KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my
own parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them
to grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—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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Sign up now for Ultimate Ninjas Anaheim Hills Winter Break camp! Ultimate Ninjas’ camps are a mix of structured class time together with mini-competitions, games, free time, and other activities. There’s no better way to keep your kids moving and off devices over the break! Camp is offered as either Full Day or Half Day (morning or afternoon) sessions. You can book one day at time, a full week, or just drop-in. Sibling discounts are available. Ages 5 and up are welcome, and no prior experience is required. Ninja athletes stay active, improve their strength, agility, endurance, overall fitness, and most importantly… their confidence. Winter Break Camp runs December 22-January 9. For more information, visit their website, or if you have questions, contact them at anaheimhills@ultimateninjas.com or (714) 795-1970.
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Introducing our Aviation Simulator Camp, an intensive program for kids and teens deeply captivated by aviation. This camp goes beyond the basics, providing in-depth knowledge and hands-on practice critical for those considering a pilot certificate. Through rigorous simulator training and expert-led workshops, participants will master the science and art of flying in a challenging yet supportive environment.
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Dec 6, 7, 13, & 14: It’s the timeless Rudie-DeCarlo musical comedy ALL ABOUT SANTA. Where has Santa gone? And how can the inhabitants of the North Pole save the spirit of the holidays from the diabolical machinations of an all-too-commercial world? Complete with perky elves, zany inventors, toy soldiers and porcelain dolls, audiences boo the villain, cheer the heroine, and help to save the day in this delightful holiday event, perfect for the whole family!
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L.A. Zoo Lights is L.A.’s wildest holiday tradition. Guests immerse themselves in a dazzling world of lantern sculptures and lights, with exciting new elements that will delight and entertain the entire family. In 2025 the event brings guests through a holiday themed wonderland; the weird and wonderful world of plants and pollinators featuring larger than life birds, butterflies, insects and flowers; glowing lanterns depicting wildlife of Southeast Asia; and an African landscape that includes representation of the continent’s iconic regions and wildlife, all illuminated by spectacular sculptural lights.
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Active, Retired, and Veteran U.S. Military Personnel may receive discounted admission to Knott's Berry Farm for themselves and up to 5 guests during Military Tribute Days. Tickets can be purchased online for $25* at Knotts.com or at the Knott’s Berry Farm ticket booths. Discounted admission is also available at a participating Military Ticket Office. Spouses and children are not eligible to purchase these tickets without the military member present.
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Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival, returns to Costa Mesa on select dates from November 28 through January 4. Experience the magic of the holiday season with dazzling lights, fresh snow, thrilling attractions, live entertainment, and festive activities for families, couples, and holiday lovers of all ages. Guests can enjoy unlimited ice tubing, real snow play, immersive experiences, live entertainment, seasonal food & drinks, countless photo opportunities, and much more as the OC Fair and Event Center is transformed into a magical winter wonderland.
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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
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Join CMA Educators and volunteers in a beach cleanup, clearing the shore of marine debris. Meet at the steps in front of the auditorium.
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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
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Come hear our Orff & Recorder Ensemble perform onstage at the Sandpipers holiday boutique. Listen to the music while you shop, and support this annual community fundraiser! Neptunian Woman's Club (open to the public), 920 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach.
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Discover the sweet side of science at Science of Gingerbread, featuring dozens of creative gingerbread structures crafted by families, students, and makers. From whimsical houses to engineering -inspired designs, this annual holiday exhibit blends creativity, STEM, and festive fun. Guests can explore the displays all season and vote for their favorite creation.
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‘Tis the season for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. Come with family and friends and take this enchanting ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the train station and drop passengers off at the North Pole. Children can share their wish list with Santa; yu may take pictures with your personal camera or you may purchase a photo taken by Irvine Park Railroad. The Christmas Train requires reservations that are available for purchase online only.
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The Orange County 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.
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- Farmers Market - Runway Playa Vista - 12775 Millennium Drive, Playa Vista, CA 90094, Friday, December 5, 2025, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm PST
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Irvine & Orange County - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, December 5, 2025, Saturday, December 6, 2025, and Sunday, December 7, 2025, See link for times
- Beach Cleanup at the Cabrillo Marine
Aquarium - Cabrillo Marine Aquarium - 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, CA 90731, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9:00 - 10:30am
- Los Cerritos Wetlands Habitat Restoration in Long Beach - Pacific Coast Hwy and 1st Street, Seal Beach, CA
90740, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10:30 am–12:30 pm PT
- Volunteer Day - 30464 Silverado
Canyon Road, Silverado Canyon, CA 92676, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9:00AM - 12:30 PM
- Santa on the Go! - City of Westminster - Westminster Community Services, Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, CA, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10-11:30am
- Music Rhapsody Orff & Recorder Ensemble Performance at Sandpipers Holiday Boutique - Music
Rhapsody - Redondo Beach, CA - 1603 Aviation Blvd. Suite 1, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 11am
- International Winter Holidays at Bowers Museum - Bowers Museum - 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 11 am - 3 pm
- Free Family Sundays: Christmas Open House - 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672, Sunday,
December 7, 2025, 10 AM - 2 PM
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Orange County 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 best places to take kids in the Orange County, CA area. Each May-June, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Who won the top spot? An indoor play center, museum, farm, nature center, sports team?
Click through to find out!
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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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