KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
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
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2026 is your year to reset, recharge, and rise at the YMCA of the East Valley. You’ll find more than a gym… you’ll find a supportive community ready to cheer you on every step of the way. Whether you’re building strength, finding balance, or exploring new activities with family and friends, the Y is where goals turn into habits and habits become a healthier, happier you. Join now and take advantage of our exciting New Year membership promotion! There’s never been a better time to commit to your wellness and discover all the Y has to offer. Let’s make this your strongest year yet! Click on the image or visit https://ymcaeastvalley.org/join-the-y/ for more information.
|
|
|
|
Leapin' lizards! America's most beloved musical Annie will once again be presented at the Historic Star Theatre in downtown Oceanside, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classical musical about never giving up hope.
|
|
|
|
Forget the cookies—let's make some décor! Join us at the library to get your hands messy mixing up a batch of dough for our Salt Dough Ornament Workshop! You'll roll, cut, and decorate a super unique ornament perfect for hanging on your tree or giving as a handmade gift! Come design your delicious-looking, but un-edible, masterpiec
|
|
|
|
Join us on the first Friday of every month for an exciting adventure in the world of Dungeons & Dragons! Led by Dungeon Master Peter, these campaigns are designed especially for young heroes ages 7-12.
|
|
|
|
Southern California winter spectacular with art, food and drink, and live music for the whole family!
|
|
|
|
Get into the spirit of the season with our Parade of Lights, where shimmering floats and dazzling displays will light up the night. But that’s not all! There’s so much more to enjoy.
|
|
|
|
Cabot believed in creating and nurturing an artistic community. In this spirit, we invite local artists to Cabot’s Pueblo Museum to share their artwork with Desert Hot Springs and the wider Coachella Valley. Artisans at the Pueblo embody Cabot’s vision of bringing art, culture, and people together.
|
|
|
|
Let’s do some cleaning so it doesn’t wash out to sea! Thank you for bringing along either work or gardening gloves, a refill water dispenser, and dress for weather. We will provide reuse trash bags, drinking water, and light snacks. Complimentary parking passes are given at check-in and are valid until 12:30 pm upon completion of cleanup.
|
|
|
- Way to Play Day - Pretend City Children's Museum - 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618, December 12, 2025, 10am-3pm
- Chess Club - Canyon Lake Library - 31594 Railroad Canyon Road, Canyon Lake, CA 92587, December 12, 2025, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Free mini photo session
with Shoott! - Los Angeles - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, December 12-14, 2025, See link for times
- Chino Youth
Christmas Parade & Fair - 13220 Central Avenue, Chino, CA 91710, December 13, 2025, 9am - 2pm
- Doheny State Beach Community Beach Cleanups - 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA, December 13, 2025, 9am - 12pm
- The Many Faces of the Holidays - Anza Library - Riverside County Library System - Anza Branch - 57430 Mitchell Rd, Anza, CA 92539,
December 13, 2025, 10:30am - 11:30am
- Parade of Lights & Holiday Festival - City of Desert Hot Springs California - 11999 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CA, December 13, 2025, 5:45PM – 10:00PM
- Visit Santa - Main Street Mercantile, 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, December 14, 2025, 1PM - 3PM
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Inland Empire 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025 holiday events in the Inland Empire, CA: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, and New Year's Eve. The activities we've listed here are
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Inland Empire 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025's best places to take kids in the Inland Empire? Each May-June, thousands of parents vote in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Was the winner an indoor play center, museum, farm, nature center, sports team? Click through to
find out!
|
|
|
Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
