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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A Family Musical Immersive Experience featuring “The Holiday Carols Slaying the Sleigh Songs”. The show takes place in an enchanting festive setting, contestants (Carol, Carol, and Caroline) audition for the role of the most lovable Ms. Clause, while Rudolph, our witty host, and Blitzen, the in-house musical director, guide the audience through interactive song medleys and holiday games. Essentially CAROLMANIA! is a Christmas concert where everyone can play a part with songs and games and prizes.
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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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A Christmas market, also known as Weihnachtsmarkt, is a traditional German Christmas street market — and we’re bringing a little taste of it right here to Jacksonville! This year marks our 5th annual Christmas Market, and we’re so excited to share the festivities with you once again.
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Join your friends and neighbors for the first Community Clean Up of 2025 on Saturday, December 6. We will meet at Shoppes of North Pearl (1800 N Pearl St) and clean up the surrounding area in the northwest quadrant of Springfield. We'll have bags, gloves, and some trash grabbers - just show up! Late arrivers are welcome too, any amount of time spent helping is appreciated.
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Join the Jacksonville Icemen for the Holiday Season on Saturday, December 6 through this exclusive Santa Photo Package! Ticket(s) purchased through this link will include a photo opportunity with Santa during the game! All photos will be sent via email within the following days after the game.
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Children's Entrepreneur Market is a non-profit organization that gives your kids hands-on experience with entrepreneurship! It's like a farmer's market, but all of our vendors are kids!
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The world’s biggest-selling soprano and legendary GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist Sarah Brightman returns with her new Christmas spectacle “A Winter Symphony” tour this November and December! Accompanied by orchestra, choir, and special guests, this enchanting holiday show will feature Sarah performing many of her holiday classics and greatest hits. “A Winter Symphony” is an unforgettable Christmas experience during the most wonderful time of the year!
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Holiday market delights to family-friendly fun and an appearance from the Big Guy in Red! The 4th Annual Jacksonville Holly Jolly Community Event at Riverwalk Art Square (Under the Bridge) from 11-3pm.
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Kick off the Christmas season with us at Southside Methodist Church for San Marco Community Christmas, our big holiday celebration designed especially for children and families! Join us on Saturday, December 7, for a joyful evening packed with wonder, fun, and Christmas cheer.
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- First Fridays at Friendship Fountain - Monthly Community Food Truck & Craft Vendor Night - City of Jacksonville - 1015 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207, Friday, December 5, 2025, 6PM - 9:30PM
- Five Points Funky Fridays - Five Points - 1021 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204, Friday, December 5, 2025, 4PM - 8PM
- Family Night at The Underground Eatery &
Bar - The Underground Eatery & Bar - 1352 North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206, Friday, December 5, 2025, 7PM - Close
- 1st Saturday Skate Clinic at Artist Walk Skatepark - Artist Walk Skatepark - 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
- SPAR Community Clean Up: Shoppes of North Pearl - SPAR - 1800 Block of North Pearl, Jacksonville, FL 32206, Saturday,
December 6, 2025, 9AM - 11AM
- Story Time with Ms. Dearsha - Story & Song Arts - Story & Song Center for Arts - 1430 Park Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10:30am - 11:30am
- VyStar Free Saturdays @
MOCA - Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville - 333 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 11:00AM
- Friends of the St Augustine Amphitheatre 3rd Annual Holiday Celebration - Free Event! - Friends of the St Augustine Amphitheatre - St Augustine
Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL 32084, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 5:00pm - 9:00pm
- 4th Annual Jacksonville Holly Jolly Community Event - Riverside Artists Square - 725 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32204, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 11am-3pm
- San Marco Community Christmas - Southside
Methodist Church - Southside Methodist Church, Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32256, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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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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