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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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.
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Christmas at Cantigny returns for its third season, bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever. Now 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 select days. 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: https://cantigny.org/christmas-at-cantigny/
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A young Viking named Hiccup defies tradition when he befriends a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless, and together, these unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds. Featuring John Powell’s Oscar-nominated score performed live to picture by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon is a thrilling experience for all ages.
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We’re lighting up the night this holiday season! Returning with a brand new light display, celebrate more than 40 years of Holiday Magic. Now with more than 3.5 million lights, this spectacular interactive display transforms the Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll through themed areas featuring giant holiday displays, a maze, tunnels, and animal-themed lights. Experience the magic that has made this event a beloved holiday tradition.
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Transform your Friday night and reclaim it on your own terms! Let your little ones dive into an evening bursting with fun and excitement under our watchful care. They’ll climb, jump, and soar in a safe, thrilling environment that beats any babysitter’s plan. It’s more than just care—it’s an adventure for them and a night off for you! • PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED •
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A winter visit to Cosley Zoo has become a favorite family tradition. Cosley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery, hot chocolate and a unique assortment of holiday gifts in the Wild Side Gift Shop. All proceeds from this event benefit Cosley Zoo. Admission is free during the festival. Cosley Zoo has four varieties of trees ranging from 3’ to 12’! Wreaths, greens, and garland are also available for purchase. Christmas lights turn on at 3 pm. Hot Chocolate is available weekdays 3-9 pm; weekends 9 am-9 pm. *Holiday Hours: December 24 & 31 | 9A-Noon
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Opening Weekend Fireworks: Kick off the holiday season with a festive fireworks display. Fireworks are scheduled on Friday, November 28th; Saturday, November 29th; and Sunday, November 30th. The fireworks show is included in the price of admission. The fireworks show is weather dependent and may be cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Looking for an amazing and enchanting way for your family to spend time with Santa? Come ride the Illinois Railway Museum’s Happy Holiday Railway! Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family. See and visit with Santa Claus on the train. Treats and hot chocolate will be served. An animated light show and holiday song presentation entertain you during your train trip. Gifts will be given to children on Santa’s “good list”. Holiday lights will be on display throughout the campus including a spectacular animated snow plow display. An awe-inspiring holiday light tour throughout Barn 6 available for viewing day or night. Visit our indoor,…
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From rainbow cupcakes to sprinkled donuts and our holiday gingerbread house decorating classes, children have fun learning about ingredients while creating a culinary masterpiece. A spot for the parent/caregiver is included in the price. The caregiver is the child’s “sous chef” and will sit with the child, helping them with the recipe as needed. One parent can sign up and attend with multiple children.
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The private schools in the Chicago area cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. This is KidsOutAndAbout's list.
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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.
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- Festival of Lights & Tree Sale at Cosley Zoo 2025 - Cosley Zoo, North Gary Avenue, Wheaton, IL, Friday, November 28, 2025 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, 9 am - 9 pm
- Annual Turkey Trot Hike at Trailside Museum of Natural History - Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL 60305, Friday, November 28, 2025, 1:30 pm
- Book Builders at
Harold Washington - Chicago Public Library, South State Street, Chicago, IL, Friday, November 28, 2025, 10 - 11 am
- Nature Story Trail “Giving Thanks” by Chief Jake Swamp at Trailside Museum of Natural History - Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL 60305, Friday, November 28, 2025, 1 - 3 pm
- Share the Warmth at Fox Valley Mall
- Fox Valley Mall, 195 Fox Valley Center Dr, Aurora, IL 60504, Friday, November 28, 2025, during business hours
- Feed the Birds at Trailside Museum of Natural History - Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL 60305, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 11 am
- Family Story Time at Harold Washington - Chicago Public Library, South State Street,
Chicago, IL, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 10 - 10:30 am
- Parachute Play at Harold Washington - Chicago Public Library, South State Street, Chicago, IL, Sunday, November 30, 2025, 3 - 3:30 pm
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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
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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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