KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Sat, Jan 3: Full Moon Howl at Wolf Conservation Center Sun, Jan 4: Family Art Workshop: Cinematic Wearables at Hudson River Museum Wed, Jan 7: Mother Nature’s Storytime - Winter Sessions at Greenburgh Nature Center Fri, Jan 9: Stop In and Sketch at Hudson River Museum Sat, Jan 10: Night in the Museum at Old Sturbridge Village Thu, Jan 15: Preview a Day at Ridgefield Academy Sun, Jan 25: Click, Clack, Moo at Emelin Theatre Sun, Feb 1: GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE LIVE! at Kings Theatre Tue, Feb 17: February School's Out Workshop: Maple Sugaring at Rye Nature Center
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a teenager, a math teacher I respected told me that there are two kinds of people: Those who make pizza, and those who grab as many slices as they can. "At the end of the day," he said, "you want to be someone who has made more pizza than she eats." He said this to me at the perfect time, when I was just forming my ideas about who I was and was going to
become. I decided I wanted always to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation, so I started thinking about how to use the time I have here on Earth to make as much pizza as I possibly could. Over the years, I found that the key to success in this long-term goal is to tune my mental radar to the very near future, to stay in control of my time rather than giving it away to an algorithm that serves endless empty calories: How best do I use the next five
minutes, the next half hour, the next day? It all adds up. Even young kids can add value to the world, especially if they watch their parents doing it. New Year's resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, especially when they're overly specific. But resolving to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation is straightforward. For some easy recipes for quick wins, check out my quick-read article 12 Starter Ideas for Pizza on Earth. Then look up from your phone, scan your world, and you'll find all the ingredients you need. Here's to a delicious 2026! —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 Academic Excellence Program (AEP) is a scholarship to recognize and financially support students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and intellectual promise. AEP awards are two-year merit scholarships for high school students in 10th or 11th grade to begin college at Simon’s Rock at Bard College, the nation’s pioneering Early College. Awards will be granted on a competitive basis, by a committee of Simon’s Rock faculty. For fall 2026, the committee will award at least 20 scholarships across the three award levels. There are three scholarship awards levels available: 1. Founder’s Scholarship – $50,000 merit scholarship per year, 2. Provost’s Scholarship – $25,000 merit scholarship per year, and 3. Faculty Scholarship – $10,000 merit scholarship per year. Students may apply for additional need-based financial aid.
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When the chill hits Westchester, rats start looking for warmth, food, and shelter—which often means your home, garage, or even Grandma’s basement. They can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter and settle in fast. Listen for scratching in the walls or rustling under the sink—those are their calling cards. At Suburban Pest Control, we know January is prime time for surprise “roommates.” Keep food sealed, clear clutter, and call if you spot droppings or gnaw marks. A quick inspection now can save a big headache later. Stay cozy—and keep the rats outside where they belong.
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Weather Alert: heavy snowfall has arrived at Stepping Stones! During this “Season of Fun”, experience enchanting indoor blizzards* plus shovel-ready “snow,” “ice forts” for playful snowball fights, sled-pulling adventures and more snowy surprises all winter long. Grab your coat and mittens – the frosty fun is about to begin (minus the chill)!
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During the holiday break, you’re invited to experience all the HRM has to offer. Enjoy current exhibitions and engage in fun art and science workshops. Experience a tour of Glenview, festively decorated for the season, and choose from a variety of planetarium and laser shows, including Laser Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Beyonce, the Beatles, and more! Please note, planetarium shows and tours of Glenview are ticketed.
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Taylor Swift is a global pop sensation with more than 200 million records sold and a legacy of Grammys and devoted fans. Now, her biggest hits—like Anti-Hero, Love Story, and …Ready for It?—come to life in a dazzling laser light show. The Eras Tour may be over, but you can still rock your favorite Taylor Swift outfits and trade friendship bracelets at Laser Taylor Swift. A 55-minute spectacle you won’t want to miss!
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Celebrate the first Full Moon of 2026! Guests will learn about the history of wolves in the United States, the importance of wolves in a healthy ecosystem and the efforts to save these magnificent creatures for future generations. Guests will also take will take a short walk to visit Ambassador Wolves Nikai, Silas, and Kinari, and will hopefully enjoy a symphony of howls from the 30 wolves that call the WCC home! Please bring flashlights. Pre-registration is required!
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Now through Jan 4: Come skate at the Cross County Center Pop-up Ice Rink all holiday season! The pop-up ice rink is not real ice but is a smooth "glice" material, great for young and first-time skaters. We wear real ice skates, but glide a little slower than on real ice (plus it's not as cold!) Admission is $12 per person and includes skates and a one-hour session. Character skate nights will take place throughout the season.
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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions in and around Westchester County, NY. Here are local organizations
that offer memberships.
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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com Mom of Madison and Ella
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