KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
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
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Urban Air Lake Grove has announced extended hours for the December holiday school break, inviting families to enjoy Long Island’s tallest indoor adventure park earlier and later each day. The park will operate 10am–4pm on December 24, close on December 25, open 10am–9pm from December 26–30, run 10am–4pm on December 31, and resume 10am–9pm January 1–3. On December 31, it will host its 3rd annual “NYE @ Noon,” featuring a balloon drop and prize giveaways. Weekly “Jumperoo” sessions for children five and under are cancelled on December 18, 25–26 and January 1–2. Guests can check the website for updates.
|
|
|
|
The magic of ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil is back for a limited run this holiday season at The Theater at MSG, December 4-28. For years, Isabella and her father have read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” together, but this year Isabella feels like she’s outgrown the family tradition. Then the magic of the poem comes to life, and Isabella and her father are unexpectedly separated by a snowstorm that sends them on a fantastical journey. In a winter wonderland inspired by the poem, they discover whimsical characters, acrobats, children and reindeer who reunite father and daughter in the holiday spirit. Children younger than 24 months may attend without the purchase of a ticket, however, they may not occupy their own separate seat and must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap.
|
|
|
|
A family-friendly musical celebration on REAL ICE that is literally the "coolest" show for all ages this holiday season. On stage at The Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, NY, from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
|
|
|
|
Themed “Fantasy Winter Fairyland,” this year’s original light art designs turn frosty magic into reality. Journey with Lumi and be amazed as towering sculptures illuminate the park, transforming it into an immersive dazzling fairytale world and a starry holiday dream. Share the thrill of discovery and make lasting memories by dressing up for our theme nights. Let the whole family enjoy becoming someone or something new! Some of our theme nights change from event to event, but none are to be missed!
|
|
|
|
Presented by Lifestream Music – A Night of Doo-Wop & Motown Legends. A Holiday Experience Like No Other. Celebrate the holiday season with timeless voices, soulful harmonies, and unforgettable performances. The Holiday Harmony Show brings together legendary Motown and Doo-Wop artists for one magical evening of music, memories and festive cheer. Featuring the talents of The Duprees, Vito Picone & The Elegants, Diana Ross & The Supremes Tribute, The Four Tops Tribute, and Jilliyeah!—a fresh experience. Enjoy legendary artists, holiday magic, family-friendly music, and free parking.
|
|
|
|
Fun for all ages at our Dinosaur Carnival - Save the dates and come on down! Join us at our 4th annual Dinosaur Carnival! Bigger than ever, with games, prizes, face painting and perhaps a roaming dinosaur or two! Free with museum admission. Tickets are available at the door.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate the upcoming winter solstice with a guided hike to North Pond (~1.5 mile hike total distance). Learn about the flora and fauna of the Refuge, as well as how native animal species are preparing for the winter season ahead. Dress for the weather by wearing hats, gloves, and warm layers. This is a program for adults, and families with children over 6 years old. $5 per person.
|
|
|
|
Synopsis The Academy Award-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Cast Away) reunite for The Polar Express, an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Directors Robert Zemeckis Production year 2004 Rating G
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
It's about to get cold! Watch as we perform strange and amazing things with the use of Liquid Nitrogen. Just how cold does nitrogen need to be to enter the liquid stage of matter? What does a super frozen marshmallow taste like? Come find out with us at this chillingly fun workshop!
|
|
|
|
Celebrate Chanukah with Commonpoint from 1-3pm on Sunday, December 21 at Commonpoint Central Queens! Join us for fun family activities including cookie decorating with Bakers & Shakers, Mount Mitzvah with Mainstages, craft projects including kindness card making and mitzvah bracelet making, and more for all ages!
|
|
|
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Long Island - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 12/19/2025 to 12/21/2025, See link for times
- 2025 Port Jefferson Festival of Trees - 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY, USA, 12/19/2025 to 12/21/2025, All Day
- Snowflake Sock Skating - Long Island Children's Museum - Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY, USA, 12/19/2025 to 12/21/2025, 10 a.m.
- Free Holiday Flying Trapeze and Circus
Show - Westbury - Old Country Road, Westbury, NY, USA, 12/20/2025, 7:00pm
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 on Long Island. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
