KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Sat, Dec 6: A Night in Bethlehem at Messiah Lutheran Church
Thu, Dec 11: A Charlie Brown Christmas at Queensbury Theatre Dec 11-21
Fri, Dec 19: Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Houston Toyota Center
Fri, Dec 19: Elf In Concert at Jones Hall
Wed, Dec 31: Noon Year’s Eve at CityCentre
Wed, Dec 31: New Year's Palooza: Family Celebration
at Moody Gardens
Fri, Jan 9: Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi In Concert at Jones Hall
Fri, Jan 16: Cirque Kalabanté at The Grand 1894
Opera House
Mon, Jan 19: 2026 MLK Unity Parade at Kauses 4 Kids
Fri, Jan 30: Humble Rodeo
Tue, Feb 3: International Math Contest at RSM Foundation |
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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IMC 2026 | Benchmark Your Knowledge Against International Standards. Sign up to take the IMC at your local RSM branch The IMC features thought-provoking problems based on leading math curricula from around the world and is open to students in grades 1-8. Sign up to participate in this 75-minute long contest held at RSM branches on February 3, 2026. For students who do not live near an RSM location, an online version of the competition will be available on February 8 for students in grades 3-8. General Registration is $25 and ends on December 14. After December 14, you will only be able to enroll your child for the virtual IMC. Register Now: https://contest.rsmfoundation.org/oly/registration Email contest@rsmfoundation.org with any questions.
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The Aerial Nutcracker:Experience the magic of the holiday season like never before with our Aerial Nutcracker! This breathtaking performance blends the classic holiday tale with high-flying aerial art. With a spectacular showcase jam-packed with a combination of thrilling athletic feats and holiday nostalgia (plus a few twists!), it’s sure to be an unforgettable evening. Don't miss out on this out-of-this-world aerial extravaganza. Regular performances are on December 7th, 13th, and 14th, with a special Gala and show on December 6th and a free community showing on December 12th. Shows begin at 6:00pm. Link for tickets: https://www.theartz.com/nutcracker
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The Houston area has 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 Houston, 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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Our merry herd is back to sprinkle extra holiday magic throughout Memorial City Mall! Stop by, say hello, snap a photo, and share a moment of seasonal cheer with these delightful visitors from the North Pole.
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Three Parks - One Pass - Unlimited Visits! Enjoy 4 days of unlimited thrills across all three iconic parks — Kemah Boardwalk, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and Downtown Aquarium — all with one pass! (exhibits at Aquarium also included)
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It's that beautiful time of the year, between Halloween and Christmas. The air is a little crisper, leaves are falling, and we gather our friends and family together to share in an abundant feast as we reflect on everything we hold dear and what it means to us. It's Thanksgiving Time! Join us this year for a cornucopia of festive activities you're sure to be thankful for.
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Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens is a beloved seasonal celebration that transforms the property into a winter wonderland filled with festive attractions for all ages. Guests can explore the award-winning ICE LAND exhibit with towering ice sculptures, stroll through the Holiday Lights Trail featuring millions of sparkling lights and animated displays, enjoy outdoor fun on the ice rink and Arctic Slide, and catch special holiday-themed films.
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It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play brings the beloved holiday classic to life in a unique and heartwarming way. Set in a 1940s radio station, the show features live sound effects, commercial breaks, and a talented cast bringing the iconic characters of George Bailey, Mary Hatch, and Clarence the angel to the stage. Experience the timeless story of hope, community, and redemption like never before. With captivating performances and nostalgic charm, this live radio broadcast will make you feel the magic of the season. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey through Bedford Falls that will warm your heart and inspire your spirit!
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Unleash your creativity at our One-Time Family-Friendly Wheel Workshop! Discover the magic of pottery as you shape and mold clay into beautiful works of art. Join us for a hands-on experience where you'll learn the art of wheel throwing from our experienced instructors. Don't miss this unique opportunity to create something truly special with your own two hands. Sign-up now and let's Fire It Up together! This event is a one-time class and is intended for individuals, families and children 10 yrs. old & over. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian
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A full day of holiday activities and shopping in the League City Historic District including an Outdoor Shop Small Market, crafts & classes for kids, food trucks, and more!
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Come visit with Santa and two of his reindeer at CITYCENTRE from 11 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, November 29, during Holiday in the Plaza presented by Sewell Cadillac. Santa will kick off the festivities when he arrives in his Sewell Cadillac at 11 AM to spread holiday cheer and pose for free professional pictures. Be sure to say hi to Santa's reindeer while you're here - please remember to be gentle as they have a big day coming up! While Santa takes a quick break, dance along to holiday classics with the Houston Show Choir at 12, 2:30, and 4 PM.
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Join us for a special morning at The Learning Zoo. $15/guest will include admission, (1) family feed pack per family, and the associated activity for the day for each child. Each attending guest over 12 months old will need a ticket. Pre purchased tickets are required- NO WALK INS. Petting Zoo, Aviary, Tortoise Gardens, and Reptile House will be open during normal zoo hours, 10am-2pm. Outside pets and food brought from home for the animals is prohibited. Members please email for discounted rate!
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Two days before winter break, Nate, Ida, and Rosa are assigned to write a research paper that chronicles how African Americans have celebrated Christmas throughout history. Granddad is immediately interested and summons the magical Soul Train to transport them all into the past so they can witness, firsthand, how Christmas was celebrated. This holiday spectacle brings to life history introducing them to African drumming, Harlem Renaissance jazz, civil rights beat, disco party jams and hip-hop battle sounds. Don’t miss the train!
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Join us here at Constellation Field November 21 - January 4 for the 12th annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights presented by Houston Methodist! Enjoy millions of dazzling light displays, Santa Claus (through Dec. 23), a NEW 9-hole Mini Golf Course (included with your ticket), a carnival (Nov 28 - Jan 1), a synthetic ice rink presented by Regions Bank, vendors, food and SO much more! Hit the link below to get your tickets and don't miss out on holiday fun for the entire family!
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Experience 90,000 square feet of holiday magic at Classic Christmas with dazzling light displays, alpine ice skating on real outdoor ice, and the thrilling Slip N Slide. Enjoy live music, Christmas karaoke, ugly sweater contests, and festive treats including hot cocoa and holiday cocktails.
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- Santa Claus Visit Mall of Monroe - Mall of Monroe - 2121 N Monroe St, Monroe, MI 48162, November 28, 2025 to November 30, 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Storytime on The Terrace - Montrose Collective - 888 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77006, November 28, 2025, 10:30-11 am
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, November 29, 2025, see link for times
- Holiday in the Plaza- CityCentre - CITYCENTRE, Town and Country Boulevard, Houston, TX 77024, November 29, 2025, 11 am- 4 pm
- Memorial City Reindeer - 303 Memorial City Mall, Memorial City, Houston, TX 77024, November 29, 2025 to November 30, 2025, varies
- Nutcracker in
the Park - League City, TX, USA, November 29, 2025, 9 am- 6 pm
- Storytime for Toddlers, Babies, & Kids - Barnes & Noble
Booksellers - Houston Champions, Farm to Market 1960 Road West, Houston, TX, November 29, 2025, 12 pm
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The Houston 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 Houston: 101 ideas for local holiday fun in our area. 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 Houston 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 winners in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Houston area: Houston, The Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugar Land, and beyond. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, plus 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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