KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which
explained why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30.
Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time:
Presence creates the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them
together. They don’t pile up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—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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I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
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Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
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Discover handmade gifts and seasonal creations at SiNaCa Studios Winter Market and Snowflake Station. Shop local artisans, enjoy a festive atmosphere, and see glass artists craft beautiful snowflakes. A free, family friendly winter shopping experience.
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Come in Chanukah PJs for Kiddie Hot Cocoa and Marshmallows and Crafts and Activities
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This winter, step into the enchanting Fort Worth Botanic Garden at Christmas in the Garden, brought to life with the dazzling artistry of Sony Music. Wander through breathtaking light displays, indulge in festive flavors, and create moments that shine brighter than any gift beneath the tree.
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Join us on Saturday, December 13, at 10 a.m. for Family Movie Day! We will be watching Elf (rated PG). We hope you can join us!
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The Benbrook Public Library will host its Annual Holly Jolly Holiday celebration Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. This holiday celebration is FREE for the entire family. It features a harpist, a reindeer photo opportunity, the Uptown Carolers performing holiday songs, balloon making, a special appearance by Mrs. Claus, and a holiday elf show. Arts and crafts, laser engraved ornaments, hot chocolate, and other refreshments will be available throughout the day. All ages are invited to attend and celebrate the holiday season.
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Santa photos, or the holidays, can be overwhelming for some children. We are excited to offer a time for those families in our community with children with sensory or mobility needs to participate in a calmer environment. We will have a photographer on-site to snap a photo with Santa, fun crafts, and a few other activities to enjoy.
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Free Community Event featuring an encounter with Santa, a whimsical Face Painting, Custom Balloon Creations, Games, Raffles & Prizes. Food Trucks and Sweet Treats. Swag Bags & T-shirts!
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Come enjoy dinner and a movie with the family. Free refreshments while supply lasts. Bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. Free and open to the public, thanks to our sponsor, Methodist Midlothian Medical Center.
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Create unforgettable memories at The Nutcracker. This cherished tradition brings families together year after year, offering a world of enchantment where snowflakes swirl, dreams come to life, and holiday magic fills the air. Let Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and Ben Stevenson, O.B.E.’s captivating choreography awaken your holiday spirit this Christmas. Tickets sell quickly, so buy yours early to ensure you and your family continue to enjoy this magical holiday tradition together.
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Celebrate the season with A Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas! This high-energy show will have you feeling festive and your feet tapping. Featuring favorites like Elton John, The Eagles, Pat Benatar, and Mariah Carey, this show is suitable for most audiences. Runtime: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes including intermission.
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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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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- STEAM-tastic Bilingual Story Time with Smart Quest Academy of Southlake - Southlake Public Library - Main Street, Southlake, TX, USA, December 12, 2025, 10-11 am
- Preschool Storytime - East Berry - Fort Worth Public Library - 4300 E Berry St, Fort Worth, TX 76105, December 12, 2025, 10:30-11:15 am
- Poco Poco Kids
Music Time For Homeschoolers - Fort Worth Public Library - Golden Triangle Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, USA, December 12, 2025, 1:00PM - 3:00PM
- Free Demonstrations: Open Studios Night December 2025 - SiNaCa Studios School of Glass and Gallery, December 12, 2025, 6 P.M. - 9 P.M.
- Merry Movie Night-Midlothian - Midlothian Community Park, South 14th Street, Midlothian, TX, USA,
December 12, 2025, 6:30 pm
- Annual Santa Event - Annual Santa Event, December 12, 2025, 3pm
- Brick Builders - Golden Triangle - Fort Worth Public Library - 4264 Golden Triangle Blvd, Fort Worth, TX
76244, December 12, 2025, 4:30-5:30 pm
- Shape Building - East Berry - Fort Worth Public Library - 4300 E Berry St, Fort Worth, TX 76105, December 12, 2025, 2 pm
- Christmas in the Square - 8874 Coleman Blvd, Frisco Square, Frisco, TX 75034, December 12, 2025, 6-10 pm
- Whistle Stop Christmas - Hulen Park, West Westhill Drive, Cleburne, TX, USA, December 12, 2025, see website
- Christmas Spectacular Light Show - The Colony Fire Department, 4900 Blair Oaks Drive, The Colony, TX, USA, December 12, 2025, 5:30 - 10:50 pm Friday - Saturday
- Paws To Read - Colleyville Public Library, 110 Main St, Colleyville, TX 76034, December 13, 2025, 10:30 am- 12 pm
- Family Movie
Day - Burleson Public Library, 248 Southwest Johnson Avenue, Burleson, TX 76028, December 13, 2025, 10 am
- Kimbell Kids Drop-In Studio - Kimbell Art Museum - 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, December 13, 2025, 1-1:45 pm
- Winter Wonder Lights - Independence Park East, Parkview Drive, Trophy Club, TX, USA, December 13, 2025, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
- Arlington Holiday Lights Parade - Arlington, TX, USA, December 13, 2025, 6 pm
- Christmas at the Ranch - Doubletree Ranch Park, Highland Village Road, Highland Village, TX, USA, December 13, 2025, 10 am- 2 pm
- Sensory-Friendly Breakfast with Santa - Hurst Recreation Department, Mary Drive, Hurst, TX, USA, December 13,
2025, 9-10:30 am
- Holly Jolly at Benbrook Public Library - Benbrook Public Library, Mercedes
Street, Benbrook, TX, USA, December 13, 2025, 10:30 am- 3 pm
- Drive Thru Nativity at St John Lutheran Church - St. John Lutheran Church, East Debbie Lane, Mansfield, TX, USA, December 13-14, 2025, 6-8 pm
- Chess Club - Grapevine Public Library - Municipal Way, Grapevine, TX, USA, December 14, 2025, 12:30-2:30 pm
- Brazos Chamber Orchestra Christmas Concert! - Pathway Church -
Northwest Renfro Street, Burleson, TX, USA, December 14, 2025, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
- Winter Market & Snowflake
Station - SiNaCa Studios, West Magnolia Avenue, Fort Worth, TX, USA, December 14, 2025, 1-5 p.m.
- Visit
Santa - Main Street Mercantile - 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, December 14, 2025, 1PM - 3PM
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Dallas - Fort Worth - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, USA, December 12-14, 2025, See link for times
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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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