KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
|
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
When I was about four years old, I turned to my mother and asked, “Mommy, do you know what I’m thinking?” She said no, that no one can know what’s going on in someone else’s head unless they say it out loud. I was instantly relieved. “Good!” I said, emphatically. This family story points to something we all figure out eventually: No one—not even those we love most—can
truly know us completely. That’s because our minds are crowded with thoughts, memories, emotions, and those little sparks of insight that are hard to pin down for ourselves, much less explain to someone else. So no matter what, we can only really share just a slice of who we are. Some people might say that being selective about what parts of ourselves we show to different people means we're being fake, but I don't. Full transparency isn't even possible, so the goal is
sincerity. As long as what we share is true to who we are, we’re being honest. Selective, but sincere. This is especially helpful to remember during the holidays, when we’re surrounded by lots of people, sometimes all at once. Some of them we love dearly. Others... less so. So when Aunt Viv is going on (again) about the zoning board, you don’t have to confess how bored you are. Just focus on what’s real—the part you truly mean—and say that. “So sorry that's getting in your
way, Aunt Viv. But I just have to say: Your pecan pie is amazing.” So this holiday season, try to tune your radar to see the good stuff. Say out loud what you honestly appreciate. And take comfort, as four-year-old Deb once did, that no one can read the rest of what’s going on in your head.
—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. |
|
|
|
KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of AI. We're asking all parents, grandparents, and caregivers—whether you're tech-savvy or not—to weigh in. Your input will directly shape upcoming national resources designed to help families guide kids wisely and safely. The survey closes soon, so please take 60–90 seconds to be part of this important effort.
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas at Cantigny returns for its third season, bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever. From Friday, November 21, through Tuesday, December 23, Cantigny transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with lights, music, food, and festive cheer for our Christmas at Cantigny celebration. NEW Magical Twist for 2025: A Wickedly Popular Christmas, Christmas at Cantigny’s Sunday evening light shows ‘flip the switch’ to feature the hues and music of Wicked (available 11/23, 11/30, 12/7 and 12/14). Guests at Christmas at Cantigny will stroll a half mile, fully accessible path through brilliantly illuminated gardens and landscapes—no dark gaps, just a seamless journey of light, color, and creativity. After Christmas, the magic continues through Saturday, January 4, with 'Lights, Camera, Action,' a show set to iconic movie soundtracks. GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
|
|
|
|
The private schools in the Chicago area cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. This is KidsOutAndAbout's list.
|
|
|
|
Private Schools in Chicago: 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.
|
|
|
|
KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Chicago is loaded with our traditional 101 ideas for local holiday fun. Santa sightings, Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
|
|
|
|
Jack Frost Christmas Pop-Up, an all-ages event, is turning up the holiday cheer, this time in the heart of Fulton Market! We've transformed two acres on Green Street into a Winter Wonderland that's all about celebrating the Holiday Season.. For one month only experience a larger than life, outdoor, multi-sensory adventure in the heart of Chicago. Whether you’re seeking a striking nighttime lights display, an outdoor Christmas-themed party with dozens of Holiday themed instagramable memories or a full-sized Ice Rink, there’s an experience here for everyone!
|
|
|
|
Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd. Chicagoland’s favorite holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever! ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd twinkles with more than 3 million lights, hundreds of nostalgic LED displays, and festive experiences that capture the magic of the season. Step into a world of sparkle and shine as you stroll through the dazzling holiday light tunnel. Take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel and catch some of the best views of the Chicago skyline amid twinkling lights. Indulge in hot chocolate, snack on fresh churros, or roast s’mores on an open fire. You’ll find Santa Claus in Pepper Family Wildlife Center nightly from 4:30–9 p.m. through December 23. **Due to high guest volumes, we highly encourage you to buy entry tickets in advance. A limited number of tickets may be available for purchase at the gates.** General public ticket onsale starts on Tuesday, October 7 at 10 a.m. CT
|
|
|
|
Drop off your kiddos to create a fun Clay project that will keep you smiling year after year! We will help them create a cool clay project. After the clay is fired they can paint it with our standard glazes or our specialty glazes at no additional cost! This is a drop-off event for kids 7 and up!
|
|
|
|
Gather your family for an evening of fun and games! Enjoy your favorite board games along with delicious pizza and snacks. Pre-registration is required, and the fee covers a family of four. Each additional family member is $7.
|
|
|
|
Science is more fun in your pajamas! See the Field Museum in a whole new light! Families and groups with kids ages 6 to 12 can spend the night at the museum during Dozin’ with the Dinos. Stay up late with scientists as the Field Museum comes to life in games, challenges, and stories throughout the night. Will you dissect owl pellets and identify animal tracks to become the next great wildlife detective? Or, will you embark on a paleontologist’s expedition to uncover and identify fossils? Take on these adventures and more with one of the Field Museum’s dinosaurs as your guide. Then, grab your flashlight and explore the halls as the lights go out. This is a night at the museum you won’t forget!
|
|
|
|
Step into the Peanuts™ Christmas Experience with Santa at Fox Valley Mall and make magical holiday memories! Bring your loved ones for a joyful photo experience surrounded by festive décor, twinkling lights, and the timeless charm of Snoopy and friends. Special Santa Events: Santa’s Arrival Celebration: Saturday, November 8 at 10 AM, Pet Photo Nights: November 24, December 1 & 8; Sensory-Friendly Santa: Sunday, December 7 at 9 AM. Reservations are recommended but not required. Walk-ups are always welcome and will be accommodated as time allows.
|
|
|
|
Bring the whole family to experience the magic of the Holidays! Join us as we light up the night sky, sing our favorite holiday songs, enjoy donuts and hot chocolate, and meet our friends Santa, Elsa, and Olaf! Thank you to SSA27 for funding this very special evening.
|
|
|
|
Rooted in German tradition, the Christkindlmarket is well known for its traditional candy cane-striped wooden huts, festive shopping options, international delicacies, hot spiced wine (Glühwein), fine beers, hand-crafted ornaments, and family fun. Visitors can shop goods from all around the world and enjoy the unique atmosphere while enjoying international food, beverages and performances at the outdoor market, that is always free of admission charge. The full list of the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville vendors will be available soon!
|
|
|
|
From Italian favorites to a pizza party and cupcake decorating party, children take it up a notch by cooking and baking a three-course menu. Each child and adult will have a spot at the table and participate together to create various cuisine dishes from our menu. Register for the number of children and adult(s) in your group. A minimum of one adult registration is required per group.
|
|
|
- Share the Warmth at Fox Valley Mall – 195 Fox Valley Center Dr, Aurora, IL 60504, Friday, November 21, 2025 through Sunday, November 23, 2025, during business hours
- Book Builders at Harold Washington – Harold Washington Library Center, South State Street, Chicago, IL, Friday, November 21, 2025, 10 - 11 am
- Free
mini photo session with Shoott! - Chicago – Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, November 21, 2025 through Sunday, November 23, 2025, See link for times
- "Bone" Appétit at Trailside Museum of Natural History – 738 Thatcher Ave, River
Forest, IL 60305, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 3 pm
- Family Story Time at Harold Washington – Harold Washington Library Center, South State Street, Chicago, IL, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10 - 10:30 am
- Nature Story Trail "Giving Thanks" by Chief Jake Swamp at Trailside Museum of
Natural History – 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL 60305, Friday, November 21, 2025 through Sunday, November 23, 2025, 1 - 3 pm
- Holiday Tree Lighting at St. Alphonsus – St Alphonsus Church, West Wellington Avenue, Chicago, IL, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 6 - 7:30
pm
- Parachute Play at Harold Washington – Harold Washington
Library Center, South State Street, Chicago, IL, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 3 - 3:30 pm
|
|
|
|
Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Trees in the Chicago area November & December are times of contrast: The gray days outside herald the coming of the holidays, so we make ourselves warm and cozy
|
|
|
|
|
|
KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Chicago is loaded with our traditional 101 ideas for local holiday fun. Santa sightings, Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's
Eve.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Chicago 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 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Chicago Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
|
|
|
Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
