KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter for the Ann Arbor / Detroit Metro Area
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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 |
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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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Just a minute of your time could make a big impact. 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.
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Ann Arbor, Detroit, and the Northwest Suburbs have many private schools and alternative education options from which parents can choose. Each has its unique benefits and advantages, so it's important to investigate carefully. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools. If your school is not on our list but should be, please email us at ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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Private Schools in the Ann Arbor / Metro Detroit area: 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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Join the thousands of parade-goers as the holiday season officially kicks off with the Holiday Lighted Parade. Bands, dancers, floats, and of course, Santa, make this annual favorite a great family tradition! The Parade begins at 6:30 PM and will be followed by the official tree lighting in Town Square, Downtown Northville.
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Mark your calendars for the 22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by DTE Foundation, happening Friday, Nov. 21, from 4–9 p.m. at Campus Martius Park. Let the magic of the holidays begin in the heart of Detroit as we light up more than a million lights across downtown for the season.
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Bring the whole family to MI Bright Lights – the area’s ONLY fully synchronized drive-through holiday wonderland! Imagine thousands of dazzling lights twinkling, shimmering, and dancing in perfect sync with holiday music – every beat, every note – broadcast right to your car stereo. From the moment you drive in, you’re part of a magical show where the lights don’t just glow… they perform! With dozens of songs in rotations, no two visits are the same – so kids, parents, and grandparents will all want to come back again and again. MI Bright Lights isn’t just a drive-through… it’s a place where holiday memories come alive, one synchronized song at a time.
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Bring the whole family to MI Bright Lights – the area’s ONLY fully synchronized drive-through holiday wonderland! Imagine thousands of dazzling lights twinkling, shimmering, and dancing in perfect sync with holiday music – every beat, every note – broadcast right to your car stereo. From the moment you drive in, you’re part of a magical show where the lights don’t just glow… they perform! With dozens of songs in rotations, no two visits are the same – so kids, parents, and grandparents will all want to come back again and again. MI Bright Lights isn’t just a drive-through… it’s a place where holiday memories come alive, one synchronized song at a time.
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In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a color cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors again to set things right. Gabby, Pandy Paws and friends travel to the Cat-O-Sphere, Mermaid-Lantis and some favorite Dollhouse locations in search of the colors that will make rebuilding the rainbow, possible.
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The Wayne County Lightfest celebrates its 32nd year with new displays across five miles of Hines Park! The Wayne County Lightfest is open Wednesday - Sunday from November 20, 2025 - December 24, 2025, with bonus days of Monday, December 22, 2025, and Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
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Turkey Tag is BACK! Get ready for an action-packed, family-friendly night at Paradise Park! Enjoy 'Hunt the Turkey' Laser Tag, a NEW 30-Min Unlimited Arcade Play Card, a Homemade Pizza Buffet, and fun games and crafts! Ages 4+ recommended. Saturday, Nov 22, 2025, @ 6:00 PM. RSVP NOW!
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Shop historic downtown Marshall and get your exclusive Marshall Cookie Tin! Buy an exclusive Marshall Cookie Tin for $15 as your ticket to the cookie walk. This tin is required to get your lovely assortment of cookies during the event.
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SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 1pm-5pm! Join us for our 10th Annual CHANU-CON! COMMUNITY-WIDE CHANUKAH FESTIVAL at Congregation Beth Shalom! FREE ADMISSION! (donations always welcome) EXCITING CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES FUN VENDORS WITH GIFT IDEAS DELICIOUS KOSHER FOOD LIVE MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT 50/50 RAFFLE
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The Ann Arbor-Detroit area 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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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 list of holiday events list for Ann Arbor, Detroit, and SE Michigan. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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- Feeding Time in the Nature Center - Stony Creek Metropark - Stony Creek Nature Center - 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township, MI 48316, Saturday, November 16, 2025, 1pm - 2pm
- Artist Trading Cards (ATC) Tea and Trade - Art Works! Studio
LLC - 127 E Walled Lake Dr, Walled Lake, MI 48390, Saturday, November 16, 2025, 1 - 2 PM
- Taste of Gan - Kindergarten open
house - 2937 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, Saturday, November 16, 2025, Kindergarten open house - Taste of Gan
- Kindergarten Open House - Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, Saturday, November 16, 2025, 10:00-11:00AM
- First Look at Greenhills Lower School – First Session - Greenhills School - 850 Greenhills Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, Saturday, November
16, 2025, 11:30 am—1:00 pm
- First Look at Greenhills Lower School – Second Session - 2203 Platt
Road, Ann Arbor, MI, Saturday, November 16, 2025, 2:00 pm—3:30 pm
- Winter at the Station - Michigan Central - 2001
15th Street, Detroit, MI 48216, Saturday, November 16, 2025, 8AM - 5PM
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by Katie Beltramo If the thought of rushing into a shopping frenzy on such a full stomach makes you feel a little sick, here are some ideas for continuing the family quality time on the Friday after
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas 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 Detroit Metro 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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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