KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter for the Ann Arbor / Detroit Metro Area
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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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One final ask: 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 artificial intelligence. We're asking all parents, grandparents,
and caregivers-whether you're tech-savvy or…
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Santa Claus is coming to the Mall of Monroe! Families are invited to celebrate the holiday season and capture special memories with Santa from November 28 through December 24, 2025, at 2121 N Monroe St, Monroe, MI. Enjoy festive photo opportunities, themed event days, and holiday fun for all ages.
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A tradition in which every Thanksgiving Day over 1,000 vehicles gather from across the state/country to participate in the biggest Off Roading mud fest of the season. All ORV’s that meet state regulations are welcome. Parking lot and entrance lineup/tailgate open at 6am. Vehicles will be allowed into the park at 7:50am. Vehicle passes are $20 per vehicle and season passes are valid for this event. Enjoy a few servings of mud on turkey day at Michigan’s premier off road facility, making grown men cry since 1971!
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Join us for Canton’s annual Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile race. In-person and Virtual options are available again this year! Runners/Walkers can support Canton’s Family Thanksgiving tradition on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Canton's Summit on the Park & Heritage Park as the picturesque course winds through Pheasant Run Golf Club. The Canton Turkey Trot for a Cause supports the education, research & family resources for the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. There are so many breakthroughs for families living with Epilepsy.
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Celebrate the spirit of the season at Crossroads Village, where a historic village comes alive with holiday magic for an unforgettable experience. Indulge in the enchantment of twinkling lights, artisan crafting, and timeless holiday activities for the whole family. Enjoy an evening ride on the historical 1800s Huckleberry Railroad, or walk through the streets filled with classic decorations capturing Christmas past with Santa waiting to say hello. You’re sure to find gifts for everyone on your holiday list this season. Creating family memories for over 40 years, Christmas at Crossroads kicks off November 28th and continues through December 29th. Join us on opening night for a tree lighting ceremony, a firework show, and free village-only admission to all Genesee County Residents.
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Kick off the holiday magic with a day of shopping, festive cheer, and twinkling lights. Explore unique finds from local artisans, pick out the perfect Christmas tree, and don’t forget to take home fresh evergreen wreaths, porch pots, and delightful decor for your home.
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The Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt is a Christmas village lined with artisan gift and food vendors, holiday entertainment, and festive family fun. Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, this winter wonderland is filled with unique holiday experiences illuminated with international flair.
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Kick off the holiday season with the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce's 50th Anniversary Santa Claus Parade! This showstopping event brings together holiday lovers young and old for a parade from Lewiston Avenue to Cadieux Road along Kercheval Avenue in Grosse Pointe Farms on the Hill and Grosse Pointe City in the Village!
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Support historic downtown Marshall businesses and shop small! Small Business Saturday 2025 is brought to you by Marshall Retailers Association.
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Santa will be making his grand arrival to The Village on Friday, November 21, 2025 during the annual Light The Village event and will continue to make weekly appearances through Christmas Eve.
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Step into a world alight. Meijer Gardens transforms into a luminous wonderland of glowing pathways, interactive installations, and seasonal soundscapes. Nights shimmer, art breathes, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
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Register for the annual Birmingham Santa Walk and join us in welcoming Santa to town! The short walk through downtown includes stops at various shops, before concluding at Santa's quaint home in Shain Park. Enjoy Small Business Saturday festivities including free horse-drawn carriage rides and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. complimentary hot chocolate, courtesy of Hazel's while supplies last. Parking is free in structures all day!
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Mark your calendar now for Garden City's longest running tradition. The 2025 GCDDA Santaland Parade will be held on November 29th, 2025 at 10:00AM.
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Dearborn Wanderlights, a new city tradition blending public art and holiday celebration, will make its inaugural debut at PEACE Park West from Nov. 20, 2025 - Feb. 20, 2026. This free, family-friendly experience will span three months and feature three world-class, interactive light installations from artists across the globe.
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This season, a Detroit icon transforms for the second annual Winter at The Station. This year’s celebration builds on a rich legacy while beginning a new chapter as a place for community and the home of possibility. Enjoy the warm glow of festive decor and the inspiring sounds of local artists, explore hands-on activities, and discover curated local food, drinks, and gifts.
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The annual Festival of Trees draws thousands of visitors, and has become a holiday tradition for people all over southeast Michigan. We are excited to announce that the 39th annual Festival of Trees will once again take place at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. The event will run from November 23rd through the 30th.
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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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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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- 50th Annual Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade: I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas - 106 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, USA, Friday, November 28, 2025, 10AM -
11:30AM
- Santa’s Coming to The Village! Enjoy Free Visits With Santa at The Village of Rochester Hills! - The Village Of Rochester Hills, North Adams Road, Rochester Hills, MI, USA, Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, Times Vary -
please check website for times
- Winter at the Station - Michigan Central, 2001 15th Street, Detroit, MI 48216, United States, Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, 8AM - 5PM
- Santa Claus Visit Mall Monroe - Mall of Monroe - 2121 N Monroe St, Monroe, MI 48162, Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- 64h Garden City Downtown Development Authority Santaland Parade - Garden City Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue, Village of Garden City, NY 11530, United States, Friday, November 29, 2025, 10:00AM
- Birmingham Santa Walk - Birmingham
Principal Shopping, 151 Martin Street, Birmingham, MI 48009, Friday, November 29, 2025, 9:30AM - 10:30AM
- Christmas Parade | Downtown Milford - Milford Village Downtown Development, Atlantic Street, Milford, MI, USA, Friday, November 29, 2025, 10:00 am
- 26th Annual All Four One Holiday Harvest Toy Drive - 15218 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI, USA, Friday, November 29 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, All Day
- Feeding Time in the Nature Center - Stony Creek Metropark - 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township, MI, 48316, Sunday, November 30, 2025,
1pm - 2pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Saturday, November 29 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, See link for times
- Dearborn Wonderlights - Dearborn Peace Park West, West Village Drive, Dearborn, MI, USA, Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, 5:30PM
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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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