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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In addition to our Annual Tree Lighting ceremony on the Depot Plaza on Dec. 8th, featuring incoming Mayor Stephen Burke, we had live music, dancers, oodles of takeout options from the array of amazing restaurants downtown, lots of children’s activities, a visit from Santa Claus and much more.
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On Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., the History Museum will celebrate Tree Treasures. Your family can prepare for an old-fashioned holiday season by creating their own Victorian ornaments.
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This is an exciting opportunity to witness our animals engaging in all kinds of activities! Join us to catch our animal keepers doing animal enrichment activities, taking animals for walks, or even doing training sessions!
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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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Step into a world where dinosaurs come alive! From towering giants to adorable baby dinos, your family will walk beside incredible creatures, hear them roar, and see them move as they did millions of years ago. The adventure doesn’t stop there—kids can step into the shoes
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La Habra’s first Tamale Festival was held in 2014, and attendance was so great that the City decided that the event should be added to the list of over 100 annual La Habra happenings! The all-day Festival has grown and draws in about 10,000 attendees annually! The event features live entertainment on three stages, tamales, food vendors, retail vendors, informational booths, children's play activities, a cantina, performances from local dance studios, holiday tree lighting, and a Holiday Firework show! The event also features a free special event shuttle that brings residents and visitors to the festival from convenient off-site parking areas. Join us in 2024 for the 11th Annual La Habra Tamale Festival and be a part of our local history!
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Polar Play Days return Nov. 22 with hands-on science for the season: interactive exhibits, seasonal STEAM labs, and holiday DIY crafts. Only at The Tech Interactive in Downtown San Jose. Plan your day at thetech.org.
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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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Spend an afternoon learning the art of block printing and make your own holiday cards to share with friends, family, and loved ones!
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On Bike to Wherever Day, over 20,000 East Bay residents will pedal to visit over 100 Energizer Stations to grab a free bag filled with goodies and celebrate the joy of biking everywhere Join us from 7:00am-9:00am at our table by the Water Shuttle stop near Scott's Sea Food.
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Enjoy a Family Getaway at Great Wolf Lodge Northern California. Family Friendly Resort located in Manteca, Ca with loads of fun activities for kids. Free with your stay are Arts n' Crafts, Dance Parties, Games, Story Time, Kids' Yoga, and More! Included with your hotel room is access to the indoor heated water park open year around.
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- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Bay Area - Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, December 5, 2025, See link for times
- First Friday - San Jose Museum of Art - 110 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113, Friday, December 5, 2025, 6–9pm PST
- Spreckels Hill BioBlitz - 5273 Prospect Road, San Jose, CA 95129, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9:00AM - 11:30AM
- King Tides - Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 11:30AM-1:30PM
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the San Jose 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 Jose survey winners: What are the best places to take kids in the Bay Area? Each summer, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Who won the top spot? Click through to
find out!
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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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