KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: This Sunday marks the Winter Solstice—Robert Frost’s “darkest evening of the year.” It’s when we in the Northern Hemisphere most appreciate human inventiveness: We flip a switch, and light floods the room. It feels like magic, but it’s not. It’s the result of generations of curious, determined humans trying to make life better, brighter,
safer. That’s why my family celebrates Lightbulb Day every December 21. It’s our homegrown holiday honoring the inventors and problem-solvers whose insights fuel our lives. We toast our favorite technologies, learn some history, imagine the future. Past years’ MVPs include contact lenses,
antibiotics, the internet, veterinary science, and the Covid vaccine. This year’s front-runner: artificial intelligence. Last weekend, I had breakfast with a friend and her 13-year-old daughter, Lily. Lily said she loves math and science but struggles with how her teachers approach the humanities, especially writing. When I showed her how AI can help her learn in the way she learns best, her face lit up. So I went home and wrote a how-to article for Lily, her mom, and any of
you with kids in middle school or older: How Students Can Use AI to Learn to Write (Without Giving Away their Brains). AI isn’t here to think for us. It’s here to help us think more effectively with our own minds. That’s a message worth repeating, especially to our kids.
In this new AI age, the real danger isn’t the technology itself, it’s the temptation to hand our brains over to it and say, “Here, you do all the work.” So this Lightbulb Day, I’m raising an Erlenmeyer flask, not just to the great inventors of the past, but to Lily, and to every young person learning to think with tools rather than letting tools do the thinking. Because the real magic isn’t flipping the switch; it’s understanding where the current comes from, and
imagining what we’ll power with it in the 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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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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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.
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Proceeds benefit Bowers Museum Education Programs. Tickets are non-refundable.
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Active, Retired, and Veteran U.S. Military Personnel may receive discounted admission to Knott's Berry Farm for themselves and up to 5 guests during Military Tribute Days. Tickets can be purchased online for $25* at Knotts.com or at the Knott’s Berry Farm ticket booths. Discounted admission is also available at a participating Military Ticket Office. Spouses and children are not eligible to purchase these tickets without the military member present.
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Oh, the weather outside may be frightful, but the library is always delightful! It’s that time of the year, to join us for some holiday cheer! Jolly St. Nick pays a visit-music, games, you don’t want to miss it! Slip on your PJ’s and head on down, to the merriest library on this side of town!
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Celebrate the holiday season with some of your favorite animals at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Aquarium Holidays runs until December 23 with some special activities on the weekends.
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Little Folk Club returns to Dana Point Harbor. Join us on the Island for plenty of interactive music and Friday fun to kick off the weekend. Located across the bridge at Island Way right in front of the Richard Henry Dana Statue. Please feel free to bring along your favorite instruments, blankets, towels, and chairs.
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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.
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Step into Sherwood Forest this holiday season with Robin Hood and the White Arrow: The Holiday Feast of Stephen at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. This original musical adventure features live music, humor, and heart as Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and the Merry Men bring a timeless tale of love and courage to life. A perfect holiday outing for families and theater lovers of all ages.
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Southern California winter spectacular with art, food and drink, and live music for the whole family!
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Join us on a whimsical ride around Christmas Nights at 123 Farm featuring festive food and drinks, tractor wagon rides, s'mores pits and Santa with a display of over one million lights.
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Ring in 2026 with your little ones! Enjoy crafts, a toddler-friendly obstacle course, goody bags and learn about our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program! No registration required.
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- Chess Club - Canyon Lake Library - Canyon Lake Library - 31594 Railroad Canyon Road, Canyon Lake, CA 92587, Friday, 12/19/2025, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Free mini photo session
with Shoott! - Los Angeles - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, 12/19/2025 to Sunday, 12/21/2025 (see link for times)
- After School Snacks at the Woodcrest Library - Riverside County Library System - 16625 Krameria, Riverside, CA 92504, Monday–Wednesday dates shown; also runs Friday, 12/19/2025 (2:30 pm - 4 pm) — check link for full schedule
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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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Ring in the New Year with a little help from KidsOutAndAbout! Our Big List of family-Friendly celebrations is just what you need to find ball drops, fireworks displays, NOON Year's Eve fun, activities, parties and more! If your favorite isn't on the list be
sure to send us an email and we'll add it pronto.
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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 the Inland Empire. Here are local organizations that
offer memberships.
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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.
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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
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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!
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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!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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