KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
This Sunday marks the Winter Solstice—Robert Frost’s “darkest evening of the year.” It’s when we in the Northern Hemisphere most appreciate human inventiveness: We flip a switch, and light floods the room. It feels like magic, but it’s not. It’s the result of generations of curious, determined humans trying to make life better, brighter, safer. That’s
why my family celebrates Lightbulb Day every December 21. It’s our homegrown holiday honoring the inventors and problem-solvers whose insights fuel our lives. We toast our favorite technologies, learn some history, imagine the future. Past years’ MVPs include contact lenses, antibiotics, the internet, veterinary
science, and the Covid vaccine. This year’s front-runner: artificial intelligence. Last weekend, I had breakfast with a friend and her 13-year-old daughter, Lily. Lily said she loves math and science but struggles with how her teachers approach the humanities, especially writing. When I showed her how AI can help her learn in the way she learns best, her face lit up. So I went home and wrote a how-to article for Lily, her mom, and any of you with kids in middle school or
older: How Students Can Use AI to Learn to Write (Without Giving Away their Brains). AI isn’t here to think for us. It’s here to help us think more effectively with our own minds. That’s a message worth repeating, especially to our kids. In this new AI age, the real
danger isn’t the technology itself, it’s the temptation to hand our brains over to it and say, “Here, you do all the work.” So this Lightbulb Day, I’m raising an Erlenmeyer flask, not just to the great inventors of the past, but to Lily, and to every young person learning to think with tools rather than letting tools do the thinking. Because the real magic isn’t flipping the switch; it’s understanding where the current comes from, and imagining what we’ll power with it
in the future.
—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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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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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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The Town of Morrisville menorah lighting ceremony symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness — a message that resonates universally and captures the spirit of Hanukkah. Celebrate the final event of the “Light Up Morrisville” series with this meaningful tradition, ceremony and live music. Parking for this event is available at Town Hall (100 Town Hall Drive) and the Connector Building (240 Town Hall Drive).
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join your North Carolina Symphony as we rejoice in the holiday season with wonder, spirit, and unity. Featuring jubilant brass, and a festive chorus, this concert is among the Triangle’s most beloved holiday traditions. Last year’s performances were sold out, so don’t miss your chance to celebrate the season with the glow of candlelight. Come early to enjoy carols in the lobby with The Oakwood Waits and visit Santa in the lobby.
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Join us by lantern light December 20, 2025, 5-8 PM at Hillsborough’s Farmers Market Pavilion to celebrate the Winter Solstice! Solstice Lantern Walk is an annual winter-themed event and a cherished community tradition in Hillsborough, NC. Participants are invited to take part in a meditative procession along Eno River’s Riverwalk trail, lighting our collective path toward warmer, brighter days ahead.
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Step into a winter wonderland inside our cozy igloo, where little ones will gather for a magical morning of holiday cheer. Mrs. Claus will delight children with festive stories, followed by a hands-on craft activity to spark their creativity. To top it off, guests can indulge in a warm hot chocolate and cookie bar. Ticket includes hot chocolate and cookies for one child and one accompanying adult.
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Fayetteville’s most magical holiday tradition returns! Step into an immersive, walk-through wonderland filled with thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling displays that will transport you into the heart of the season. But the magic doesn’t stop there! Be sure to meet Santa & the Grinch for festive fun, photos, and maybe even some mischief! Enjoy interactive light displays and animations that bring the garden to life around you. Capture memories at special holiday photo spots—perfect for your next family holiday card. Soak in the sounds of joyful holiday music as you stroll through the lights. Treat yourself to delicious food, seasonal drinks, and shop the festive Vendor Market for unique holiday gifts. Whether you’re looking to start a new family tradition or celebrate with friends, this event has everything to get you into the holiday spirit. Come see why it’s Fayetteville’s favorite way to celebrate the season!
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The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, in partnership with Firebox Theatre Company, presents the beloved classic: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, from the story by C.S. Lewis and dramatized by Joseph Robinette. Step through the wardrobe into Narnia, a land trapped in eternal winter by the White Witch. Join Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie on a magical journey as they unite with Aslan, the great lion and Narnia’s mythical creatures, on a grand adventure of good vs. evil.
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Ring in the New Year with a little help from KidsOutAndAbout! Our Big List of family-Friendly celebrations is just what you need to find ball drops, fireworks displays, NOON Year's Eve fun, activities, parties and more! If your favorite isn't on the list be
sure to send us an email and we'll add it pronto.
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- Photos with Santa at Downtown Cary Park - Downtown Cary Park - 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511, Friday, December 19, 2025 (See website for details)
- Grinch & Cindy Lou Who Family Paint Day -
Cheers N Paint Art Studio - 2773 NC-55, Cary, NC 27519, Friday, December 19, 2025, 6:00-8:00 pm
- Lights On Cedar
2025 - 206 West Cedar Avenue, Wake Forest, NC, Friday, December 19, 2025 (5 pm - 10 pm)
- Piper Lights 2025 - Wake Forest,
NC - 5725 Fixit Shop Rd, Wake Forest, NC, Friday, December 19, 2025 (See website for details)
- Lake Myra Christmas Lights
2025 - 10 S Cypress St, Wendell, NC 27591, Friday, December 19, 2025 (5:30 pm - 10 pm)
- Morrisville Chanukah Festival - Chabad of Cary Jewish Center - 100 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, NC, Sunday, December 21, 2025, 5:30 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Saturday, December 20, 2025 (See
link for times)
- Solstice Lantern Walk & Market - Eno River Farmers Market, East Margaret Lane,
Hillsborough, NC, Saturday, December 20, 2025, 5:00pm-8:00pm
- NC Chinese Lantern Festival - Cary, NC - Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Regency Parkway, Cary, NC, Sunday, December 21, 2025 (See website for details)
- Christmas Carriage Rides - Town of Smithfield, NC - S 3rd St, Smithfield, NC, Sunday, December 21, 2025 (See website for details)
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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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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions in and around the Triangle. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
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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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