KidsOutAndAbout's weekly e-newsletter |
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Save the Date Now through Sun, Dec 28: Roc Holiday Village at MLK Park in downtown Rochester Fri, Dec 19: Teddy Bear Toss to benefit Pirate Toy Fund at 7:05pm Amerks Game at Blue Cross Arena Sat, Dec 20: Winter Wonderland School
Break Week - Dec 20 - Jan 4 at The Strong Museum
Sat, Dec 20: Flapjack Benefit Breakfast with SANTA at Penfield First Baptist Church
Sat, Dec 20: Imagination Station with Mrs. Kasha Davis at Blackfriars Theatre Mon, Dec 22: Holiday Magic Cart Tours start at Seneca Park Zoo Tues, Dec 23: Last day of of Christmas at RCCM 2025: FREE FAMILY FUN at Rochester's Greatest Indoor Christmas
Spectacular! Fri, Dec 26 - Sun, Dec 28: Yuletide Days at Aquarium of Niagara Wed, Dec 31: Noon Year's Eve at Seneca Park Zoo San, Jan 17: Are You My Mother? at TYKEs Theatre at the JCC Sun, Jan 18: OrKIDStra: I Have a Dream at Hochstein Performance Hall |
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. 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. |
KOAA's Holiday Light List: PEAK WEEKEND for the driving tour! KidsOutAndAbout.com has been updating its list of 150
spectacularly-lit houses in the Rochester area since 2005! The houses are sorted by town to make it easy... bring some snacks and hot chocolate and head out for a drive! It's the best completely free holiday fun to be had... a Rochester tradition! I've been working extra-hard on the list this year; it now includes a driving tour for each town... Just click on the map and it will plot on your phone! |
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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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Tomorrow night at 7:05pm: Get ready for one of the most heartwarming hockey nights of the year—Teddy Bear Toss Night returns to Blue Cross Arena on Friday, December 19 as the Rochester Americans take on the Belleville Senators! Presented by Bob Johnson Auto Group and benefiting the Pirate Toy Fund, this festive tradition invites fans to bring new teddy bears and stuffed animals to toss onto the ice after the Amerks score their first goal. No goal by the second intermission? Don’t worry—you’ll get your chance then! The first 1,000 kids will receive pirate hats, and special anniversary Moose plushies will be for sale in the Team Store. Every bear collected brings a smile to a child in need. Learn more at www.amerks.com/teddytoss
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Dec 12-14 and 17-23: Gates open at 6pm nightly. Christmas at RCCM is filled with light, wonder, and the true joy of the season! This year features five inspiring attractions: Miracle 4D, the thrilling motion ride; The Name, a holographic multi-sensory experience; Raffadali’s Great Adventure, an interactive family show starring Raffadali the Donkey; Star’s Yuletide Workshop, where kids create their own ornaments; and illumiNATIONS: Tapestry of Earth, a campus-wide spectacular with an original film, uplifting music, and The Living Tree, a 30,000-light centerpiece synchronized to thousands of colorful lights. Come anytime—shows run continuously and are completely free! For details or advance tickets, visit christmas.rccm.org. RCCM (Rochester Christian Church) is located at 3177 Lyell Road in Gates.
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November 8 - January 4: The George Eastman Museum's annual Sweet Creations Gingerbread display is a beloved Rochester family tradition! Check out the dozens of cleverly designed and deliciously decorated gingerbread houses that fill the mansion... it's a visual and aromatic treat for visitors of all ages, and is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! All of the gingerbread creations are available in an online silent auction. Free to members; included with museum admission.
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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.
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December 22 - Jan 3: The most magical ride of the season starts at the Zoo! Bring your own warm beverage and snuggle under a blanket while enjoying a 90-minute cart tour through the Zoo, led by Zoo Naturalists. Member price: $20.00 per person; Non-Member price: $30.00 per person (which includes admission to the Zoo). Morning and afternoon tours are available on select days. See https://senecaparkzoo.org/holiday-magic-tours/ for more information and tickets.
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’Tis the SEA-son at the Aquarium of Niagara! Kick off post-holiday fun with Yule-tide Days, Friday, December 26th through Sunday, December 28th! Enjoy festive animal feedings, lively presentations, hands-on crafts, and a candy cane scavenger hunt the whole family will love! Then get ready to ring in the “Noon” Year! On December 31st, the Ice Queen from Arendelle brings her wintery magic to the Aquarium with live singing, sparkling meet-and-greets, photo ops, and an unforgettable Sea Lion Presentation as we count down to noon! All activities are included with general admission and free for Aquarium members. Book your tickets today!
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Now registering for the 2026-27 school year! 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. Whether in the classroom, exploring local cultural institutions or the outdoors, DASA Preschool makes learning exciting and enriching, with impressions that last a lifetime. For details, visit www.dasapreschool.org. We offer a limited number of partial needs-based scholarships. Please contact us for more information.
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The Pirate Toy Fund's continues throughout December! Drop off a new, unwrapped toy so that a needy child in our area can benefit at the holidays and through the year. Go shopping with your kids and ask them to pick out a toy that another Rochester child would love. Then drop off the NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS at any area Wegmans locations, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Eastview Mall, Marketplace Mall, the Mall at Greece Ridge, Howard Hanna Real Estate, or Mark's Pizzeria. ...and feel great that you're helping other kids in our area at the time they most need comfort and joy. It's also easy to donate ONLINE! Every $20 donation buys a toy for a local child! Do that at https://ptftoystore.com/store/koaa
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Based on the iconic animated film and beloved children’s book, Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, the musical features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas" from the original animated television special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving…
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During Holidays, the Market is decked out in holiday lights and festive music, and offers a great volume and variety of local shopping and unique gift items. Kids can visit Santa from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. during the Sunday events, and from 6 to 8 p.m. during the Thursday evening event. Plus, everyone can enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides offered during all the events!
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Thursday, December 18th 7 - 9 PM: Climb in your ugly sweater! This holiday season, head to Central Rock Gym Rochester and something new while being festive! Central Rock Gym is located at 725 Averill Ave, 14607.
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Looking for high-energy family fun? Head to the Blue Cross Arena to cheer on the Rochester Americans as they hit the ice for another thrilling hockey matchup! With fast-paced action, fan giveaways, and an electric atmosphere, an Amerks game is the perfect way to make unforgettable memories with your kids. Don your red, white, and blue, grab some popcorn, and get ready to shout “Go…
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Public skating (often called public skate or open skate) is a relaxed, all-ages session where anyone can enjoy time on the ice—no experience required. It’s a great way to try indoor ice skating for the first time, practice your stride, or enjoy a family skate together in a comfortable, climate-controlled arena. Sessions are recreational and non-instructional, making them ideal for…
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Dec 20, 21, and 23: Passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa. Once on board, the conductor will come around and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by chefs. During the trip, characters on each car lead fantastic onboard entertainment! Head to…
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Saturday, Dec 20 at 5:30: Have some last minute errands to run for the Holidays? Leave your kids age 3-12 with Studio East Dance Company for our Parent Night Out featuring The Polar Express! We will watch the movie and have a dance party to music from the movie.
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PARENTS NIGHT OUT! Enjoy an evening out while we handle the kids! We will have a FUN FILLED night of Cookies with Santa, Winter Craft, Dance Party, Face Paint & Pizza! and SO MUCH MORE!
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Ever wonder what happens at the library after it closes? Bring your favorite stuffed animal friend for a library sleepover adventure! While the library is closed, our staff will snap photos of your stuffed animals reading books, doing crafts and exploring the library, which will then be posted to our Facebook page. Drop your stuffed animal off at the library circulation desk December…
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A free figure skating show performance by skaters of all ages from Genesee Figure Skating Club. Join us for an annual tradition with skaters from beginners through competitive showcasing their talents. If you wish, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to add to our Pirate Toy Fund donation.
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Join Mrs. Kasha Davis (of RuPaul's Drag Race fame) at Blackfriars Theatre for a festive, fun-filled morning story time! This FREE family-friendly event includes a story time, live music, dad jokes, a dance party and a themed craft activity. All ages are welcome, but this event fills up fast, so pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
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Join us for a holiday favorite! Celebrate the holiday season alongside family and friends with a tasty breakfast in the Museum’s holiday-decorated Meeting Center.
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Set in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh, Terrence S. Orr’s dazzling version of The Nutcracker highlights the city’s beloved landmarks, sports teams and history. Join Marie and the Nutcracker Prince on an unforgettable adventure through sparkling snow into the dreamy Land of Enchantment. Experience favorite dances, memorable scenes, magical costumes, shimmering snowflakes and the iconic…
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Wishing you and yours good health and happiness!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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