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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Come ride on more than 10 miles of wooded trails at Dead Broke Farm – a 110-acre farm conveniently located in Raleigh, NC. Our bridle trails have rolling hills, creek crossings, lots of beautiful hardwood trees, and wildlife. Our trails are suitable for beginners but challenging enough to be interesting for more experienced riders. We offer 1-hour and 2-hour rides 7 days a week, year-round. Children ages 6 and up can ride on their own. Younger children may ride double with an experienced guide. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 919-596-8975.
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Welcome to the North Carolina Transportation Museum! The N.C. Transportation Museum is a historic site, once home to one of Southern Railway’s major steam locomotive repair facilities located between Washington, DC, and Atlanta, GA, and a museum featuring all types of transportation history – railroading, automotive, aviation, and more! Visitors can take a 25-minute train ride around our 60-acre site pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive and explore our displays and exhibits. We also host a variety of fun events for kids! Visit our website to learn about upcoming events, see our seasonal train ride schedule, and more! Plan your visit today for a trip into the past at the museum that moves you!
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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!
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Join us for shopping, food, and entertainment in the European Christmas Market Tradition! Shop unique new and vintage gift and decorative items from across Europe. You'll find Irish sweaters, vintage handmade Christmas linens, specialty teas, Polish pottery, German-made incense burners, beautiful ornaments, and so much more. The European Christmas Market area is at the center of it all with memorable gifts and treasured decor everyone on your list will love. We'll also have delicious food from Europe traditions- Locally made kielbasa, five kinds of pierogi, cabbage rolls, parish made sauerkraut and baked goods will have your mouth watering! Eat in and take home for the holiday season. Where else can you enjoy being entertained while you shop? Polka music, carolers, and The Little German Band will all be on hand. Grab a Fortnight brew or a mulled wine and enjoy - you can even sing along!
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The Grinch discovered Santa's elves have hidden red and white candy canes inside Bond Park! The Grinch is planning to find all of Santa's candy canes and turn them green. Let's find them first! Start the adventure off creating a small keepsake craft and conclude with a cup of hot chocolate and a surprise visitor. Prizes will be awarded to those who find the specialty candy canes. Pre-registration required.
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Join us for a day filled with festive fun as we lead up to the Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade! Families are invited to stop by Santa’s Workshop to create one-of-a-kind ornaments, handmade gifts for loved ones, or a little something special just for themselves. Enjoy a cozy, holiday-themed crafting experience perfect for all ages before heading out to watch the parade magic unfold.
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Join us at the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum for a night of music, shopping, and holiday festivities at our free event, Christmas in Sedalia. We'll have bands and choirs from local schools performing on an outdoor stage, a vendor fair with local artisans inside of Kimball Hall for all of your holiday shopping, and a very special visitor from the North Pole available to take photos! Our tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6:45pm, with speeches from the Mayor of Sedalia and our Site Manager.
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Does your child have a special Christmas wish that they’re hoping reaches Santa in time? Kids can eliminate the guesswork by writing to the Big Man himself! Santa’s Mailbox returns for the season outside the front entrance to Town Hall at 128 S. Main St. It’s a gift to the children by John Dalpe and ASI, North Carolina. After children drop off letters for Santa, Holly Springs Run Club volunteers and Endurance Fence Solutions staff sprint the letters to the North Pole so that Santa can answer them before Christmas. Children who want to hear back from Santa by Christmas Eve should include their name and home address.
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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 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.
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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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- 18th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market - Kerr Scott Building - Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC, USA, December 12-13, 2025, see website for details
- Christmas Carriage Rides - Downtown Smithfield Development
Corporation - S 3rd St, Smithfield, NC, USA, December 12 and 14, 2025, see website for details
- NC Chinese Lantern Festival - Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Regency Parkway, Cary, NC, USA, December 12-14, 2025, see website for details
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, December 13-14, 2025, see link for times
- Holiday Parade - Durham Parks and Recreation - West Main Street, Durham, NC, USA, December 13, 2025, 10 am
- Santa's Workshop - Downtown Cary Park - 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511, USA, December 13, 2025, 10 am - 1:30 pm
- Candle Dipping in the Historic Park - High Point Museum - 1859 E Lexington Ave, High Point, NC 27262,
USA, December 13, 2025, 12 pm - 4 pm
- CHB Museum: Christmas in Sedalia - Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum & State Historic Site - 6136 Burlington Road, Gibsonville, NC 27249, USA, December 13, 2025, 5 pm - 7:30 pm
- Get Wild: Hibernation
Station! - Brumley South Nature Preserve, December 13, 2025, 1:30 PM
- Apex Chanukah Festival - Chabad of Cary Jewish
Center - Apex Senior Center, Hunter Street, Apex, NC, USA, December 14, 2025, see website for details
- Durham Geek and Grub Market (Holiday Nightmare Edition) - Durham Armory - 212 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701, USA, December 14, 2025, 12 pm - 5 pm
- Paws with Claus: Holiday Photos at Downtown Cary Park - 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511, USA, December 14, 2025, 2 pm - 5
pm
- Visit Santa - Main Street Mercantile - 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, USA, December 14, 2025, 1PM -
3PM
- Holiday Open House - West Point on the Eno - 5253 North Roxboro Street, Durham, NC, USA, December 14, 2025, 1 pm - 5
pm
- Happy Holly Days Christmas Parade - Town of Holly Springs - South Main Street, Holly Springs, NC,
USA, December 14, 2025, see website for details
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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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