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 Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area has many private schools and alternative education options from which parents can choose. Each has its unique benefits and advantages, so it's important to investigate carefully. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools. If your school is not on our list but should be, please email us at [email protected]. |
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Private Schools in the Research Triangle: 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 [email protected]. |
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On this tour, you’ll get to meet our 100+ farm animal residents and learn their rescue stories! Upon arrival, each group will receive a colorful, detailed map of the Refuge grounds. Wander at your own pace along several paths, meeting rescued goats, sheep, ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys, and cows! Our knowledgeable Tour Guides will be stationed throughout the Refuge to tell enchanting stories of animal rescues, introducing you to each animal by name. While visiting, don’t miss our serene curved brick animal memorial, unique architectural designs, and our beautiful Pavilion, where you can find Refuge merchandise for purchase and learn more about our mission. Reserve your tickets for this exciting experience today! Arrive any time after 11 am and tour at your own pace, but please note that the Refuge will close to visitors promptly at 2 pm.
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The modern Thanksgiving holiday stems from a mid-19th century campaign by Sara Josepha Hale for the adoption of a national thanksgiving holiday. President Abraham Lincoln created the federal holiday in 1863 during the American Civil War. So how did our Thanksgiving narrative come to focus on a fantastical meal shared between colonists and American Indians? What messages did Americans hope to convey with the Thanksgiving holiday? What were some popular Thanksgiving foods in generations past? Each Saturday in November, Bennett Place staff lead guided tours that explore the history & legacy of this Civil War era federal holiday.
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Repticon, a recognized leader in hosting reptile and exotic animal expos throughout the United States, is coming to Raleigh with an outstanding mixture of vendors and breeders. This family-oriented, fun-filled event offers guests the opportunity to learn about animals not normally seen in local pet stores. Repticon Raleigh is also the perfect place for them to get merchandise, cages, supplies, and both live and frozen feeders, as well as to get expert advice about caring for their new household member. This event, held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds - Exposition Center, offers a unique family outing suitable for all ages and for a very diverse range of enthusiasts.
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Elf The Musical, inspired by the hit film, is the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve. When he discovers he is human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and, in turn, helps the Big Apple rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
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Join us on Friday, November 28, from 3 pm – 8 pm as we celebrate the start of the holiday season in the heart of Downtown Smithfield! Shop from local vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and gather with the community as we light our town’s Christmas tree. Step back in time with a nostalgic holiday festival filled with festive sights, sounds, and traditions that bring the magic of Christmas to life!
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The Providence 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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2025 holiday events list for Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve. The activities
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- Last Fridays & The Art Walk! - Hillsborough, NC - Hillsborough Arts Council - 102 N Churton St., Hillsborough, NC 27278, Friday, November 28, 2025, See website for details
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area - - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, See link for times
- Let’s Craft! Fall
Suncatchers in Little Red Schoolhouse (Sensory Friendly) - High Point Museum - - 1859 E Lexington Ave, High Point, NC 27262, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 10 am - 12 pm
- Let’s Craft! Fall Suncatchers in Little Red Schoolhouse - High Point Museum - - 1859 E Lexington
Ave, High Point, NC 27262, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 12 pm - 2 pm
- Merry Moo-mories: Highland Cow Photo Experience - Millstone Creek Orchards - - Millstone Creek Orchards, Parks Crossroads Church Road, Ramseur, NC 27316, Saturday, November 29 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, See website for details
- Light Up Main - - East Main Street, Garner, NC, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 1:00PM-6:00PM
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Researvh Triangle 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 Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. Of course, there is LOTS more to do around the Triangle...Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com! What is listed below are just the
starting point: Browse through our site and calendar to find lots more, and be sure to click on Everything That's Free.
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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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