KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
|
|
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
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
Elevate Your Next Birthday Bash at Urban Air Raleigh! Looking for a stress-free, action-packed birthday party? Urban Air Raleigh is the ultimate indoor adventure park for kids and teens! With trampolines, climbing walls, slam dunk zones, obstacle courses and more, there’s something for every guest to enjoy. Our party pros handle all the details—from setup to cleanup—so you can focus on making memories. Whether they’re bouncing, climbing, or racing through the park, your birthday star will have a blast. Easy. Epic. Unforgettable. Book your Urban Air Raleigh party today and let the fun take flight!
|
|
|
|
In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas! Adapted from the bestselling Young Adult book. - Organization: Cary Players Community Theatre Company - NC
|
|
|
|
Ring in the start of the holiday season with Light the Springs! Families and children of all ages can celebrate the season with live music, festive food and beverages options, and free holiday crafts. Kids can bring their letter to Santa at our mailbox before meeting him and Mrs. Claus. The festivities kickoff with the menorah lighting and end with Santa and the mayor lighting the Town tree. You won't want to miss this fun filled community event! - Organization: Town of Holly Springs, NC
|
|
|
|
Celebrate the magic of our community this holiday season! Join us for a festive, entertaining, safe, and inclusive community parade. Stake out your curbside spot and watch arts, cultural, and community groups parade through Carrboro and Chapel Hill. Arrive early to grab a spot and plan to stay after the parade to explore restaurants and shops. Check out things to do in downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro. This year’s parade route will begin in Carrboro and end in Chapel Hill. This event is free and open to all. - Organization: Town of Carrboro, NC
|
|
|
|
Join us for the 2nd Annual Durham German Market fundraiser, a magical evening of shopping beneath the glow of thousands of twinkling lights! Sip on warm mulled wine or hot chocolate as you explore over 90 artisan vendors offering unique handmade crafts, gifts, and holiday treasures. This festive event celebrates cherished holiday traditions while serving as a vital fundraiser to support Wildly Inclusive Learning Collective's mission of creating an inclusive, affirming, and supportive educational environment for learners of all ages, abilities, and neurotypes. - Organization: Wildly Inclusive Cooperative
|
|
|
|
Come join us for a morning of fun, and jump start your Christmas Spirit. This is a great event to kick off the Christmas Season - spreading Christmas cheer and joy to others. You may find your heart growing like the Grinch's - 3 sizes larger! The registration fee is a new, unwrapped toy. Come dressed as your favorite Whoville Characters to really get in on the fun. (Maybe you're a mean one like Mr. Grinch, or a cute Cindy Lou Who?) Prizes will be awarded to the Best Kid Costume, Best Adult Costume, Best Dog Costume, and Best Duo or Group. - Organization: Town of Smithfield, NC
|
|
|
|
Get ready for this year’s Jingle Bell Run, the original festive race for charity brought to you by the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear, and let's jingle all the way toward a cure! Whether you're running, walking, or strolling, bring your friends, family, and coworkers along for the ride. Together, we're spreading joy and making strides towards a brighter future — saying "YES" to life, despite arthritis. Don't miss out on this special occasion to make a real difference while celebrating four decades of impact with the Jingle Bell Run. Let's lace up, hit the pavement, and jingle our way toward victory over arthritis!- Organization: Arthritis Foundation- National
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Research Triangle 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
- Santa Paws 2025 - Durham Parks and Recreation - Durham Armory, Foster Street, Durham, NC, Friday, December 5, 2025, 5 pm - 8:30 pm
- Christmas on First Avenue Tree Lighting - Town of Knightdale, NC - 950 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC, Friday, December 5, 2025, 6 pm - 8 pm
- Light the Springs - Town of Holly Springs, NC - Holly Springs Cultural Center, West Ballentine Street, Holly Springs, NC, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 5 pm - 8 pm
- Litter Sweep - Town of Rolesville, NC - 514 Southtown Circle, Rolesville, NC, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9 am
- Carrboro-Chapel Hill Community Holiday Parade - The ArtsCenter, Roberson Street, Carrboro, NC, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10 am
- Tree Lighting Celebration at Downtown Cary Park - Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511, Saturday, December 6, 2025,
See website for details
- Photos with Santa at Downtown Cary Park - Downtown Cary Park, 327 S
Academy St, Cary, NC 27511, Saturday, December 6, 2025, See website for details
- Let's Craft! Painted Candle Holder in Little Red Schoolhouse (Sensory Friendly) - High Point Museum - High Point Museum, 1859 E Lexington Ave, High Point, NC 27262, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10 am - 12 pm
- Let's Craft! Painted Candle Holder in Little Red Schoolhouse - High Point Museum - High Point Museum, 1859 E Lexington Ave, High Point, NC 27262, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 12 pm - 2 pm
- Letters to Santa - Fuquay Mineral Spring Park, Spring Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC, Saturday, December 6, 2025, See website for
details
- Garden Story Walk - JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road,
Raleigh, NC 27606, Saturday, December 6, 2025, During Garden Open Hours
- Holiday Block Party - 215 West Main Street, Garner, NC,
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2-4:30 PM
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Shoott, Broadway, New
York, NY, Saturday, December 6, 2025, See link for times
- NC Chinese Lantern Festival - Koka Booth
Amphitheatre, Regency Parkway, Cary, NC, Saturday, December 6, 2025, See website for details
- Santa's Mailbox - Town of Holly Springs, NC - Holly Springs Town Hall, South Main Street, Holly Springs, NC, Saturday, December 6, 2025, See website for details
- Letters to Santa - City of
Mebane, NC - Multiple locations in Mebane, NC, Saturday, December 6, 2025, See website for details
- 53rd Annual Holiday Open
House - High Point Museum - High Point Museum, 1859 E Lexington Ave, High Point, NC 27262, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 1 pm - 4 pm
- Apple Brandy Opening Day @ The Plant! - The Plant, Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 12:00-6:00 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Sunday, December 7, 2025, See link for times
- NC Chinese Lantern Festival - Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Regency Parkway, Cary, NC, Sunday, December 7, 2025, See website for
details
- Letters to Santa - Fuquay Mineral Spring Park, Spring Street, Fuquay-Varina,
NC, Sunday, December 7, 2025, See website for details
- Garden Story Walk - JC Raulston
Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606, Sunday, December 7, 2025, During Garden Open Hours
- Santa's Mailbox - Town of Holly Springs, NC - Holly Springs Town Hall, South Main Street, Holly Springs, NC, Sunday, December 7, 2025, See website for details
- Letters to Santa - City of
Mebane, NC - Multiple locations in Mebane, NC, Sunday, December 7, 2025, See website for details
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
