KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers, The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning,
which explained why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30. Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time:
Presence creates the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them
together. They don’t pile up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—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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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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December 13-23 at Marin Theatre in Mill Valley: This family-fun musical follows best friends Mooch the cat and Earl the dog as Mooch searches for the perfect gift for his friend-only to discover that the most meaningful gift of all isn't something you can wrap, but is simply friendship itself. This production lasts one hour with no intermission. Join us for live storytime in our lobby 30 minutes before every performance!
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Discover Winter Glow, now open at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton through January 2026—a festive drive-through experience that brings the holiday season to life! Families, friends, and couples can enjoy sparkling lights, colorful holiday displays, and cheerful music from the comfort of their car. Follow the illuminated route as classic holiday songs play through your car radio, perfectly synced to the twinkling lights and glowing scenes. Share hot cocoa, point out favorite displays, or cozy up under blankets as each turn reveals something new. It’s a joyful, family-friendly celebration full of festive magic. Tickets are available at winterglowexperience.com and on the Fever app.
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Don't miss out! The Physics Show only has a few weekends remaining for this school year. Tickets are only $6. The show is wildly popular and typically sells out. The Show explains everyday phenomenon through a series of fun, memorable demonstrations. The show is recommended for ages 5 and up. Although we target elementary and middle school age kids and their families, there is something for everyone. Typically, the adults look like they are having as much fun as the kids! The Physics Show at Foothill College is in its 19th year! Over 25,000 people will come to Foothill College to see the show this year. Don't miss out! www.ThePhysicsShow.com
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Every Thursday, storytime for kids will be held outside (weather permitting) at the big log in front of Copperfield’s Books.
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This open studio time allows children of all ages to create open-ended art using all recycled and repurposed materials! Our Art Studio Specialist is there to facilitate the use of more advanced tools for cutting, gluing (hot glue guns), and engineering art.
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Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Winter Glow Experience, a dazzling drive-through spectacular featuring hundreds of larger-than-life festive displays. Bundle up in your car, bring your favorite snack or beverage, and enjoy a synchronized light show along a 1-mile holiday route!
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Don’t miss Finding Neverland at CMT San Jose, December 5–14! It’s 1904, and London playwright J.M. Barrie is struggling with writer’s block. Everything he writes feels recycled—until he meets Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and her four sons in Kensington Park. Together, they embark on magical adventures of imagination…all except Peter, still grieving his father.
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The holiday magic is back! From November 28 through December 31, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens. This extraordinary experience includes jolly characters, fun live shows, ice skating under the stars, festive food and drinks, Santa's Workshop, magical light displays--and much, much more!
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Circus Bella returns to the Big Top Circus Tent for a third year with STARLIGHT – An All-New Winter Circus Spectacular. With brand-new acts, sumptuous costumes, and artists from across the US, Circus Bell brings all the nostalgia and beauty of an old-timey circus combined with the eyebrow-raising savvy & modern look of 2025. A diverse cast of 13 perform thrilling feats of balance and strength, demonstrations of grace & poise, outrageous humor, and authentic moments that bring us all together.
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Assemble and decorate Snoopy’s doghouse out of gingerbread, complete with a marshmallow Snoopy on top! Registration required.
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Keep up the family fun during the summer with our Cartooning for the Whole Family workshop everyone will enjoy! Instructors lead families through a series of collaborative drawing activities and challenges that will inspire your imagination and bring the family together! The workshops take place in the Cartoon Art Museum’s Drawing Room, currently featuring The Batman Armory and replica costumes from the Batman movies. Admission to the museum galleries is included with the workshop registration. No drawing experience is required and all materials will be provided. Unwind with family and let your imaginations fly!
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Please join us at this event if you are interested in our programs for children 6 and under. We look forward to showing you our school and answering any questions you have. This is an adult only event. This will be formatted like an Open House, where you will have the opportunity to visit the classrooms and outdoor environments, as well as meet staff. Welcome!
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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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Come out to the Palo Alto Baylands and the EV EcoCenter on Sunday, December 14, 2025 between 2:00-4:00 PM for a day of outdoor exploration and interactive activities. Get ready to immerse yourself in nature and learn about the environment in a fun and engaging way.
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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- Toddler Plus Storytime - Main Library - Children's Department - Main
Library - Children's Department, Friday, December 12, 2025, 10:30am
- Family Storytime - Alameda Free Library - 788 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10:30am
- Family Storytime - Main Library - Children's Department - Main Library - Children's Department, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10:30am
- Open House: Centennial Montessori Children's House (6 and under) - Centennial Montessori School - 27 10th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2PM PST
- Open House: Centennial
Montessori Elementary Information Session - Centennial Montessori School - 27 10th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 3:30pm
- Tree Treasures - San Mateo County History Museum - San Mateo County History Museum, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10:00A-4:00PM
- Annual Hanukkah Community Celebration - Historic Downtown Martinez - Main Street, Martinez, CA
94553, Sunday, December 14, 2025, Check Website for Time
- Holiday Hike & Hands-On Fun - Environmental Volunteers - 2560 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 2:00PM-4:00PM
- Family Storytime - Main Library - Main Library, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 12:30pm
- Visit Santa - Main Street Mercantile - 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 1PM - 3PM
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There are lots of places to have a birthday party in the San Francisco area! Start thinking outside the box! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens (and dozens) of ideas! In addition to venues in San Francisco, there are places in Oakland, Alameda, Pacifica, San
Leandro, Walnut Creek, Hayward, Dublin, and San…
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2025's best places to take kids in the San Francisco Bay area. Early each summer, 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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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