KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
It's often said that parenting is a "thankless" job. In one sense, that's undeniably true, because it will likely be many years before the young humans you're raising—the ones who actually have a stake in the outcome of the excellent job you're doing—are in a position to thank you. So you don't hear that phrase often during the first couple of decades of parenthood.
My fervent wish
for the future is to live in a world filled with engaged, culturally literate, productive, happy people. This means that what I said above isn't precisely accurate: It's not only your kids who have a stake in your parenting success, we ALL do, because the path to that future starts NOW for the young people in your orbit. So I'm grateful that you care about getting them "out and about" to the wide variety of experiences available in your community: It will make all
the difference.
Our job here at KidsOutAndAbout.com is to help you do that as easily as possible. In 2001, I created the original version of this web platform that now connects 15 million people each year with their area's activities and resources. My team gets to see it all up-close and personal as local businesses post to KidsOutAndAbout through their free listings, and then we get to turn around and shout about them to y'all, bringing your community closer to you.
So I want to
step in for the rest of the world that's not (yet) thanking you, and say it to you today: Thank you so much for what you're doing. Raising kids is hard in any era, but no one could have anticipated all the roadblocks that a pandemic would toss onto our path.
As anyone who knows me knows, I'm endlessly looking for reasons to celebrate. So today, I'm celebrating YOU with my digital megaphone and pom-poms. You're doing a great job. Future Deb sends her thanks,
too.
—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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Just a minute of your time could make a big impact. KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of AI. We're asking all parents, grandparents, and caregivers-whether you're
tech-savvy or not-to weigh in.
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The private schools in the Pittsburgh area cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. This is KidsOutAndAbout's list.
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Private and alternative schools in the Pittsburgh, PA area: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences. If your school should have a video on this page, please send a link to the school's video on YouTube or Vimeo to ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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Come meet Santa and his friends aboard this holiday Pittsburgh riverboat tour, the kids will enjoy a DJ dance party and a special treat from Santa Claus! Kids, get your Christmas list in order and we’ll see you on the riverboat!
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‘Tis the Season to See Santa at the History Center! The holidays are back—and so is jolly Old Saint Nick! Bring the whole family to the Heinz History Center to meet Santa in the Great Hall on select days this holiday season. Capture a merry holiday photo, share your wish list, and soak up the spirit of the season as Santa listens from an exact replica of Kaufmann’s famous Santaland chair—a true Pittsburgh tradition!
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Join us for our 2nd Annual Festival of Trees at the historical site at Old Economy Village!
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Who-ville it be?! Meet the miserly Grinch himself, alongside his stink, stank, skunk friend OR the original WHO-OO-OO…an owl buddy! When the Grinch takes over Santa’s chair, you can snap photos and enjoy festive activities, designed to put the whole family in a holly jolly mood!
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November 28-30 at Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: The show portrays CS Lewis at his home near Oxford on Christmas Eve hosting a group of Americans who are Christmassing in England. They are about to experience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections which stimulates a whole range of emotions – curiosity, laughter, gladness and even some tears. Above all, they will discover how that encounter with Tolkien forever changed his Christmas celebrations.
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Find one-of-a-kind wares from local makers along with beautiful and practical gifts created by artisans from around the world at the 14th Peoples Gas Holiday Market.
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Join us in the Ailsa Mellon Bruce Decorative Arts and Design galleries for an in-person morning story time with Alyssa Velazquez as she reads The Fixer of Broken Things by Julia Patton. Following the reading stick around for a making activity for children 12 and under.
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Get a glimpse of the magic of Dazzling Nights Pittsburgh. 2025 brings the most epic Dazzling Nights yet. Journey through a maze of Disco Ball Snowmen. Explore a forest illuminated by hundreds of candles and beautiful stained glass windows. Celebrate with delicious drinks under the light of a 50 ft tree. Meet the creatures of the woods in brilliant neon. Experience the Elevated Reflection sculpture hovering about the Lotus Pond at the center of Brilliance, a nighttime spectacular. And so much more.
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The holiday season simply isn’t complete without a trip to Phipps Holiday Magic, where glowing gardens and festive displays make spirits soar. This year’s playful theme, “Wild Winter,” invites you into a wonderland of whimsical topiary wildlife and enchanting scenes at every turn. Step inside and prepare to be dazzled — we’ve gone all out with breathtaking new displays, brilliant décor and our signature floral masterpieces. From vibrant amaryllis and delicate orchids to a spectacular showcase of poinsettias, every bloom is a burst of seasonal joy. And the magic doesn’t stop at the door. Outside, our beloved Winter Light Garden transforms the night with radiant displays in vivid, glowing hues — a dazzling spectacle sure to delight guests of every age.
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Enjoy an evening in Downtown Pittsburgh, learning about the history of the city, discovering beautiful squares and pieces of architecture, while getting to see all the festive holiday lights and decorations. Experience the world's largest pickle ornament, a unique gingerbread house display, a replica of the crèche from Vatican City, and much more! The grand finale of the tour will be a big Christmas tree surrounded by an ice rink, and last but not least: The central holiday market in town!
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The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium makes spirits bright again this winter holiday season with Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience, presented by UPMC Health Plan, select nights November 22 through January 11, 2026. All new silk-and-steel lanterns will spark your imagination, including amazing animals, beloved holiday characters, traditional Asian icons, and ever so many enchantments. The lanterns will be paired with more than a million twinkling lights for an unforgettably shiny holiday experience.
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What is Holiday Lights Mini Golf at Fun Fore All? Fun Fore All's Holiday Lights Mini Golf has been named one of Kidsburgh’s and KDKA’s BEST holiday light displays in since 2017! Turning our two award-winning miniature golf courses into fully playable walk-through holiday light extravaganzas. Families can experience a beautiful, interactive, holiday experience unlike any other in the area.
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Join us for Santa's Holiday Photo Experience, where we'll create new and enchanting memories together. Explore our exclusive events and mini-photo sessions designed for the whole family. We recommend reservations, but if you're feeling spontaneous, walk-ins are welcome and will be accommodated if possible. Please note that the lines may close earlier than expected due to photo experience demands and wait times can exceed more than one hour as the season progresses.
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Nov 28 - Dec 24: All aboard! “The Polar Express” is making its annual rounds at the Rangos Giant Cinema! Follow Hero Boy as he discovers the true meaning of the holidays, belief, and friendship through his unforgettable trip to the North Pole. Journey beyond your imagination on select dates in November and December – and don’t forget to purchase your hot chocolate before you board!
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The Pittsburgh 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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Pittsburgh's big list of holiday events in 2025 : Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve. The activities we've listed
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Pittsburgh 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 and around Pittsburgh, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. Plus there is LOTS more to do in and around Pittsburgh beyond the Top 20: Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com!
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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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