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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One final ask: 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 artificial intelligence. We're asking all parents, grandparents,
and caregivers-whether you're tech-savvy or…
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Nov 28 - Dec 24, every day except Sunday: Santa and his three LIVE reindeer have returned to Greenwich for the 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop presented by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell at Compass Real Estate, "The North Pole on North Street", Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street, Greenwich. The cherished town tradition continues for the seventeenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the beautiful Santa's Workshop, which provides more space for families while they wait in line for their photo with Santa. This all takes place just minutes from downtown Greenwich. Parking is free! Click here for details.
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Cross County Center in Yonkers is celebrating the season with Winter Fest, bringing the magic of a New York City holiday to Westchester through January 4. Visitors can enjoy dazzling lights, a 40-foot walk-through tree, live entertainment, a food truck market, Santa photos, and a pop-up skating rink. On select weekends in December, visitors can explore the 914PopUps Holiday Market featuring local vendors, along with special events like the Menorah Lighting. With extended shopping hours, free parking, and family-friendly attractions, Cross County Center offers a joyful holiday experience filled with sparkle, shopping, and seasonal spirit.
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Westchester County 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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Private Schools in and around Westchester County, NY: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences. If your school should have a video on this page, please send a link to the school's video on YouTube or Vimeo to ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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Nov 28-Dec 24, every day except Sunday: Santa and his three LIVE reindeer are returning to Greenwich for the 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop presented by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell at Compass Real Estate, "The North Pole on North Street", Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street, Greenwich. The cherished town tradition continues for the seventeenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the beautiful Santa's Workshop, which provides more space for families while they wait in line for their photo with Santa. This all takes place just minutes from downtown Greenwich. Parking is free. We are proud to support Kids In Crisis for the 17th consecutive year.
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Come experience the history of Christmas festivities at Old Sturbridge Village. Relish old traditions and create new ones as you watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, stroll through the decorated Village and Christmas Tree Trail, listen to stories and live music, sample sweet treats, ride the horse-drawn carryall, and more. We hope your family will join us, as we celebrate a very special time of year.
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In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, Master storyteller Perry Ground (Turtle Clan, Onondaga Nation), will share Haudenosaunee and other Indigenous cultures through storytelling, performance, and artifact-sharing. 1pm sessions are geared toward families; 3pm sessions are geared towards older teens and adults. Inspired by works by Shelley Niro and Frederic Remington in Everything Has a Story, Perry’s storytelling will illuminate Haudenosaunee contributions to American identity while challenging common myths about U.S. history.
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Step into the season at NYC’s Favorite Holiday Tradition! After more than three decades, the Holiday Train Show continues to delight as New York City’s favorite winter tradition and a can’t-miss adventure. The timeless magic of rail travel fills NYBG with seasonal cheer as model trains travel over famous bridges and through familiar city settings, bringing nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas—including new surprises for 2025/2026—to life under the glass of the warm and welcoming Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Get up close to see these miniature masterpieces, each one meticulously crafted from plant parts like palm fronds, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks. Then head outside to explore a glowing mountain-scape brimming with even more trains and picture-perfect moments.
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The creative team at Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Attractions; the #1 Haunted attraction in America now presents a new family fun holiday light spectacular that will prove to be unlike any other event in the country. A Frosty Fest features a drive-thru display of holiday lights and animations with music, actors and animatronics, as well as Santa, your favorite characters, a magical comedy show, and much more!
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The Hartsdale/Greenburgh Rotary and Greenburgh Recreation present Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 6th. There are 2 seatings available: 9:00am or 10:00am. Enjoy a morning breakfast of pancakes, muffins, fruit and beverages and then have your photo taken with Santa Claus. The fee is $7 per person (children under 2 are free). Registration deadline is Friday, December 5th.
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Join us for a joyful celebration at our Hanukkah Brunch! Gather family and friends for a festive afternoon filled with delicious food, music, and holiday fun. Enjoy a lavish brunch buffet with seasonal favorites, refreshing brunch drinks, and exciting activities for all ages — including a DJ dance party, cookie and dreidel decorating, bounce house, face painting, holiday photo ops, and a candy station. -Saturday, December 6 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM-Harrison Meadows Country Club | 123 North Street, Harrison, NY 10528-Adults $65 | Children $40 Reserve your tickets online today!
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Get into the holiday spirit at Wreaths & Rosé! Join us for an elegant afternoon of creativity, wine, and festive fun. Learn to design your own beautiful holiday wreath with guided instruction — no experience needed! Sunday, December 7, 2025 | 12:00–3:00 PMHarrison Meadows Country Club | 123 North Street, Harrison, NY 10528 Your ticket includes:-All wreath-making materials-Step-by-step instruction from a floral expert-Light bites and rosé Bring your friends, sip, snack, and leave with a handcrafted wreath to brighten your home this holiday season. -Tickets: $150 per personLimited to just 20 guests — reserve your spot early!
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Westchester County 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 winners in KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Westchester. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories! Check out your fellow readers'
favorites, and enjoy exploring the best of the region!
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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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