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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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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Slip into your comfiest pajamas and kick off the holiday season with us! Enjoy live music, fabulous discounts, and a special visit from Santa! Let’s celebrate and support our local businesses together. Don’t miss out on the fun—mark your calendars and spread the word! Start with our traditional PJ Party from 8:00am-4:00pm. South 2nd Street will be closed for a block party including games and live music. Then at 4:00pm, head down to the Fernandina Beach Harbor Marina for performances and more entertainment. Our huge Christmas Tree lighting countdown is at 6:00pm sharp!
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As Christmas time approaches what better way to get ready for the holiday season than to stroll the aisles for treasures at this year's award winning 36th annual Christmas Made in the South! This nationally acclaimed event is a fantastic way to ease into your holiday shopping and find that special holiday gift for that "hard to shop for" friend. Christmas Made in the South is focused on keeping the world of fine arts and crafts vibrant. Exhibitors will be there all three days demonstrating and selling their handcrafted works, Santa's elves hard at work.
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We would like to invite everyone out Fri. November 28th, starting at 10am to A Southern CHRISTmas Tree Farm in Hilliard Florida. We are the only working Christmas tree farm in Nassau Co. Where you can choose and cut your own Tree, we also offer fresh Frasier firs from NC. Enjoy a hayride, Deer Train rides for the kids, peddle cars, and a Petting zoo. Then enjoy some smore's by our fire. Santa will also be here Saturday so bring your camera.
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We invite the community to kick off the season at our festive holiday lights celebration at The Shops at Omni Amelia Island! Guests and locals will help us welcome Santa to our island paradise with the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. Be sure to make your way around the shopping village to enjoy cookie decorating, hot chocolate and cider, s’mores, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, family activities and music. Complimentary.
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The Icemen want to say "Thank You!" to our Teachers with this special offer, presented by Community First Credit Union!
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Experience the magic of the season at the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade! Watch as beautifully decorated boats glide along the St. Johns River, lighting up the night with dazzling displays. For over 30 years, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade has been a cherished holiday tradition. Boats of all sizes sparkle with festive decorations as they cruise along the north and south banks of the St. Johns River. Locals and visitors gather downtown along the North and Southbank Riverwalks to take in the enchanting sights. The celebration culminates with a stunning fireworks display, featuring the unique waterfall fireworks cascading from the Main Street and Acosta Bridges.
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Join us for the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade on Saturday, November 29th for a cherished holiday tradition that has been lighting up the St. Johns River for over 40 years! Watch as boats of all shapes and sizes sparkle with holiday lights, gliding along both the North and South banks of the river. Whether you're a local or visiting, come gather along the scenic North and Southbank Riverwalks for an unforgettable night! Following the parade, the evening concludes with a beautiful fireworks show featuring the one-of-a-kind waterfall fireworks on the Main Street and Acosta Bridge.
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The City of Jacksonville is thrilled to present Holiday River Fest on Saturday, November 29, 2025! This free, family-friendly celebration will fill both the Northbank and Southbank with festive cheer, offering a full lineup of holiday experiences across Downtown Jacksonville.
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Gather the family and join us for the Deck The Chairs Christmas Market! Stroll through local vendor booths, discover unique gifts, and enjoy tasty seasonal treats while the kids take in all the fun decorations. It’s a wonderful way to spend the day together, support local businesses, and kick off the holidays with joy!
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Students of all ages are invited to Deck The DUUUVAL on Sunday, November 30 from 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm! Kids will get to paint and decorate two large-scale banners with predesigned art elements showcasing the DTC Jaguars partnership. The final mural will be publicly displayed as part of 2025 Jax Beach Deck The Chairs. This free arts initiative is part of a series of visual arts activities scheduled for the season and designed to support students in the arts. Don't miss out!
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CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE dazzles with a brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the whole family. As the original cirque holiday theatrical event, this annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus arts. Guests will be on the edge of their seats as a cast of holiday characters come to life, captivating audiences while defying gravity. Reimagined for 2025, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE features original music, fresh twists on beloved holiday favorites sung live, new sets, dazzling scenery, and stunning costumes – making it the ultimate holiday gift!
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Bring the whole family to enjoy quality time with Santa and capture the magic with instant digital photos sent straight to your phone. Festive props will be on hand for those who want to add a little extra holiday cheer (and silliness!) to their pictures. As a sweet bonus, every child will receive their very own North Pole Arctic Sundae to enjoy after their visit.
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- Black Friday PJ Party and Christmas Tree Lighting | Fernandina Beach - 204 Ash Street, Fernandina Beach, FL, Friday, November 28, 2025, 8AM - 6PM
- Holiday Lights Celebration at The Shops at Omni Amelia Island -
Shops At Omni Amelia Island, 1st Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, FL, Friday, November 28, 2025, 5:30PM - 8:00PM
- "Monthly Noise" - Live Music Skate Night @ Artist Walk Skatepark - 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204, Friday, November 28, 2025, 6PM - 9PM
- Story Time with Ms. Dearsha - Story & Song Arts - 1430 Park Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034,
Saturday, November 29, 2025, 10:30AM - 11:30AM
- VyStar Free Saturdays @ MOCA - Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville - 333 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 11:00AM
- Hallmark Our Hilliard Christmas Market - 37516 Oxford St, Hilliard, FL, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 12PM - 5PM
- Jacksonville Light Boat Parade 2025 - Orange Park, FL 32073, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 6:00PM
- Jacksonville Light Boat Parade 2025 - Orange Park, FL 32073, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 6:30PM
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Sunday, November 30, 2025, See link for times
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Jacksonvile 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. From charming local farms to larger operations, each location provides a unique experience, complete with hayrides, hot cocoa, and seasonal treats.
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KidsOutAndAbout is Jacksonville'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 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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