KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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
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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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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.
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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.
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At Young Chefs® Academy, our mission is to make a positive lasting impact on children and families through teaching the joy and value of cooking in a welcoming environment that encourages discovery and creativity. Young Chefs Academy teaches kids ages 4-17 how to cook by focusing on building, developing, and sharpening culinary skills in structured weekly lessons. We also offer immersive culinary camps, one-of-a-kind all-inclusive party packages, thematic workshops, and customizable interactive field trip opportunities. Check us out at https://pittsburgheastpa.youngchefsacademy.com/.
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Join us for an evening of fun and fashion including music, food, artmaking activities, and student-made runway looks. Models will walk the runway in repurposed, reimagined, and recycled garments and accessories created during our youth fashion workshop series. This event, planned by our Youth Arts Council, is a chance for self-expression and an opportunity to support young Pittsburgh area artists!
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Join Curiosity Kids to discover the importance of the Sun and how ancient cultures were far more aware of the Sun and its impact on our lives. Discover the motions of the Sun and their impacts on Earth. Celebrate these solar revelations by making your own symbols of the Winter Solstice. Curiosity Kids programs are designed for visitors age kindergarten to grade 2. Programs are free, but space is limited. Please pick up a free ticket at the front desk when you arrive.
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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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Experience the enchantment of a European and World-Themed Christmas market and the festive cheer of a holiday pop-up bar – all under one roof at the Monroeville Convention Center on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This is the largest and most unique INDOOR holiday experience!
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Join us for a holiday celebration with stories, songs, hot cocoa, and more! Please also bring toys for kids ages 5-14 to support Toy Drives at our partner schools.
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Immerse yourself in an afternoon of style, community, and holiday magic! Our Holiday Extravaganza combines sustainable fashion, gourmet delights, and community giving in a beautifully festive setting.
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It's the most wonderful time of the year! We're bringing all the festive fun to town! Experience a winter wonderland right in the heart of Bakery Square! Join us for an incredible holiday event that you won't want to miss! This event is family-friendly, FREE, and open to the public.
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Santa will begin his neighborhood tour at the Hampton Community Park and then travel throughout the Township compliments of the Hampton Volunteer Fire Department!
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An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman see the value of his own life. -IMDb A Breakfast sandwich (Egg & Cheese) , bacon, hash browns, donuts, and pastries from Oakmont Bakery! Coffee, tea and juice will be available as well! The bar will be open and additional snacks and drinks will be for sale throughout the event. Cinebrunch tickets must be purchased in advance by 6PM, Friday, December 12.
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This traditionally styled holiday show takes a look at astronomy and holiday traditions. Explore the reasons humans are so fascinated with lighting up our lives during the December holiday season. Although it is the coldest and darkest of seasons, this time of year also holds some of the warmest and brightest celebrations of the year.
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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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Festive Friday Nights at the Museum with Light Displays. The Museum will be open late until 8pm on Fridays from November 21 through December 26. Enjoy a magical evening as you stroll through the enchanting Winter Lights display, explore the permanent collection, and experience the new immersive installation, Winter Tales. Warm up with a complimentary seasonal hot beverage, try a specialty drink from the cash bar, and enjoy art-making activities.
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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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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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- Winter Nights - The Westmoreland Museum of American Art - The Westmoreland Museum of American Art - 221 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, Friday, December 12, 2025, 5 - 8 pm
- Drop-In Watercolor
Painting: Holiday Cards - Pleasant Hills Public Library - Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, PA, Friday, December 12, 2025, 2:45-3:45PM
- Winter Teen Night & Fashion Show - The Andy Warhol Museum - 117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA, Friday, December 12, 2025, 5 - 8 pm
- TAYLOR SWIFT BIRTHDAY PARTY - Bethel Park Public Library - 5100 W Library Ave, Bethel Park, PA 15102, Friday, December 12, 2025, 6 - 8 pm
- SENSORY EXPLORERS - Bethel Park Public Library - 5100 W Library Ave, Bethel Park, PA 15102, Friday, December 12, 2025, 10:30 - 11:30 am
- Holiday Community Day - August Wilson Center • African American Cultural Center - 980 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Friday, December 12, 2025, 12 - 4 pm
- Winter Tales: An Immersive Experience - The Westmoreland Museum of American Art - The Westmoreland Museum of American Art - 221 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, Friday, December 12, 2025, 10 am- 3 pm
- Victorian Christmas
Tour of Maxwell Mansion - Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, West Tulpehocken Street, Philadelphia, PA, Friday, December 12, 2025, 12pm, 1pm & 2 pm
- Holiday Matinee at Baldwin Library - Wolfe Dr, Pleasant Hills, PA, Friday, December 12, 2025, 1 - 3 pm
- Salem Church Preschool Open House - 350 Manor Road, Wexford, PA, Friday, December 12, 2025, 9:00AM- 11:00AM
- Dec. 13, 3pm-5pm, Children's Entrepreneur Market at Canonsburg - 1912-PA 519, Canonsburg, PA 15317, Saturday,
December 13, 2025, 3:00pm-5:00pm
- Story Saturday: Woven of the World at Carnegie Museum of Art - Carnegie Museum of Art - 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11 am - 12 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Sunday, December 14, 2025, See link for times
- Visit with Santa - Main Street Mercantile, 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 1PM - 3PM
- LIVE NATIVITY - Bradford Woods Community Church -
4836 Wexford Run Road, Bradford Woods, PA 15015, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
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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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