KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: This Sunday marks the Winter Solstice—Robert Frost’s “darkest evening of the year.” It’s when we in the Northern Hemisphere most appreciate human inventiveness: We flip a switch, and light floods the room. It feels like magic, but it’s not. It’s the result of generations of curious, determined humans trying to make life better, brighter,
safer. That’s why my family celebrates Lightbulb Day every December 21. It’s our homegrown holiday honoring the inventors and problem-solvers whose insights fuel our lives. We toast our favorite technologies, learn some history, imagine the future. Past years’ MVPs include contact lenses,
antibiotics, the internet, veterinary science, and the Covid vaccine. This year’s front-runner: artificial intelligence. Last weekend, I had breakfast with a friend and her 13-year-old daughter, Lily. Lily said she loves math and science but struggles with how her teachers approach the humanities, especially writing. When I showed her how AI can help her learn in the way she learns best, her face lit up. So I went home and wrote a how-to article for Lily, her mom, and any of
you with kids in middle school or older: How Students Can Use AI to Learn to Write (Without Giving Away their Brains). AI isn’t here to think for us. It’s here to help us think more effectively with our own minds. That’s a message worth repeating, especially to our kids.
In this new AI age, the real danger isn’t the technology itself, it’s the temptation to hand our brains over to it and say, “Here, you do all the work.” So this Lightbulb Day, I’m raising an Erlenmeyer flask, not just to the great inventors of the past, but to Lily, and to every young person learning to think with tools rather than letting tools do the thinking. Because the real magic isn’t flipping the switch; it’s understanding where the current comes from, and
imagining what we’ll power with it in the future.
—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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I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
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Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
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From the moment you approach our custom-made, classic, red-and-white striped tent, you will be transported back in time to the golden days of the traveling circus where an amazing assortment of aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, hand-balancers, comedic jokesters, daredevils, magicians and more are waiting with bated breath to dazzle you in what we're sure you'll say is the most intimate and delightful entertainment experience ever! But don't let us speak for you; COME and see, hear, taste, and feel it for yourself! Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos (veh-NARR-dos), the Venardos Circus wraps world-class, animal-free circus acts into a Broadway Musical-style format dubbed “The American Circus with the heart of a Broadway Show.”
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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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A Town tradition and resident favorite every year, the OP Fire Department brings Santa Claus all throughout neighborhoods within the Town to ring in the Holiday Season and brighten everyone’s spirits. The parade is typically held on the third Friday in December. The Fire Department will provide more information and a route as the date approaches.
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Play Jungle is hosting a monthly science class for homeschoolers! Class will be Fridays from 11:30-12:30 on select dates listed below. Materials and curriculum provided by a certified PEP teacher. Please scan the QR code to register.
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We are proud to announce the return of our annual holiday show proudly celebrating over a decade of joy through music, dance, theatre & the spirit of Christmas. This high energy, non-stop show features over thirty world class performers in a classic big band setting including professional singers, entertainers, musicians, dancers, aerialists, actors and more. This family friendly holiday show is sure to get everyone in the spirit. Ask anyone that has attended before, and they will tell you this show is a "must-see" event. Since 2014 this show has delighted thousands across NE Florida & SE Georgia. This full theatre production will include all your favorite holiday songs, local celebrity singers, dancing, acting, and tons of exciting surprises with appearances by Saint Nick himself.
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Light up the evening at Congaree and Penn. Make merry on the farm grounds as paper lanterns are lit along the paths that wind throughout our acres. Enjoy s’mores by the fire, cozy libations, and holiday tunes. All you need is a farm pass! Farm passes are limited and will sell out. Farm passes include access to the farm grounds where the luminaries will be lit, holiday tunes by Lauren Woodall & Her Band, and s’mores. The farm grounds bar and food truck will be available to purchase food & beverages separately.
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Get ready, Yulee! The sweetest tradition of the season is back, join us for the 21st Annual Yulee Christmas Parade & Festival and this year’s theme is Candyland Christmas! Bring your family and friends for a day filled with holiday spirit, community pride, and memories that will last a lifetime. Big thanks to our sponsor: Community Press Foundation
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Kick off the holiday season with a magical morning at the Zoo! Join us for A Very Merry Breakfast with Santa, a joyful family experience filled with holiday cheer and festive fun. Start your day with a delicious Chicken and Waffle Bar complete with warm toppings, tasty sides and refreshing beverages. Little ones can gather for a cozy holiday story time, followed by an unforgettable visit with Santa himself, perfect for photos, smiles and sharing wish lists. But the festivities don’t end there. Your ticket also includes full Zoo admission, Carousel rides and 4D Theater access.
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Join us on Saturday, December 20th from 10am–12pm for our 5th annual holiday Jingle Jump event! Fun on attractions, holiday treats, a special appearance by The Grinch, and more!
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Join us for a free story time! We will be reading Hanukkah Pajamakkahs by Dara Henry. Hilarious and celebratory, there's no better way to celebrate Hanukkah with the whole family. Even better if the whole family is wearing matching pajamakkahs.
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Based on the hit 1992 film and Tony-nominated Broadway musical, Sister Act JR. is the feel-good musical comedy that will have audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing, and a truly moving story, Sister Act JR. will leave audiences breathless. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act JR. is a reason to REJOICE!
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Join us for Christmas at The Vault on Sunday, December 21st. Come get those last minute Christmas gifts, while supporting local! I hear Santa will be there, to take FREE pictures with you and the entire family!! Bring the dogs too!! Santa loves them all.
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The Playground at Ritz Theatre this month is getting festive with a mystery movie night! Join us on December 21 and get into the holiday spirit with the Ritz! Enjoy Blackout Poetry Workshop, the Surprise Movie, and Arts & Crafts.
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Join your best biking buds for this year's Luminary social ride. Departing from the Kent Campus parking lot at 6 pm, we'll make a slow circuitous route through Avondale to enjoy the luminaries and Christmas lights, returning to Kent Campus afterwards. This is a family-friendly ride but please be sure to light all riders with front and rear lights (decorative lighting encouraged), helmet all kiddos, and keep an eye on all riders in our group.
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Celebrate Riverside Avondale Preservation Luminaria Night with a gathering at the Garden Club of Jacksonville and luminaria tours by Go Tuk’n. Go Tuk’n tuk-tuks arrive at the Garden Club’s front door for pick up and drop off. Riders can take a break and join Luminaria Festival guests to shop local holiday vendors on the front lawn of the Garden Club while you listen to holiday music, sip a beverage, nosh on small bites, and play lawn games. The holidays are a perfect time to show your commitment to the environment and support for small businesses. Peruse our pop-up shop of vendors that sell homegrown or handmade items. Visit vendors selling plants, garden-produced goods, honey, artwork, jewelry, handcrafts, and much more.
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Are you a procrastinator?? No worries me too! Come buy those last minute Christmas gifts while supporting local! Join us at Tractor Supply in Yulee on Tuesday, December 23rd. Enjoy Local Vendors and Food Trucks and finish your Christmas shopping!
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- Family Night at The Underground Eatery & Bar - 1352 North Main Street, Jacksonville, Friday, December 19, 2025, 7PM - Close
- Town of Orange Park Fire Truck Parade - Town of Orange Park, Orange Park, Friday, December 19, 2025, 6:30PM
- St. Augustine Night of Lights 2025 - 2026 -
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau, St. Augustine, Friday, December 19, 2025 to Sunday, December 21, 2025, See Website
- Jax Beach Deck The Chairs 2025 - Deck The Chairs, Jacksonville Beach, Friday, December 19, 2025 to Sunday, December
21, 2025, See Website
- Vilano Beach Artisan Market - Vilano Beach Main Street, St.
Augustine, Saturday, December 20, 2025, 4pm - 8pm
- Story Time with Ms. Dearsha - Story & Song Arts - Fernandina Beach, Saturday, December 20, 2025, 10:30am - 11:30am
- VyStar Free Saturdays @ MOCA - Museum of
Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Saturday, December 20, 2025, 11:00AM
- 21st Annual Yulee Holiday Parade & Festival - Nassau County, FL, Yulee, Saturday, December 20, 2025, 10AM - 4PM
- 5th Annual Breakfast with Santa - Nassau County, FL, Yulee, Saturday, December 20, 2025, 9AM - 11AM
- Second Annual Christmas at the Park - Nassau County - Markets By Mariah, Fernandina Beach, Saturday, December
20, 2025, 10AM - 4PM
- Barnes and Noble San Jose Storytime: Hanukkah Pajamakkahs - Jacksonville, Saturday, December 20, 2025, 12:30PM
- Luminaria Bike Ride 2025 - Jacksonville, Sunday, December 21, 2025, 6:00PM
- Christmas Market at The Vault - Callahan, Sunday, December 21, 2025, 1:00PM - 5:00PM
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Jacksonville - Shoott, New York, Sunday, December 21, 2025, See link for times
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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Ring in the New Year with a little help from KidsOutAndAbout! Our Big List of family-Friendly celebrations is just what you need to find ball drops, fireworks displays, NOON Year's Eve fun, activities, parties and more! If your favorite isn't on the list be
sure to send us an email and we'll add it pronto.
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions in and around Jacksonville. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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