KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Thu, Nov 27: Ward Parkway Thanksgiving Day Run 2025
Fri, Nov 28: Kansas City Symphony Presents Elf™ in Concert at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Fri, Nov 28: Luminary
Walk at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Fri, Nov 28: Knights of Lights 2025 - The Kansas City Renaissance Festival
Sat, Nov 29: The 15th Annual Holiday Swing: Weekend One of Two at Alexander Majors Barn
Sat, Nov 29: Penguin March at the Zoo at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Thu, Dec 4: Girl Scouts Junior Level Miniaturist Badge at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Fri, Dec 5: Mayor's Tree Lighting at T.B. Hanna Station
Sat, Dec 6: Visit with St. Nicholas at Shoal Creek Living History Museum
Sat, Dec 6: Lawrence Christmas Parade 2025 at Massachusetts Street |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
When I was about four years old, I turned to my mother and asked, “Mommy, do you know what I’m thinking?” She said no, that no one can know what’s going on in someone else’s head unless they say it out loud. I was instantly relieved. “Good!” I said, emphatically. This family story points to something we all figure out eventually: No one—not even those we love most—can
truly know us completely. That’s because our minds are crowded with thoughts, memories, emotions, and those little sparks of insight that are hard to pin down for ourselves, much less explain to someone else. So no matter what, we can only really share just a slice of who we are. Some people might say that being selective about what parts of ourselves we show to different people means we're being fake, but I don't. Full transparency isn't even possible, so the goal is
sincerity. As long as what we share is true to who we are, we’re being honest. Selective, but sincere. This is especially helpful to remember during the holidays, when we’re surrounded by lots of people, sometimes all at once. Some of them we love dearly. Others... less so. So when Aunt Viv is going on (again) about the zoning board, you don’t have to confess how bored you are. Just focus on what’s real—the part you truly mean—and say that. “So sorry that's getting in your
way, Aunt Viv. But I just have to say: Your pecan pie is amazing.” So this holiday season, try to tune your radar to see the good stuff. Say out loud what you honestly appreciate. And take comfort, as four-year-old Deb once did, that no one can read the rest of what’s going on in your head.can help it stay where it belongs: riding shotgun, not seizing the wheel.
—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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For 20 years, children 3-13 years old have selected holiday gifts for family, friends, and teachers at C.W. Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth. This event will be held on Sat. Dec. 6th from 9 am to 5 pm and Sun. Dec 7th from 10 am to 4 pm. We have a wide selection of gifts for mom, dad, grandparents, teachers, and teens priced at $5 or $7 each with complimentary gift wrapping. Children love choosing something they think their loved ones will want without the presence of a parent. Prior to entering the shopping area, parents prepare and prepaid budget. Our “Head Elf” explains the process for first-time shoppers, and volunteer elves guide each shopper. After shopping, kids get a carousel ride, a bag of Magic Reindeer food, and access to the Kid's Craft Room to make unique ornaments. Parents enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate while you wait. For information contact Cyndi at (913) 683-2434 or email cyndi1536@yahoo.com.
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Private Schools in the Kansas City 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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The private schools in the Kansas City 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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Evergy Festival of Lights will open at Powell Gardens November 20-23, 28-30, December 4-6, 11-13, 19-23, 26-29, and January 2-3, 2026. Closed Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
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KidsOutAndAbout.com's big list of 2025 holiday happenings for the Kansas City area: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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Follow the lives of Parisians as World War I transforms their city. Experience the city’s dramatic shift from the flourishing days of the French empire to the uncertainty and hardship brought on by hunger, air raids and the constant threat of German artillery. Discover how ordinary people navigated moments of fear and loss, while workers and newcomers from across the globe blazed new paths on the streets of Paris.
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Get in the spirit of the giving season at Lenexa's annual Holiday Farmers Market. High-quality ingredients and craftsmanship from local vendors will help make your holiday meals and gifts feel extraordinary. We’ll provide a traditional scene of warmth and good cheer during two special shopping days inside Lenexa City Hall. SNAP benefits accepted.
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Visit with Santa every Saturday leading up to Christmas! The Dickens Carolers will also be spreading cheer as well for a nostalgic holiday shopping and dining experience. Bring your kids, pets, friends and family for this free holiday fun! While you’re here, make a day of it at The Ice at Park Place, check out our shops, and dine at so many fun or fine restaurant dining options.
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- Admission Open House - Kalos Christian Academy - 4513 North Jackson Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64117, Friday, November 21, 2025, 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- Holiday Lighting, Presented by Saint Luke's North Hospital - Zona Rosa - Zona Rosa Town Center, 8640 North Dixson Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64153, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 4 pm - 6 pm
- Storytime for Babies -
Mid-Continent Public Library - Grain Valley Branch - South Buckner Tarsney Road, Grain Valley, MO, Friday, November 21, 2025, 9:30 AM
- Trip the Light Fantastic Bike Ride | Jackson County Parks + Rec - Frank White Jr. Softball Complex, Southwest
Longview Road, Lee's Summit, MO, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 5:30 pm - 7 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - KC - Broadway, New York, NY, Wednesday, November 19, 2025 and Sunday, November 23, 2025, See link for times
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Kansas City 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 is Kansas City's online guide to everything for kids, teens, and families! The activities we've listed here are confirmed for this year, but many require reserving ahead of time, and
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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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