KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter for the Ann Arbor / Detroit Metro Area |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Peace can come in many textures during the holidays. For some, it’s the energizing bustle of concerts and community events, or the warmth of a crowded house full of voices and motion. For others, it’s the stillness of a walk through snow-covered woods, a soft blanket at home, or the quiet company of someone who understands them. It shifts from person to person, and sometimes even
from one day to the next. Peace can be internal, external, or, at its best, a bit of both: a sense that life makes sense, within and around us. It’s easier to feel when we’re free from hardship, but even in the midst of challenge, it’s sometimes possible to find a quiet kind of peace when we know we’ve done our best with the time and energy we’ve been given. Peace can be elusive for parents; after all, we're the ones in charge of figuring out how to make the
family rhythm and flow work for everyone, and what brings peace to our kids may look nothing like what brings it to us. Maybe your son needs to be out with friends while you crave stillness. Maybe your daughter is hoping to hide in a corner with a book while you're in full-on glitter-and-cookie mode with all the cousins. Parenting is the art of balance, of helping everyone in the family thrive by seeing who they really are and doing our best to honor it. It's not easy, and it's never perfect,
but we try. When kids feel known—when they hear “I see that you love this, that you need this, and I’ll help you find your way to it”—they flourish. That sense of being understood can be its own kind of peace. So as the season winds to a close, I wish you whatever kind of holiday rhythm helps you feel most like you. And I hope you’ll find moments to offer that same gift to those around you. When we make space for each other’s version of peace, it’s more
likely to find its way into the room.
—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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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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Make winter break a time for wonder! From December 26–January 4, explore a festive lineup of science activities, creative crafts, and special performances—all included with your Museum admission. Check out our calendar for daily details on activities and performances! Free with museum admission.
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In partnership with Alkebu-lan Village, the City of Detroit, the Downtown Detroit Partnership and other community partners, we are pleased to welcome back the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara and Lighting at Campus Martius Park. Recognized as one of the largest Kwanzaa Kinara displays in the world, this 30-foot-tall monument is designed to stand alongside Detroit’s other major holiday displays, serving as a vibrant symbol of African American life, culture, and community. Join us Thursday, Dec. 26, from 3-7 p.m. for the lighting of the first Kwanzaa candle, Umoja (Unity) and kick off this meaningful week of celebration with family, friends and neighbors. Experience music, joy and community spirit as Detroit comes together to honor Kwanzaa’s traditions.
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Picture your child’s excitement during open play, enhanced by unique layers of discovery that make Camp Fascinate truly exceptional. At Fascination Factory, we are committed to providing a camp adventure that sparks curiosity, fosters creativity, and creates memories that will last a lifetime
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What is a snowflake? Join us in discovering how snowflakes are born, all the different types and why they are as unique as fingerprints. A presentation, craft activity and hike will allow us to fully explore everything you ever wanted to know about snowflakes.
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Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort of your car as you wind through the sparkling path of Detroit’s holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Magic of Lights is a rain or snow event, unless a weather emergency is declared.
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For many, December provides a time of reflection, gathering and hope for the future. Through a featured artifact display and a series of programs and performances led by local community organizations, discover how Las Posadas, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's are celebrated through traditions of food and light.
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Join us at Giant Screen Experience for our 21st year of The Polar Express! Hop aboard and relive your favorite festive memories with this holiday classic.
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Create lasting holiday memories at Supper with Santa — a family tradition filled with wonder, warmth and cheer. Inside a festive Greenfield Village setting, families are welcomed with holiday décor, hearty seasonal fare and the joyful anticipation of a visit from Santa himself. Designed for all ages, the evening begins with a nostalgic horse-drawn wagon ride from the Village gates to A Taste of History Restaurant, where lantern-lit streets and the sounds of the season create a picture-perfect welcome.
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Starting Nov. 21 through Jan. 20, step into the magical world of Candyland! From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, experience larger-than-life light installations, a giant gingerbread house and whimsical holiday figures—it’s a glowing wonderland right in the heart of the city.
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Michigan's most unique winter wonderland is here at SEA LIFE Michigan! Celebrate the holidays with thousands of lights under the sea! Take a polar plunge — dip your hands in our cold water Touchpool and pet bright red and green sea anemones. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of Scuba Claus and his underwater elves while they clean our Ocean Habitat. Spot some special ornaments throughout the exhibits, and more!
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Ring in 2026 early at Paradise Park's New Year's Eve Family Bash! We've got the perfect daytime countdown with a pizza buffet, laser tag, and a huge 2:00 PM balloon drop with awesome prizes, and non-stop fun. Secure your spot for the ultimate family celebration!
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We invite you and your family to ring in the New Year before the clock strikes 12:00 (PM!) at our annual **NOON** Year's Eve Celebration ... get it?! Be sure to arrive no later than 11:45am to celebrate with our colorful Balloon Drop in the center of LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan! The balloons drop at 12pm sharp, so don't be late!
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Ring in the new year with your family at the Mount Clemens Kids New Year's Eve Event! Join us on December 31st between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to enjoy some children's activities, a mini fireworks display and an early ball drop so your children can celebrate the holiday.
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Ring in 2026 early at Paradise Park's New Year's Eve Family Bash! We've got the perfect daytime countdown with a pizza buffet, laser tag, and a huge 2:00 PM balloon drop with awesome prizes, and non-stop fun. Secure your spot for the ultimate family celebration!
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions. Here are local organizations that offer memberships. If the
information above changes or if there are venues that should be added, please email us, and we'll help get those posted!
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Ring in the New Year with a little help from KidsOutAndAbout! Our Big List of family-Friendly celebrations is just what you need to find ball drops, fireworks displays, NOON Year's Eve fun, activities, parties and more! If your favorite isn't on the list be
sure to send us an email and we'll add it pronto.
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- Baby Playgroups at Ann Arbor District Library Downtown - Ann Arbor District Library - 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, December 26, 10:30 - 11:30AM
- Kwanzaa Celebration and Motor City Kinara
Lighting - 1 Campus Martius, Downtown Detroit, December 26, 3 - 7 PM
- Winter at the
Station - Michigan Central, 2001 15th Street, Detroit, December 27 - 28, 8AM - 5PM
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Detroit - Ann Arbor - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, December 27 - 28, See link for times
- Feeding Time in the Nature Center - Stony Creek Metropark - Stony Creek Nature Center - 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township, December 28,
1pm - 2pm
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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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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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