KidsOutAndAbout's weekly e-newsletter for the Rochester area
|
|
|
|
Save the Date
Sat, Nov 15: Rochester Maker Faire 2025 at Gordon Field House at RIT
Sun, Nov 16: Ninja Kidz Live: Infinite Possibilities at Kodak
Center
Sun, Nov 16: Shrek the Musical at Cobblestone Arts Center at Cobblestone Arts Center
Fri, Nov 21: Kids Night Out: Charlie Brown Thanksgiving at Art Center of Rochester LLC
Fri, Nov 21: RMSC Holiday Bazaar Nov 21-23, 2025 at Rochester Museum & Science Center
Sat, Nov 22: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory at Kodak Center
Tue, Nov 25: Elmo & Friends Say Hello at Kodak Center
Thu, Nov 27: Gratitude Run 5K, 1-Mile, and 50-Meter Kids Dash at OBF
Sat, Dec 6: Family Fun Day: Stars With Santa: Dec 6 & 13, 2025 at Strasenburgh Planetarium
Sun, Dec 7: OrKIDStra: Frosty in Snowland at Eastman Theatre |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
A few days ago at Montezuma Audubon Center, my daughter Ella took her first-ever photo of a Trumpeter swan—actually, three of them, as you can see above: two adults and their lone cygnet. She’d been trying to capture one for months, and now that they're
migrating, it was finally possible. She was delighted to spot the small swan family moving gently through the mid-November grays and browns of a flooded field.
By this point in the season, most first-year birds have matured, flown off, and found their way. But the cygnet in Ella’s photo is clearly a late bloomer: still gray, not quite ready to be on his own. Every parent who looks at that image feels something hard to name: the hope that the young one will be ready soon enough to fly, the
worry that he won’t be, and the quiet reassurance that, for now, he’s not alone.
Trumpeter swans are special to our family because of The Trumpet of the Swan, E.B. White’s tender, funny, deeply wise book about Louis, a swan born without a voice. Eventually, Louis becomes a great musician, a trumpeter whose stature befits his name. What’s always struck me
about his journey is how he’s allowed to become himself. His parents don’t “fix” him. Aside from providing the materials to set him on a course—his father famously steals a trumpet—Louis works it out in his own way, on his own time.
Some young people fly early. Others stay close longer. Some wade through swamps for a long time on quests we don’t quite understand. Our job, I think, is to be like those Trumpeter parents: protective, patient, steadfast... and maybe just a little reckless,
diving through metaphorical music store windows to get them what they need to begin. Then we stand back bravely and trust that the lens they’re looking through will reveal the horizon they're meant to find.
—Debra Ross, publisher |
|
|
KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Connect more. Do more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
|
|
|
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. Your input will directly shape upcoming national resources designed to help families guide kids wisely and safely. The survey closes soon, so please take 60–90 seconds to be part of this important effort.
|
|
|
|
The Cosmic Girls Forum is more than a place to chat — it’s a launchpad for learning. Designed for curious young minds, the forum offers educational discussions, creative challenges, and positive peer connections that help girls build confidence in science, storytelling, and self-expression. Parents can feel confident knowing it’s a space where discovery and imagination go hand in hand.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025 marks the TWELFTH anniversary of Maker Faire Rochester! Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Gordon Field House at RIT, you're invited to the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth! Featuring both established and emerging local “makers,” Maker Faire Rochester is a family-friendly celebration featuring rockets and robots, digital fabrication, DIY science and technology, urban farming and sustainability, alternative energy, bicycles, unique hand-made crafts, music and local food, and educational workshops and installations.
|
|
|
|
Guests who join us on Saturday, November 15, will have the chance to see something very special happening in the Potter’s Shop – we’re going to be firing our kiln! Genesee Country Village & Museum is the only living history museum in the northeast that fires salt-glazed stoneware in a wood-fired kiln as it was done in the 19th century. Even better, you can purchase a piece of kiln-fired pottery! Our gift shop offers a variety of pieces across four historically accurate glaze options. Plus, all options are microwave, dishwasher, oven and freezer safe. And don’t forget, tickets for all our holiday events (including Breakfast with St. Nick and Yuletide in the Country Tours & Dinners) are on sale now.
|
|
|
|
Nov 14, 15, 16, 22 & 23, 2025: Get ready to laugh, cheer, and let your freak flag fly! Cobblestone Community Players proudly present Shrek the Musical, a hilarious and heartwarming stage adventure based on the hit DreamWorks film and beloved Broadway show. Follow Shrek, a grumpy but lovable ogre, on his journey to rescue Princess Fiona—with the help of a talkative donkey and a cast of quirky fairy tale creatures who just want to be accepted for who they are. With toe-tapping songs, big laughs, and a message about friendship and acceptance, this is not your average fairy tale!
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 21, 2025, 6-8:30pm: Art Center is hosting a 'Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ themed Kids Night Out. Children between the ages of 5-12 years old can come enjoy Charlie Brown Thanksgiving-themed art activities, crafts, games, and pizza from Two Ton Tony’s!
|
|
|
|
Looking for the ultimate kids’ birthday party? iSmash has the perfect combo of action and creativity! Smash Parties- Kids gear up and safely smash breakables for a high-energy, stress-busting blast with their friends they’ll never forget. Splatter Paint Parties-Get messy and creative as they fling paint and make wild, colorful masterpieces they can take home. Combine Smash and Paint for one epic celebration full of laughter, excitement, and memories that will last long after the paint dries and the glass settles. Book your iSmash Birthday Party today!
|
|
|
|
November 22 - December 27, 2025: A Tale of Hope, Humor, and Heart. Rochester’s favorite holiday tradition returns with an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story that begins with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit. Over the course of one night, notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts. But will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart. Geva welcomes patrons ages 5 and up to A Christmas Carol. Click here for tickets.
|
|
|
|
Head to the Harley School on Clover Street in Brighton on Saturday, November 22, from 10 am to 3 pm, to browse and buy unique gifts from talented local artists and crafters. We're featuring a selection of handmade treasures—perfect for finding thoughtful, one-of-a-kind presents for everyone on your list. Support local, shop small, and kick off the holiday season with us! Plenty of free parking! Event Details: What: Harley Homemade Holiday Market; When: Saturday, November 22nd, 10 am-3 pm at The Harley School Local artists, crafters, and makers!
|
|
|
|
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood in Elmo and Friends Say Hello! So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street! Get your tickets and Photo Experience passes today! Sensory Notice: This show contains Flashing Lights, Haze (Fog), and Confetti. Tickets available online at Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Kodak Center Box Office, open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Children under 2 years of age do not need a ticket to sit on an adult's lap.
|
|
|
|
ROC Kid City is an exciting indoor play space located at 3300 Monroe Ave in Pittsford, perfect for kids 10 and under. The facility features a wide variety of activities, including a soft play zone for babies and toddlers, a multi-level play structure, slides, a ball pit, a sand table, interactive wall games, imaginative play areas, and more. Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, ROC Kid City offers a fun, safe environment where children can explore, imagine and play. Families can pay for hourly play sessions or purchase a monthly membership for more frequent visits to this exciting and dynamic destination.
|
|
|
|
November 26, 28, 29, and 30, 2025: Your Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Rochester City Ballet celebrate 26 years of a holiday tradition: The Nutcracker at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre! Be whisked away to a magical land of sparkling snow and delectable sweets as Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score pairs with beautiful ballet. This story of a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream never fails to touch the heart! Click here for tickets.
|
|
|
|
Thursday, Dec 4, 7pm at Kodak Center: This critically acclaimed holiday celebration that the whole family can enjoy brings Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang together live on stage as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas and perform songs from the unforgettable musical score of legendary composer Vince Guaraldi. The Broadway-style production complete with immersive sets, lighting, choreography, and colorful costumes has sold more than 300,000 tickets over the prior holiday seasons. Children under 2 years of age do not need a ticket to sit on an adult's lap.
|
|
|
|
Join the fun and light up this holiday season! When you make a $30 gift, you’ll receive a Tour Kit for The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester’s RG&E Holiday Lights Tour. Not only will you enjoy some of the brightest, most festive homes in the Greater Rochester area, but you’ll also be supporting the children and families the CAC serves every day. Each Tour Kit includes your tour map, festive activities, and—new this year—an activity book for the whole family to enjoy! Be sure to make your $30 gift by December 1 to reserve your Tour Kit. For more information visit cacgroc.org/hlt.
|
|
|
|
The seventh annual City of Rochester Roc Holiday Village, presented by ESL Federal Credit Union, returns December 5–28 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park with sixteen days of free holiday fun. Enjoy free ice skating and skate rentals, visits and photos with Santa, kids’ crafts, and festive holiday celebrations. Take on the I Spy Scavenger Hunt and Adventure Map, or catch special ice rink events like sled hockey, curling lessons, and figure skating performances. Warm up by the fire pits, sip hot cocoa for a cause at The Giving Cup, and soak in the lights, music, and cheer of Rochester’s favorite winter festival.
|
|
|
|
Continuing its holiday tradition, the New York Museum of Transportation, in Rush, will welcome Santa Claus on December 7, 13 and 14. He's eager to meet the kids and pose for pictures. A ride in the heated trolley, holiday decorations, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, and the fondly remembered Midtown Plaza Monorail all add to the fun in this unique celebration of the holidays. Admission including the trolley ride is $18 adults, $14 age 3 - 14.Rides depart at 11:00, 11:45, 12:30, 1:15, 2:00, 2:45 and 3:30.Reservations are required: www.nymtmuseum.org/Christmas The New York Museum of Transportation is located just 20 minutes south of Rochester at 6393 East River Road in Rush, and can be reached from I-390 exit 11.
|
|
|
|
Come explore with us at our Open House on December 10 from 12:30-2:00! Tour classrooms, visit with teachers and learn more about our program. Children are welcome! The Discovery Academy of Science & Art (DASA) Preschool is located at 597 East Ave. in Rochester. Students learn through play with our science, technology, engineering, art and math and inquiry-based curriculum, and can take advantage of our connections to local museums and cultural institutions. Teachers nurture the development of the whole child by providing a caring environment rich in discovery and imagination. Our maximum enrollment is typically 13 students for our 3-year-old classes and 15 students for our 4/5-year-old classes. We strive to make a DASA Preschool education accessible and affordable to all, and we…
|
|
|
|
Looking for a fun, confidence-boosting activity for your child? Martial Arts America offers top-quality martial arts instruction at three convenient locations: Brighton, Webster, and Penfield. Their programs are tailored for every age and experience level—from beginner kids to advanced students—focusing on karate, life skills, fitness, and self-defense. Kids thrive in a supportive environment where they learn respect, discipline, and focus—all while having a blast! With dynamic classes designed to build character and confidence, Martial Arts America helps kids grow stronger inside and out. Ready to kick-start your child’s journey? Visit rochesterkarate.com to learn more or schedule a free introductory class today!
|
|
|
|
Private schools and alternative schools in the greater Rochester, NY area: Rochesterians have dozens of options for educating their kids. 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 ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
|
|
|
|
Private Schools in the Rochester, NY area: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences in the Rochester area. If your school should have a video on this page, please send a link to the school's video on YouTube or Vimeo to ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
'Tis the season in Rochester! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's annual 101 Holiday Events list of ways to make the holidays special in our area for 2025. Activities for Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
|
|
|
Some highlights of FREE events this weekend, November 14-16: - In Harmony- A Violin Duo - Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, Friday, November 14, 2025, 1:30 PM
- Geology ROCKS Drop-In Afternoon! - Webster Public Library, Friday, November 14, 2025, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Free mini photo session with
Shoott! - Rochester, NY area - Saturday, November 15, 2025, See link for times
- DINOvember Scavenger Hunt - Brighton Memorial Library, Saturday, November 15, 2025, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Autumn Paint and Sculpt - Ogden Farmers' Library -, Saturday, November 15, 2025, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra - Hochstein
Performance Hall Sunday, November 16, 2025, 2:00 PM
- Haudenosaunee Heritage Celebration Day 2025 - Memorial Art Gallery - Sunday, November 16, 2025, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
|
Wishing you and yours good health and happiness!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
