KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Peace can come in many textures during the holidays. For some, it’s the energizing bustle of concerts and community events, or the warmth of a crowded house full of voices and motion. For others, it’s the stillness of a walk through snow-covered woods, a soft blanket at home, or the quiet company of someone who understands them. It shifts from person to person, and
sometimes even from one day to the next. Peace can be internal, external, or, at its best, a bit of both: a sense that life makes sense, within and around us. It’s easier to feel when we’re free from hardship, but even in the midst of challenge, it’s sometimes possible to find a quiet kind of peace when we know we’ve done our best with the time and energy we’ve been given. Peace can be elusive for parents; after all, we're the ones in charge of figuring out
how to make the family rhythm and flow work for everyone, and what brings peace to our kids may look nothing like what brings it to us. Maybe your son needs to be out with friends while you crave stillness. Maybe your daughter is hoping to hide in a corner with a book while you're in full-on glitter-and-cookie mode with all the cousins. Parenting is the art of balance, of helping everyone in the family thrive by seeing who they really are and doing our best to honor it. It's not easy, and it's
never perfect, but we try. When kids feel known—when they hear “I see that you love this, that you need this, and I’ll help you find your way to it”—they flourish. That sense of being understood can be its own kind of peace. So as the season winds to a close, I wish you whatever kind of holiday rhythm helps you feel most like you. And I hope you’ll find moments to offer that same gift to those around you. When we make space for each other’s version of peace,
it’s more likely to find its way into the room.
—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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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.
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Drop by Emma Clark Library to create beaded bracelets or design a one-of-a-kind washer necklace. No registration required. Parents must stay in the Children's Library when their children are in a Children's program.
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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.
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This December, step into a world where dinosaurs come alive — with a festive twist!
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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.
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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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Come cheer on the Islanders at home! Check the schedule, grab your friends and family and get your tickets today!
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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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View beautifully decorated Christmas Trees by Businesses, Groups, and Non-Profits in the area! Join us December 1st through January 1st in the Village Center.
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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.
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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.
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Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes at this year’s Christmas Spectacular! Whether it’s your first time or your family’s annual tradition, this milestone season promises to be more unforgettable than ever before.
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Did you know the New Year's Eve ball is based on an old nautical timekeeping tradition? Join us to countdown to 12 noon, and enjoy festive self-serve crafts all day during gallery hours.
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Bring the family and ring in 2026 EARLY with two awesome Family-Friendly celebrations at D&B!
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Enjoy a day of sweet scientific exploration, as we use candy as the basis for our activities, projects and experiments. Discover where sugar comes from and just how much of it is hiding inside the foods we like to eat. SMLI's Holiday Workshops allow kids ages 4-13 to really dig into the heart of science in a fun, friendly, camp-like atmosphere on the days they have off from school. Join us as we explore new horizons and unlock the mysteries of meteorology, biology, chemistry, and much more! Children will participate in experiments, create crafts, observe demonstrations, and enjoy hours of hands-on activities!
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Celebrate one of our favorite mountain traditions, our annual Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display. Watch skiers light up the slopes followed by fireworks, all viewable from The Patio and The Lodge. Enjoy live music throughout the day for a festive atmosphere from start to finish.
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- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Long Island - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, 12/28/2025, See link for times
- Jewelry Making (Grades K-5 w/ caregiver) - Emma S. Clark Memorial Library - Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, Main Street, Setauket, NY, 12/26/2025, 2:00pm–3:30pm
- 2025 Port Jefferson Festival of Trees - 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY, 12/26/2025-12/28/2025, All Day
- Snowflake Sock Skating - Long Island Children's Museum -
Long Island Children's Museum, Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY, 12/26/2025-12/28/2025, 10 a.m.
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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 on Long Island. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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