KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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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
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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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With the help of her ukulele and even some puppet friends, Miss Marae will guide and encourage you to explore music with your child. During these Family Music Lessons, you’ll explore original, playful songs, classic nursery rhymes, rhythm and movement possibilities with shakers, drums, scarves, parachute play, and bubble catching!
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Welcome families to Stay and Play. This program is focused towards children 0-5 years old and their caregivers. Every Thursday we will offer free play. There will be play stations set up for children to explore, learn and play while adults will be able to connect, learn and relax.
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Children 0-5 years old and their caregivers are invited to join us for Odi Buddies! We will sing songs, do rhymes, fingerplays, shake our shakers and have fun! This is a great opportunity for children and their caregivers to socialize and connect, learn and play, and explore their local library.
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Have you ever wanted to print your own designs on shirts and bags?! In this 2-hour workshop, you’ll learn the art of relief printing! Students will learn to design and carve their own linoleum stamp and block print an image onto fabric. We invite you to upcycle fabric from your own wardrobe or home for this class, so grab a well-loved favorite item or something that could use a fun refresh and begin imagining some fun designs you might carve and print! Ages 14+ years welcome!
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Popular annual East County Christmas festival returns for 19 nights of holiday joy
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This December 5th, light up your space with handmade charm! In this Clay Happy Hour, we’ll create a one-of-a-kind candle holder using simple handbuilding techniques. Perfect for gifting—or keeping to spark your own joy! This session is all about exploring clay in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a new way to unwind, this open studio setting is a great chance to get your hands messy, meet new people, and let your creativity ring out. 12+yrs
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Mellano Farm Stand is open Thursday through Sunday, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, unless otherwise noted for special closures.
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Bring the family to meet Santa at Christown Spectrum in Phoenix! From November 28 through December 24, 2025, enjoy festive photo experiences, themed nights, and free visits with Santa. Walk-ups are welcome, or reserve your spot online for a magical holiday tradition.
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- Elf (PG) @Hourglass Fieldhouse - 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA, USA, Google Maps, Friday, December 5, 2025, 5:30pm
- Santa Experience at Christown Spectrum - Christown Spectrum, West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ, USA, Google Maps, Friday, December 5, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, 11:00AM–7:00PM
- Free Family Sundays: Christmas Open House - Casa
Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States, Google Maps, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 10 AM - 2 PM
- Nature Collective Hosts Family Fun Day - 2710 Manchester Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007, United States, Google Maps, Sunday, December 7,
2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
- La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival - La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival Foundation, Herschel Avenue, La Jolla, CA, USA, Google Maps, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 11:30AM - 4:30PM
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Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Trees in the San Deigo Area November & December are times of contrast: The gray days outside herald the coming of the holidays, so we make ourselves warm and cozy
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KidsOutAndAbout is San Diego's online guide to everything for kids, teens, and families! The activities we've listed here are confirmed for this year, but many require reserving ahead of time, so
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the San Diego 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 San Diego as voted by parents. Who won the top spot? An indoor play center, museum, farm, nature center, sports team? Click through to find out, as well as favorite Arts Educator, Sports Educator, and STEM educator! Plus
there is LOTS more to do in San Diego!
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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