KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which explained
why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30. Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time: Presence creates
the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them together. They don’t pile
up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join MUSYCA Children’s Choir! This holiday season, give your child the gift of music, confidence, and community with Los Angeles’ premier youth choral program. At MUSYCA, young singers grow their talents in a fun, supportive environment led by world-class music educators who help each student succeed and nurture a lifelong love of singing. Our students enjoy once-in-a-lifetime performance and recording opportunities that inspire and excite—singing at prestigious venues, recording for film and TV, and collaborating with leading artists. With ensembles for ages 4–18, there’s a perfect place for every young singer to shine and find their voice. Enrollment for the new season is now open—come sing with us!
|
|
|
|
Watch out, Pasadena! A charismatic salesman Harold Hill has just arrived, and he’s stirring up a whole lot of “trouble!” Presented by Theatre 360, this beloved Broadway classic comes to life with a talented cast of 30+ young performers. Join us this December 19-21 for a heartwarming, toe-tapping show bursting with energy and charm!
|
|
|
|
Join us for a celebration filled with joy and light! Loosely translated, Hikari means “shine” in Japanese, and this holiday season we have really made Tanaka Farms shine with over a million twinkling lights! Grab a hot cocoa and take a cozy Wagon Ride around the festively lit farm that will take you to the “Land of a Thousand Lanterns!” Once off the wagon, you will wander through the light displays, with photo opportunities throughout. After the wagon ride, make your way down to the Festival Grounds where you can visit with the Barnyard Animals, grab some food from the Tanaka Grill, take advantage of lots of photo-ops, games, Arts & Crafts, meet Santa for a photo, and, of course, more holiday lights! (all activities are priced individually.) Enjoy live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights
|
|
|
|
Back by popular demand, it’s a holiday season filled with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles – and of course, the tree! After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh, la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited. After selling some of her old gowns and accessories, she’s finally able to buy a brand-new sparkly tree topper. She simply cannot wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don’t go as planned, can Nancy still make Chris
|
|
|
|
“In Bloom: Flowers in Contemporary Art” premieres at Forest Lawn Museum on September 20, 2025. While artists have been depicting flowers for thousands of years, this exhibition explores a range of contemporary artistic approaches to the subject. Featuring paintings, sculptures, installations, and video, the artworks vary dramatically, from naturalistic to abstract, and from playful to contemplative.
|
|
|
|
Santa Anita Park | Nov 21 – Dec 28: Step into a holiday adventure filled with dazzling light displays, festive treats, and joyful moments for all ages. Step into 10 acres of holiday wonder—featuring the World’s Largest Light Maze, a sparkling ice skating trail, live entertainment, and more. Enchant is an immersive experience weaving magic into its every corner, perfect for joyful seasonal celebrations. Wander our Village of tiny storefronts featuring artisan vendors, specialty crafters, and boutiques - perfect for holiday gift gathering.
|
|
|
|
Join Santa, Santa’s Head Elf and Mrs. Claus to sing festive holiday songs to get into the Christmas spirit! Happening at the Santa Set on Level 1, near Nordstrom.
|
|
|
|
Scrooge! The Musical is a heartwarming and festive adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella A Christmas Carol, featuring music, lyrics, and book by Leslie Bricusse. Set in Victorian London, the story follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold-hearted moneylender who despises Christmas and lives a life devoid of compassion and joy. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him to change his ways or suffer a grim fate in the future.
|
|
|
|
Catch Scooby Doo and the meddling kids of Mystery Inc at our seasonal exhibit SCOOBY DOO! Mansion Mayhem. Get ready for an adventure filled with supernatural sleuthing, mysteries, and thrills for the whole family. It’s your turn to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and work together to crack the case! Don’t forget to take a picture with the Mystery Machine! Included with general admission or membership. This exhibit is open from September 20, 2025 until January 19, 2026.
|
|
|
|
Every day is Pet Photo Day with Santa this holiday season! Bring your pets to pose with Santa! Your pets are part of the family too, so don’t miss out on this special opportunity for them to enjoy Santa! Visit Santa on Level 1, near Nordstrom. November 8 through December 24
|
|
|
|
Located in vibrant Runway, Playa Vista, this takes place each Saturday, rain or shine, from 9-2pm. Market goers will find organic fruits, seasonal vegetables, local meat, fresh flowers, baked bread, french pastries, artisanal goat, cow and cashew cheese, nut-butter, salsa and guacamole, Peruvian Arepas, wood-fired pizza, handmade jewelry, and lots more!
|
|
|
- Farmers Market - Runway Playa Vista - Runway Playa Vista - 12775 Millennium Drive, Playa Vista, CA 90094, Friday, December 12, 2025, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm PST
- Way to Play Day - Pretend City Children's Museum - 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618, Friday, December 12, 2025, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Los
Angeles - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, December 12, 2025 (See link for times)
- Free mini photo
session with Shoott! - Los Angeles - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Saturday, December 13, 2025 (See link for times)
- Doheny State Beach Community Beach Cleanups - 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Los Angeles - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Sunday, December 14, 2025 (See link for times)
- Celebración de las Artes - Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Sunday, December 14, 2025,
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Los Angeles area 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 America'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, so click
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the LA 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 best places to take kids in the Los Angeles area! In early summer each year, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Who won first place? An indoor play center, museum, farm, nature center, sports
team? Click through to find out!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
