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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Black Friday is here with unbeatable savings at Urban Air Lake Grove, Long Island’s tallest indoor adventure park at 3147 Middle Country Road. Choose your deal and enjoy nonstop fun all season long. The Unlimited Play Winter Pass gives you unlimited visits all winter for just $99.99, while the Unlimited Play Seasons Pass offers nine months of adventure for $149.99. Planning a celebration? Get 50% off prepaid top-tier birthday parties, making the day stress-free for parents and unforgettable for kids. These incredible Black Friday deals are available now through December 1, so grab yours before they’re gone!
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The private schools in the Long Island area 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.
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Private Schools on Long Island: 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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New York’s family-favorite holiday tradition returns, as millions of lights and hundreds of illuminated animals spread across six lantern trails. Holiday Lights is a festive night out with friends and family as we celebrate wildlife and enjoy immersive light experiences, hands-on activities, holiday entertainment, and delicious food and drinks. Beloved favorites return, including the Holiday Train and Enchanted Sea - plus NEW surprises including thrilling snow tube slides, an epic illuminated ice-themed throne, virtual snowball throwing, and much more.
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Step into the season at NYC’s Favorite Holiday Tradition! After more than three decades, the Holiday Train Show continues to delight as New York City’s favorite winter tradition and a can’t-miss adventure. The timeless magic of rail travel fills NYBG with seasonal cheer as model trains travel over famous bridges and through familiar city settings, bringing nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas—including new surprises for 2025/2026—to life under the glass of the warm and welcoming Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Get up close to see these miniature masterpieces, each one meticulously crafted from plant parts like palm fronds, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks. Then head outside to explore a glowing mountain-scape brimming with even more trains and picture-perfect moments. On select evenings, journey through the exhibition with friends and loved ones after dark to see the show in a charming new light during Holiday Train Nights. Whether young or old, the Holiday Train Show has sparked…
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There's a nip in the air and the hint of frost on the windows. Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season while staying warm and cozy as LICM's popular winter season exhibit returns.
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Set to the sounds of the motion picture, passengers will relive the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical trip to the North Pole. Once on board, the Conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket as you’re served hot chocolate and a delicious cookie by our dancing chefs! Passengers will read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.
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Join us as we welcome our corporate sponsors and members of the public to pitch in and remove harmful marine debris from the beach!
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Sleepover dives into the hilarious world of teen life where friendship is everything, secret crushes are revealed, and the biggest drama is who makes the guest list. The girls are planning. The boys are crashing. Let’s Get This Party Started!
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Let your child’s creativity flourish at the Children’s Clay Pot Making Workshop at The Reboli Center for Art and History! This exciting, hands-on class is designed for children in 3rd – 5th grade, where they will explore the world of pottery and create their very own unique clay pots!
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Step into the world of traditional Indigenous craftsmanship with Chenae Bullock, the artist who crafted the mishoon featured in the Saltwater Stories exhibit. You will discover the deep connection between paddles, the water & the land as you learn about their cultural significance. Visitors will design and create their own mini paddles, while exploring stories, traditions, and creative activities that highlight the beauty of Indigenous craftsmanship. Stop by anytime between 11 am and 3 pm.
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As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re getting ready by creating some colorful turkeys. Take your terrific turkey home to adorn your Thanksgiving table. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.
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- Fall Open House - Grace Christian Academy, Smith Street, Merrick, NY, Friday, November 21, 2025, 7:00 PM
- Open House Night - Grace Christian Academy, Smith Street, Merrick, NY, Friday, November 21, 2025, 7:00pm
- Snowflake Sock Skating - Long Island Children's Museum, Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY, Friday, November 21, 2025, 10 a.m.
- Art for the Restoration Exhbit & Auction - Long Island Maritime Museum, West Avenue, West Sayville, NY, Friday, November 21, 2025, 10:00 - 4:00 PM
- AMSEAS Annual Corporate Beach Cleanup at
Sunken Meadow State Park - AMSEAS, New York State Reference Route 908K, Kings Park, NY, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 1pm-3pm
- Playful Puzzles - Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Ave, Garden City, NY 11530, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Snowflake Sock Skating - Long Island Children's Museum, Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10 a.m.
- Art for the Restoration Exhbit & Auction - Long Island Maritime Museum, West Avenue, West Sayville,
NY, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:00 - 4:00 PM
- Farmingdale Farmers Market by Scheider's Farm on the Village Green - Scheider's Farm, 361 Main St, Farmingdale, NY 11735, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 10am - 2pm
- Paddle Making & Storytelling - Long Island Children's
Museum, 11 Davis Ave, Garden City, NY 11530, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Let's Talk Turkey - Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Ave, Garden City, NY 11530, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Snowflake Sock Skating - Long Island Children's Museum, Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 10 a.m.
- Art for the Restoration Exhbit & Auction - Long Island Maritime Museum, West Avenue, West Sayville, NY, Sunday,
November 23, 2025, 12:00 - 4:00 PM
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Long Island 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 Long Island's online guide to everything for kids, teens, and families! he 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 Long Island 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 Long Island 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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