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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The South Lake Avenue Holidayfest! presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, features free admission to live music, holiday activities, a winter workshop, in-store promotions, raffles, free photos with Santa and holiday characters, take part in cookie decorating, ornament decorating, plus shopping and dining experiences and more!
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Holiday Festival is a one-of-a-kind holiday event that includes, beautifully decorated trees, entertainment, holiday gifts, children’s activities, food court and special ticketed events featuring a fashion show and dinner gala. Located in the white tent at Skypark Drive and Medical Center Drive.
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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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Active, full-time fire and law enforcement personnel, including EMTs, may purchase discounted admission of $25* for themselves and up to 5 additional guests during Knott's Fire and Law Tribute Days. Discount tickets can be purchased at Knotts.com, or present your eligible fire or law enforcement photo ID card at the Knott's Berry Farm ticket booths for this offer.
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‘Tis the season for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. Come with family and friends and take this enchanting ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the train station and drop passengers off at the North Pole. Children can share their wish list with Santa; yu may take pictures with your personal camera or you may purchase a photo taken by Irvine Park Railroad. The Christmas Train requires reservations that are available for purchase online only.
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Scrooge! The Musical is a heartwarming and festive adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella A Christmas Carol, featuring music, lyrics, and book by Leslie Bricusse. Set in Victorian London, the story follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold-hearted moneylender who despises Christmas and lives a life devoid of compassion and joy. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him to change his ways or suffer a grim fate in th
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Inspired by the charm of traditional French holiday markets, the Bazaar brings together families, neighbors, and friends to enjoy shopping, food, and seasonal cheer. Local artisans and small businesses showcase unique gifts, crafts, fashion, home décor, and specialty foods. Open to the public, it’s a lively, festive atmosphere and a wonderful way to connect with our school community and the greater Los Angeles area.
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Join CMA Educators and volunteers in a beach cleanup, clearing the shore of marine debris. Meet at the steps in front of the auditorium.
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Back by popular demand, it’s a holiday season filled with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles – and of course, the tree! After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh, la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited. After selling some of her old gowns and accessories, she’s finally able to buy a brand-new sparkly tree topper. She simply cannot wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don’t go as planned, can Nancy still make Chris
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Saturday, Dec 6: Kick off the holiday season with our enchanting Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pretend City! Join us as we welcome winter with festive cheer, cookies, and hot cocoa, served alongside a special visit from Santa! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to create cherished memories with family and friends as we celebrate the magic of the holidays in the city! Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa: 11am. There will also be special performances by the Philharmonic Society!
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Celebrate the season at Discovery Cube’s Winter Festival with giant slides, bumper cars, and festive photo displays. Kids can write letters to Santa, build with “ice” blocks, explore an inflatable igloo, and toss snowballs at the Snowball Toss game, while little ones enjoy the Reindeer Corral. With holiday STEM fun and activities for all ages, it’s the ultimate winter family experience.
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The San Fernando Valley area 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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KidsOutAndAbout is America'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 click
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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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