KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
|
|
|
|
Fri, Nov 21: Bowl-o-Rama Mama
Sat, Nov 22: 66th Annual Historic Home
Tour & Holiday Market
Sat, Nov 22: Austin Powwow and Native Market
Sun, Nov 23: The Polar Express Experience
Thu,
Nov 27: ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Thu, Dec 4: Wassailfest
Fri, Dec 5: Light Up the Lake
Sun, Dec 7: Austin Jingle Bell 5K
Sat, Dec 13: Christmas Parade- Killeen
Tue, Dec 16: Home Alone in Concert
Sun, Dec 21: 56th Annual Tree
Lighting
Wed, Dec 24: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
A few days ago, my daughter Ella took her first-ever photo of a Trumpeter swan—actually, three of them, as you can see above: two adults and their lone cygnet. She’d been trying to capture one for months, and now that they're migrating, it was finally possible. She was delighted to spot the small swan family moving gently through the mid-November grays and browns of a flooded
field.
By this point in the season, most first-year birds already have matured, flown off, and found their way. But the cygnet in Ella’s photo is clearly a late bloomer: still gray, not quite ready to be on his own. Every parent who looks at that image feels something hard to name: the hope that the young one will be ready soon enough to fly, the worry that he won’t be, and the quiet reassurance that, for now, he’s not alone.
Trumpeter swans are special to our family because of The Trumpet of the Swan, E.B. White’s tender, funny, deeply wise book about Louis, a swan born without a voice. Eventually, Louis becomes a great musician, a trumpeter whose stature befits his name. What’s always struck me about his journey is how he’s allowed to become himself. His parents don’t “fix” him. Aside from providing the materials to set him on a course—his
father famously steals a trumpet—Louis works it out in his own way, on his own time.
Some young people fly early. Others stay close longer. Some wade through swamps for a long while on quests we don’t quite understand. Our job, I think, is to be like those Trumpeter parents: protective, patient, steadfast... and maybe just a little reckless, diving through metaphorical music store windows to get them what they need to begin. Then we stand back bravely and trust that the lens they’re
looking through will reveal the horizon they're meant to find.
—Debra Ross, publisher |
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
The Cosmic Girls Forum is more than a place to chat — it’s a launchpad for learning. Designed for curious young minds, the forum offers educational discussions, creative challenges, and positive peer connections that help girls build confidence in science, storytelling, and self-expression. Parents can feel confident knowing it’s a space where discovery and imagination go hand in hand.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Georgetown Palace Theatre Education Registration is open for the Palace's Spring Education Session. After school classes are offered for all ages and levels in acting, singing, dance, improvisation, and more! Students in 1st-8th grades can register to perform in our Fall productions Pirates Vs. Mermaids or Alice in Wonderland JR. Be sure to check out our other special programming: Homeschool Acting Classes, Adaptive Performance Classes, and One-Day Mini-Camps. All Education Programming…
|
|
|
|
Museums don’t always have to be hands-off! One Sunday out of the month, the Neill-Cochran House Museum opens its doors to feature hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, self-paced tours, and (weather permitting) lawn games with space to picnic in the shade. Looking for that extra little bit of weekend time to come out and see something new? Between our spacious lawn and kid-friendly activities, we’re in it to offer a museum experience to folks of all ages and, (ahem!) attention spans.…
|
|
|
|
Fortlandia aims to connect people of all ages to the environment by evoking a sense of childhood play and wonder. Get ready to explore a brand new lineup of custom designed forts in our Family Garden this fall. Your secret hideout awaits!
|
|
|
|
Experience the vibrant sounds of Austin! Join us for live music by talented local musicians at Century Oaks Park, located near North Italia. Enjoy a variety of performances throughout the weekend.
|
|
|
|
Join us for a prehistoric adventure that combines the fun of a corn maze with the excitement of life-sized, interactive dinosaurs! Perfect for families, friends, and dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.
|
|
|
|
We have so much to be Thankful for. Big or small, each one is important to be recognized, acknowledged, and talked about. Come write down the things you are thankful for, to help you remember not just this month, but everyday.
|
|
|
|
Join Austin Sister Cities International ASCI on Saturday, November 15 from 11 am - 4 pm for the 10th Annual Passport to the World International Family-Friendly Festival. The Parade of Cultures will kick off the festivities at 11:15 am at City Hall and process to the Passport of the World Festival. Traditional clothing from your country is encouraged! The Passport to the World Festival at Austin Central Library from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm features FREE programming exploring Austin's rich…
|
|
|
|
Looking for a full-day adventure through the Texas Hill Country? Hop aboard our signature ride — the Hill Country Flyer. Since 1992, this classic excursion has been a favorite for families, friends, and day-trippers looking to experience a unique blend of history, Hill Country views, and small-town charm. Your journey begins at the Austin Steam Train Association’s Cedar Park Depot and takes you on a 66-mile round trip aboard our beautifully restored vintage train. Along the way, you’ll…
|
|
|
|
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a fixture of the Austin holiday season! We have thousands of original works ranging from serious art to fun, kitschy items. Shopping at the Bazaar is a great way to buy holiday gifts in a hassle-free environment, all while supporting local artists.
|
|
|
|
Come experience the breathtaking Field of Honor® in Georgetown, Texas, a free, family-friendly event open 24 hours a day. Walk among 2,000 flags dedicated to veterans, first responders, and personal heroes, explore inspiring displays, and take part in special events throughout the week — including Homeschool Day. You can even sponsor a flag in honor of someone special.
|
|
|
|
Join the City of Kyle Parks and Recreation Department for Ash Pavilion Skate Nights. Get your family or your friends out together as you skate to great music at the Ash Pavilion. We will have music, lights and concessions. Chaperones (21 and over) MUST accompany children under the age of 16 and each adult and child must be registered to attend. Skates are not provided.
|
|
|
|
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark is hosting the Fill the Flex Canned Food Drive to help those in need! Guests who donate canned goods can receive a free admission pass.
|
|
|
|
Bee Cave on Ice is coming back! The City of Bee Cave is excited to announce the ice skating rink will be open November 14, 2025 - January 19, 2026.
|
|
|
|
Private schools and charter schools in the ATX area: We have dozens of options for educating kids! This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools.
|
|
|
|
Private Schools in the Austin, TX 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.
|
|
|
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar – 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752 (map), Friday, November 14, 2025 to Sunday, November 16, 2025, 10 am – 10 pm
- Live Music at The Domain – The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758 (map), Friday, November 14, 2025 (6–9 pm), Saturday, November 15, 2025 (2–5 pm & 6–9 pm), Sunday, November 16, 2025 (3–6 pm)
- Lit with Families 2025 Texas Family Literacy Festival – Discovery Green, Houston, TX (map), Saturday, November 15, 2025 (see link for times)
- Miss National Extraordinaire, Texas – The Hills Church - Keller Campus, Florence Road, Keller, TX (map), Saturday, November 15, 2025, 2:00–4:00 pm
- Austin Sister Cities International Passport to the World Festival 2025 – Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library, West Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX (map), Saturday, November 15, 2025, 11:30 am–4 pm
- Sunday Funday- Neill-Cochran House Museum –
Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705 (map), Sunday, November 16, 2025, 11 am–2 pm
- IST Open House – The International School of Texas (IST), State Highway 71, Bee Cave, TX (map), Sunday, November 16, 2025, 1:30 pm
|
|
|
|
Planning a kids birthday party in the Austin area? Here are lots of ideas for where to have it! If there is a resource that we have missed, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it promptly.
|
|
|
Enjoy the weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
