KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
It's often said that parenting is a "thankless" job. In one sense, that's undeniably true, because it will likely be many years before the young humans you're raising—the ones who actually have a stake in the outcome of the excellent job you're doing—are in a position to thank you. So you don't hear that phrase often during the first couple of decades of parenthood.
My fervent wish
for the future is to live in a world filled with engaged, culturally literate, productive, happy people. This means that what I said above isn't precisely accurate: It's not only your kids who have a stake in your parenting success, we ALL do, because the path to that future starts NOW for the young people in your orbit. So I'm grateful that you care about getting them "out and about" to the wide variety of experiences available in your community: It will make all
the difference.
Our job here at KidsOutAndAbout.com is to help you do that as easily as possible. In 2001, I created the original version of this web platform that now connects 15 million people each year with their area's activities and resources. My team gets to see it all up-close and personal as local businesses post to KidsOutAndAbout through their free listings, and then we get to turn around and shout about them to y'all, bringing your community closer to you.
So I want to
step in for the rest of the world that's not (yet) thanking you, and say it to you today: Thank you so much for what you're doing. Raising kids is hard in any era, but no one could have anticipated all the roadblocks that a pandemic would toss onto our path.
As anyone who knows me knows, I'm endlessly looking for reasons to celebrate. So today, I'm celebrating YOU with my digital megaphone and pom-poms. You're doing a great job. Future Deb sends her thanks,
too.
—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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Just a minute of your time could make a big impact. 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.
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Qualia offers 5th–12th grade education for highly motivated learners interested in deep academic exploration and discovery. At Qualia we believe that our students' boundless curiosity is their superpower, something to be celebrated, not managed. We design one-of-a-kind inquiry-based curricula, offering the warmth, support, and rigor students need to truly excel. We focus on big ideas, and students are encouraged to dive deep into their interests and fall in love with the act of learning. At Qualia, passion-driven learning is the norm, and our approach allows for integration of advanced coursework beyond your grade level—including college-level coursework. There is no limit to your possibilities at Qualia!
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The San Fernando Valley has many private schools and alternative education options from which parents can choose. Each has its unique benefits and advantages, so it's important to investigate carefully. 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.
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Friday, Nov 28 - Tuesday, Dec 23: Join us for Christmas on the Farm at Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark! Included with admission: Animal Center, Holiday Photo Ops, Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides, Holiday Store, Combine & Harvester Slides, Pick Your Own Fields (pickings an additional fee), Letters for Santa, Animal Shows, Reindeer, Visits with Santa (Santa visits are included with admission! Make sure to bring your camera!)
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By day, Descanso blossoms and chitters with cheerful and welcoming, sunlit landscapes. By night, Enchanted Forest of Light transforms the gardens into an entirely different realm of magic, mystery, and incandescence. Enchanted’s inventive installations cultivate a parallel world with light, color, and ambient music that transform familiar garden spaces into whimsical, dramatic, and sublime botanical artscapes.
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For children from infants to 5 year olds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This not a drop-off program. Members free; included in paid admission. Registration is not required.
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Jurassic Quest is ROARING into a city near you!
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Experience Wild Lights at The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College — a dazzling nighttime adventure where you can explore the zoo after hours beneath thousands of holiday lights! Join us select nights in November and December for a festive evening filled with stunning lights displays, festive cheer, and unforgettable family fun. Visit with Santa on Nov 29th, Dec 6th, and Dec 13th, or get creative during our Family Cookie Decorating Nights on Dec 13th and Dec 21st. More details are on our website.
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It's the season to be merry, and we're bringing you the BIGGEST, most SPECTACULAR Holiday Carnival. Join us on Saturday, November 29th, 2025 from 12-3PM as we transform Norwalk Town Square into a winter wonderland filled with festive fun for the whole family.
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Join us in person on the second and fourth Sunday of each month for a live program focused on a variety of marine science topics. Visit our hospital and visitor center in Sausalito, California, to learn more about what The Marine Mammal Center is doing to help save marine mammals found along the California coast and beyond, and learn more about how you can help. These interactive presentations hosted by our award-winning educators feature multimedia, pictures, video and more to share the stories of amazing marine mammals and the Center’s efforts to ensure the health of these animals and our ocean.
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Explore a curated selection of local vendors showcasing unique goods, enjoy delicious treats from food vendors, and soak in the lively atmosphere. With music, family-friendly activities, and plenty of opportunities to shop small, this soirée promises a fun and festive afternoon for everyone.
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Immerse yourself in the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium, a true marvel of modern architecture and the perfect backdrop for elite NFL football. Feel the electric atmosphere as the Chargers take the field, creating a high-energy experience for every fan.
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“In Bloom: Flowers in Contemporary Art” premieres at Forest Lawn Museum on September 20, 2025. While artists have been depicting flowers for thousands of years, this exhibition explores a range of contemporary artistic approaches to the subject. Featuring paintings, sculptures, installations, and video, the artworks vary dramatically, from naturalistic to abstract, and from playful to contemplative.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas 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! Find venues in Burbank, Calabasas,
Glendale, Hidden Hills, and San Fernando.
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2025's best places to take kids in the San Fernando Valley. Each May-June, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page is an annotated list of the winners, both of the top 20 slots and
of the three category winners: Who won for Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM Educator?
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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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