KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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
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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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This true holiday favorite features John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by members of the CSO. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is fun for the entire family!
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Step into an enchanting 1.3-mile trail of twinkling lights and showstopping displays expertly curated anew each year. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and see the Chicago Botanic Garden glow beyond the expected. Bold. Artistic. Unforgettable. Tickets are on sale now for all. Book in advance and secure your preferred slot; popular dates and times go fast!
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Experience the Magic of Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier! Get ready to relive cherished memories and create magical new moments at Chicago’s favorite indoor holiday experience, complete with dazzling décor, thrilling rides, ice skating, and seasonal fun for all ages. Spot twinkly light displays and playful pops of holiday cheer inside Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, take in the towering 42-foot Holiday Tree, and discover endless ways to play. From heart-pumping rides like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity to fan favorites like the classic kiddie train, electric bumper cars and the new motorcycle jump, plus bounce houses and slides, there’s something fun waiting around every corner.
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The Grinch has taken over Whoville and can’t wait to see you! Take a walk around our own Whoville with your family, play games and collect treats from all the Whos, then put on your best grinchy face to for a photo with Santa and the Grinch! Trail and meet-and-greet will be outside and will take approximately 20-25 minutes. Please wear weather appropriate clothes and shoes. Advance registration required by December 11. Register by December 1 to save!! You must arrive during your chosen arrival window. All children must be registered and accompanied by an adult (free).
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The MCA is a great place for families to connect with contemporary art. Every second Saturday of the month, October through May, enjoy free admission and interactive events that redefine the way that children and families explore and create art together. Designed for children under 12 and their grown-ups, MCA Family Days invite our youngest visitors to be the museum’s artists, thinkers, and collaborators. Witness an artist’s first creation. Experience inspiration spark from play and wonder. Do something nearly unheard of in a contemporary art museum—sit on comfy pillows and eat free snacks. Every second Saturday, joyfully disregard the boundaries between adult and child, artist and visitor, museum and studio, teacher and learner. Admission is free to Family Day attendees. ASL interpretation is provided.
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Join us for a morning of holiday magic! Enjoy a festive breakfast buffet and create holiday crafts. Meet Santa and snap a photo with him! Every registered guest will receive a special goodie bag to take home. Children 2 and younger are free. All attending family members must register. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the entire event.
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Through its inspiring story, beautiful music and charming choreography, The Nutcracker is a celebration of the joyous holiday season. The Nutcracker takes us on an unforgettable journey with young Marie as she travels from her home on Christmas Eve to the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of the Sweets, featuring George Balanchine's Sugar Plum Fairy Pas de Deux. For adults, its a time to relive cherished memories of childhood. For children who wait with breathless anticipation for the holidays to arrive, it is the opportunity to create new memories. For everyone, it is a time for sharing and giving among family and friends.
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- Book Builders at Harold Washington - Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Public Library - South State Street, Chicago, IL, USA, December 12, 2025, 10 - 11 am
- Holiday Concerts: Hubbard
High School at Harold Washington - Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Public Library - South State Street, Chicago, IL, USA, December 12, 2025, 12 - 12:45 pm
- Film Screening: Little Women (2019) at Harold Washington - Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Public Library - South State Street, Chicago, IL, USA, December 12, 2025, 2 - 4:30 pm
- Family Story Time at Harold Washington - Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Public Library - South State Street, Chicago, IL, USA, December 13, 2025, 10 - 10:30 am
- Family Days at the MCA: December - 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States, December 13, 2025, 11 am - 3 pm
- Parachute Play at Harold Washington - Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Public Library - South State Street, Chicago, IL, USA, December 14, 2025, 3 - 3:30 pm
- Visit Santa - Main Street Mercantile, 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, United States, December 14, 2025, 1 pm - 3 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Chicago - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, December 12-14, 2025, See link for
times
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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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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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