KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a teenager, a math teacher I respected told me that there are two kinds of people: Those who make pizza, and those who grab as many slices as they can. "At the end of the day," he said, "you want to be someone who has made more pizza than she eats." He said this to me at the perfect time, when I was just forming my ideas about who I was and was going to
become. I decided I wanted always to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation, so I started thinking about how to use the time I have here on Earth to make as much pizza as I possibly could. Over the years, I found that the key to success in this long-term goal is to tune my mental radar to the very near future, to stay in control of my time rather than giving it away to an algorithm that serves endless empty calories: How best do I use the next five
minutes, the next half hour, the next day? It all adds up. Even young kids can add value to the world, especially if they watch their parents doing it. New Year's resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, especially when they're overly specific. But resolving to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation is straightforward. For some easy recipes for quick wins, check out my quick-read article 12 Starter Ideas for Pizza on Earth. Then look up from your phone, scan your world, and you'll find all the ingredients you need. Here's to a delicious 2026!
—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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Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase presented by Go Bowling features a 2-mile showcase of Rose Parade floats following their appearance along the parade route. Each year, nearly 70,000 visitors head to Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards in Pasadena for the chance to walk within a few feet of the floats and appreciate up close, the creativity and detail of each magnificent display. The walk has a moderate incline. Participating float exhibitors can engage with event attendees in this event’s family-friendly, celebratory environment. Food Fare is presented by Go Bowling. Enjoy a wide variety of food fare and cuisines from some of LA's best food trucks and savor the flavors of a variety of favorite food items. Food Fare is located on Sierra Madre Blvd. near Gate A in the showcase lot.
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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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Step into Gingerbread Wonderland, an immersive holiday village filled with festive fun and hands-on science. Race down the indoor toboggan slide, enjoy the Runaway Sleigh Theater, sing a long to holiday tunes, and take on sweet challenges inside the Sugar Rush Arcade. It's the perfect family adventure to celebrate the season through play and imagination.
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Circus Bella returns to the Big Top Circus Tent for a third year with STARLIGHT – An All-New Winter Circus Spectacular. With brand-new acts, sumptuous costumes, and artists from across the US, Circus Bell brings all the nostalgia and beauty of an old-timey circus combined with the eyebrow-raising savvy & modern look of 2025. A diverse cast of 13 perform thrilling feats of balance and strength, demonstrations of grace & poise, outrageous humor, and authentic moments that bring us all together.
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Bob Baker's Holiday on Strings returns for a festivity spectacular! Join Demitrius Nova Twinklestar III (that’s Demi Star for short) and the Wizard as they embark on a magical tour of the holiday galaxies. On your voyage through the stars, stop at Santa's Workshop, celebrate the eight days of Hanukkah, dip into the world of Charles Dickens, and oh so much more! This hour-long spectacular of merry marionettes invites you to celebrate the holidays at Bob Baker Marionette Theater with the whole family.
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During the holiday season, get together with the Grinch™ at a Who-tacular celebration to enjoy the music and fun of Grinchmas™. Meet the maven of mischief himself, his dog Max, and favorite Whoville residents. You'll also witness the spectacular lighting of our one-of-a-kind Dr. Seuss inspired tree to join in a celebration of music, song and light. Plus much more. Put a little snark in your holiday spirit with the Grinch™!
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Join Cars and Coffee Classics as they host a morning celebrating classic imports, great coffee, and a community of car enthusiasts.
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Celebrate with Bowers Museum during our free family festivals held every first Sunday of the month in the Museum’s beautiful Key Courtyard. Enjoy live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats at every festival.
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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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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 in and around Orange County. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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