimate Christmas experience. Don't miss the chance to create cherished family memories and dive into the enchantment of South Georgia's biggest and brightest Christmas event!
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Every Friday! Bounce house & Outdoor movie! Nana's Snow Cones vending gourmet snow cones, and Eatery & Bar open! Kid friendly menu.
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Come out and join our Holiday Market while shopping with over 160 local vendors! We've got everything! Live DJ, Kid Activities, True Farmers market (produce, canned items, flowers and more), Arts and Craft Vendors, Food Truck Alley and so many more unique vendors! You do not want to miss this FREE entry event!
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It’s time for sticks, pucks, and wagging tails! Join us for Pucks & Paws Night, where fans can bring their pups to cheer on the Icemen, presented by Forever Vets Animal Hospital!
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SHOP LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL this Holiday Season at First Coast Cultural Center from our returning vendors and newly acquired merchants. This annual event is a community favorite! Local and handmade wood carvings, accessories, jewelry, sweets, clothing, shoes, glasswork, and more!
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Celebrate your family’s special moments with Shoott’s FREE 30-minute outdoor photo sessions! Whether it’s holiday photos, family portraits, birthday milestones, or simply capturing everyday joy, our talented local photographers make the experience easy and fun. You only pay for the photos you love, with no upfront cost or sitting fee. Receive a gallery of beautifully edited images within days and choose your favorites. Book your session at shoott.com and create lasting memories!
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Little Princess Spa® Invites you to the K-Pop Demon Hunter Event. This event featured Demon Hunter inspired Hair and Makeup, Arts and Crafts, Karaoke Sing-Along to Demon Hunter K-Pop hits, Dance Party, Games & Music Battles (K-Pop style!) And MUCH MORE!
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First released in 1993, TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS was directed by Henry Selick (JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH) and based on a story and characters by Tim Burton. Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere.
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Pack up the stroller, put on your walking shoes and bring your little one on an early learning adventure as we stroll through the Zoo. This special class is designed for children ages 0-3 and a caregiver. Make new friends while you visit animal exhibits, meet a friendly animal ambassador, read a story and explore the animal world with all your senses! From Stingray Bay to Asia Gardens, each month features a new theme for you to explore.
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Gather as we celebrate love in our community with our 7th annual Harvest of Gratitude event, collecting donation items for JAX MISSION HOUSE in Jax Beach. Each donation gets you a raffle ticket + a chance to win an annual membership basket!
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Join us on Saturday, November 22nd from 3–9 PM for a special community Friendsgiving celebration! At Friendsgiving Fountain, there will be a wide and unique variety of food trucks serving Thanksgiving-inspired entrees and desserts, and plenty of tables and seating spread throughout the park for all to gather and enjoy together! Or, bring your own Picnic Blanket! During your meal and visit, enjoy live music provided by Scott Halls and Adam Cotton!
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Jurassic Quest is ROARING into a city near you!
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Join us for a day of family-friendly fun at Wicked Barley! We're transforming the brewery into a community celebration with something for everyone, including Live Music, Complimentary Face Painting, Kids Activities, Kids Eat Free (exclusions apply), and Local Vendors & Makers Market. Bring the whole crew and enjoy great food, local shopping, and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a long-time Wicked Barley fan or new to the brewery, we can't wait to celebrate with you and your family!
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- Family Night at The Underground Eatery & Bar - 1352 North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206, United States, Google Maps, Friday, November 21, 2025, 7PM - Close
- Holiday Market at Mandarin Markets - 2955 Orange Picker Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223,
United States, Google Maps, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10AM - 4PM
- 7th
Annual Harvest of Gratitude at Brewhound Dog Park + Bar - BrewHound Dog Park + Bar, 1848 Kings Circle South, Neptune Beach, FL 32266, United States, Google Maps, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 2:00PM - 6:00PM
- Friendsgiving Fountain: A Community Friendsgiving Food Truck Event | JaxParks - City of Jacksonville- Parks, Recreation, And Community Services, 214 N Hogan St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States, Google Maps, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 3PM - 9PM
- VyStar Free Saturdays @ MOCA
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville, 333 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States, Google Maps, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 11:00AM
- Story Time with Ms. Dearsha - Story & Song Arts - Story & Song Center for Arts, 1430 Park Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, United States, Google Maps, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:30am - 11:30am
- Family Fun Day - Kids Eat Free | Wicked Barley Brewing Company - Wicked Barley Brewing Company, 4100 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32217, United States, Google Maps, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 11AM - 4PM
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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