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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The Green Vale School is Long Island’s largest preeminent private school for Pre-Nursery (age 2) to 8th Grade. But that’s not the only thing that makes us different. Since 1923, Green Vale has been deeply committed to providing a transformative and exceptional education that fosters a love of learning, nurtures creativity, instills a sense of leadership, and prepares our students to thrive in an ever-changing world. After a culminating middle school experience, GVS graduates go on to excel at top secondary schools and elite colleges, because, like our students, what makes Green Vale different is what also makes us special. Experience the GVS difference today! Schedule a private tour or attend an event on campus.
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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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Start your holiday with some family fun! Come on down to Alley Pond Park for the Hot to Turkey Trot 2 Mile & 4 Mile! Make your way through the beautiful scenic trails and grab some HOT turkey swag as a THANK YOU as well as some delicious snacks from All Round Foods & Waterloo Sparkling Water!
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Peanuts’ timeless holiday television special comes to life with the national tour of A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage, coming to cities this winter. This critically acclaimed holiday celebration that the whole family can enjoy brings Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang together live on stage as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas and perform songs from the unforgettable musical score of legendary composer Vince Guaraldi. The Broadway-style production complete with immersive sets, lighting, choreography, and colorful costumes has sold more than 300,000 tickets over the prior holiday seasons.
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Get ready for a wild time at the Labubu Skate Party! Come meet the Labubus and join the fun — music, skating, and surprises await!
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Illusionist David Garrity presents “Magic & Beyond.” This performance is appropriate for all ages. “Magic & Beyond” is a one-person illusion show that features unique, theatrical and visual magic, audience participation, and comedy to a custom-edited musical soundtrack.
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The Danbury Railway Museum's Christmas Fundraiser begins Saturday, November 29th and runs every Saturday and Sunday through December 22nd. Your ticket grants you full admission to the museum and railyard, where you'll find artifact displays and antique railroad cars.
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Community Tree Lighting at 6:00pm at Mystic River Park before the Lighted Boat Parade! Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 6:15 PM Spectators and passersby line both sides of the Mystic River to watch as decorated boats pass by in the 22nd Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. Interested in showcasing your boat for the Lighted Boat Parade. Participation is open to the public and only requires a toy donation to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center which will be on site the day of. Come and see as decorated vessels parade down the Mystic River just after 6PM and return to the Mystic River Park, where spectators and judges gather. Boats are judged on creativity and team spirit, with prizes offered in five categories: 'Most Charismatic Crew', 'Innovative Vessel', 'Best Dressed Vessel', 'Most Holiday Spirit' and 'Miss Mystic Vessel of Grandeur'. Is your boat still in the water through the holiday season? Decorate your vessel and participate in the 2024 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. Email…
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Join us for our second annual Jolly Jamboree and make unforgettable memories this holiday season! • Join Santa and Rudolph at the DJ-led dance party. • Get creative with festive keepsake crafts. • Decorate a special cookie that Santa would love. • Join in some frosty fun as you sock skate with your favorite character friends. • Enjoy songs of the season with our Victorian carolers. • Create lasting memories as you take a holiday family photo.
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Bring the whole family to The Milleridge Inn for our beloved Breakfast with Santa 2025 in Jericho, NY. Enjoy a festive morning filled with all your favorite breakfast items, holiday décor, and special photo opportunities with Santa himself. With multiple seatings available every weekend from late November through December, this magical tradition is the perfect way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories for children and adults alike. Please call to make reservations.
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The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) is a whimsical yet faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, brought to life with the irreverent charm of the Muppets. Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter miser who loathes Christmas and human connection. On Christmas Eve, he’s visited by the ghostly former business partners Jacob and Robert Marley—played hilariously by Statler and Waldorf—who warn him to change his ways or face eternal torment. Scrooge is then guided through his past, present, and future by three spirits, each revealing the loneliness, missed opportunities, and grim fate that await him if he doesn’t open his heart. Along the way, Kermit the Frog shines as Bob Cratchit, with Miss Piggy as his spirited wife, and Tiny Tim tugging heartstrings as the symbol of hope and innocence. Narrated by Gonzo as Charles Dickens and Rizzo the Rat, the film blends Victorian atmosphere with musical numbers, slapstick humor, and surprising emotional depth. It’s a story…
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Meet Santa Claus and have your picture taken with him at the Montauk Point Lighthouse! Enjoy delicious hot chocolate donated by Hampton Coffee and scrumptious cookies donated by the Montauk Bake Shoppe. This event is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
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Jurassic Quest is ROARING into a city near you!
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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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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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- Snowflake Sock Skating - Long Island Children's Museum, Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY, USA, Friday, November 28, 2025, 10 a.m.
- Art for the Restoration Exhbit & Auction - Long Island Maritime Museum, West Avenue, West Sayville, NY, USA, Friday, November 28, 2025, 10:00 - 4:00 PM
- Santa Claus visit at Mall of Monroe - 2121 N Monroe St, Monroe, MI 48162, Friday, November 28, 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Santa Parade & Visit - Port Jefferson
- 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY, USA, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 3:30PM
- Santa at the Montauk Point
Lighthouse - Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum, Montauk Point Lighthouse, Montauk Lighthouse, Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY, USA, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Snowflake Sock Skating - Long Island Children's Museum, Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY, USA, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 10 a.m.
- Art for the Restoration Exhbit & Auction - Long Island Maritime Museum, West Avenue, West Sayville,
NY, USA, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 10:00 - 4:00 PM
- Santa Claus visit at Mall of Monroe - 2121 N Monroe St,
Monroe, MI 48162, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Snowflake Sock Skating - Long Island Children's Museum, Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY, USA, Sunday, November 30, 2025, 10 a.m.
- Art for the Restoration Exhbit & Auction - Long Island Maritime Museum, West Avenue, West Sayville, NY, USA, Sunday, November 30, 2025, 12:00 - 4:00 PM
- Santa Claus visit at Mall of Monroe - 2121 N Monroe St, Monroe, MI 48162, Sunday, November 30, 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:00 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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