KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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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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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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Private and alternative schools in the Fort Worth area cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools.
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Private Schools in the Fort Worth, 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.
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Gobble up the Fun! Open everyday Thanksgiving week — except Thanksgiving Day! PEPPA PIG Theme Park in Dallas/Fort Worth is an oinktastic destination for families. This standalone park, inspired by the beloved Peppa Pig television series, features six rides, six themed playscapes, and more. Little ones can embark on thrilling adventures, like Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster or Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure, making this the perfect first theme park experience.
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Come experience Christmas in Cleburne like you've never experienced it before! Lights in and around downtown, and all over the city! Activities in and near Hulen Park. And of course the Lighted Christmas Parade on Friday, December 5th. "Spectacular!"... "Enchanting!"... "Delightful!"
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Join us on Saturday and Sunday, November 29th and 30th 2025 from 9am-4pm Sat. & 10am-4pm Sun. for the 5th Annual Christmas In Grapevine Craft Show! There will be 90+ vendors, Christmas music, 1000s of unique gift items, delicious holiday treats, FREE drawings and PRIZES!
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Prairie Lights is the premier holiday light park in Texas located at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie, Texas. Prairie Lights 2025 will feature a state-of-the-art light tunnel, a REIMAGINED magical walk-thru forest, CAPTIVATING animated light displays, carnival rides, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, and more!
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Get ready to jingle all the way with The Merry Band of Christmas! Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a heartwarming, toe-tapping night of festive tunes! The Merry Band of Christmas will be LIVE on The Grandscape Stage & Lawn on Saturday, November 29 from 7:00-9:00pm. This show is FREE to the public. Enjoy the concert from our vast lawn by bringing a blanket or lawn chair!
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Work off that Thanksgiving feast with your four-legged friend or meet a new one! Bring your friendly dog along for a 1-mile walk along the shore of Joe Poole Lake. Interested in a Rescue? Tri-City Animal Shelter will be bringing some pups in need of a home for you to meet and walk!
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All aboard the Polar Express! Celebrate the wonder and spirit of the holidays with us as we travel to the North Pole to visit Santa’s home. This one-of-a-kind show features dynamic narration and illustrations from of Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved classic book, The Polar Express, with accompanying, hopeful musical interludes and a few surprises. It’s a new holiday tradition in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, where your family can also enjoy the ice rink, photos with Cowboy Santa, the world-famous Herd, and many other festivities!
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The delicious adventures of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth. Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences.
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Ice skating returns to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, November 18-January 4 with 240 daily skating sessions. Illuminated by soothing chandeliers. The covered Stockyards Rodeo Rink is presented by Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center Fort Worth and open daily rain or shine, with all sessions running 90 minutes. Amenities include full bar and grill, warm beverages, fire pits, and picnic seating. Holiday treats include Whataburger Tuesdays where everyone who skates gets a coupon gift for a Free Whataburger! Enjoy Herd Cattle Drives at 11:30AM and 4PM daily, Cowboy Santa, Holiday Workshop and much more.
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The timeless holiday classic returns to the Dome! Join Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and the Abominable Snow Monster on an unforgettable adventure. Filled with holiday hits like “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “The Island of Misfit Toys,” “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year,” and of course, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” this joyous musical is filled with friendship and self-discovery. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer teaches us that sometimes, the thing that makes you different is what makes you special!
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The Night of Lights Christmas Parade is a longtime holiday tradition in Granbury. A colorful lineup of decorated entries – both lighted floats and walking groups decorated to celebrate the Birth of Christ – wind their way through Granbury’s downtown Historic District. Not only do spectators enjoy pre-parade music and entertainment, but Santa’s arrival marks the beginning of the Christmas season and the city’s Christmas lights are flipped on in nearby Shanley Park and the City Hall Building.
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Don’t miss one of Fort Worth’s favorite holiday traditions! The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and special guest artists bring you merry music and moments creating memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to sing-along to classic Christmas carols, hum holiday tunes, and snag a photo with Santa at Home for the Holidays.
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The Fort Worth 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 holiday events list for Fort Worth -ways to make the holidays special in our area for 2025. 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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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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