KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Wed, Dec 10: Story Time with Lenexa City Center Library at Family Night
Thu, Dec 11: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at The Midland Theatre
Fri, Dec 12: Candy Cane Hunt (ages 6
and under) at Lenexa Community Center
Sat, Dec 13: Westport Christmas Market 2025 at Westport Kansas City
Sat, Dec 13: Cookies & Cocoa with Mrs. Claus - Bingham-Waggoner Mansion & Estate
Sat, Dec 13: Skate with Santa at Summit Ice- MO
Sun, Dec 14: Teen Fashion Show at The Nelson - Atkins Museum of Art
Sun, Dec 14: Swim with Santa | J. Thomas Lovell Community Center
Wed, Dec 17: Winter Water-land Bingo at Lenexa Public Market
Thu, Dec 18: Kansas City Symphony Presents Christmas
Festival at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts |
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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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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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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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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Kansas City's original public, outdoor ice skating rink celebrates its 53rd season of great skating fun. Enjoy public ice skating seven days a week (see hours below; closed on Christmas Day) from Nov. 7, 2025, to March 8, 2026. Enjoy public, outdoor ice skating at Kansas City's iconic Crown Center Ice Terrace seven days a week from November to March.
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Kick off your holiday season with a festive walk through the lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The 26th Annual Luminary Walk is proudly presented by Westlake Ace Hardware, FNBO, Sarin Energy Solutions, and WeLightKC.com.
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Join us for a Winter Wonderland at the grounds of the Kansas City Renaissance Festival! Enjoy twinkling lights, beautiful music, a visit with Santa and more as we transform Canterbury for the holidays. We’ll even have a New Year’s party!
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Skip the chaos and shop small this Black Friday and Small Business Saturday! Join us for the Cozy Kickoff Market, featuring over 40 of KC’s most unique and talented makers, artists, vintage sellers, and food vendors, all under one roof. Come hang out INSIDE, find the perfect holiday gifts, enjoy free activities and photo opps while supporting the local businesses that make Kansas City shine.
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- 38th Annual Christmas In The Park - Jackson County Parks & Rec - Frank White Jr. Softball Complex, Southwest Longview Road, Lee's Summit, MO, USA, November 28-30, 2025, Please see website for times
- Santa's
Arrival at Crown Center - 2450 Grand Blvd, Crown Center, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States, November 28, 2025, 10am
- Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Event - 2450 Grand Blvd, Crown Center, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States, November 28, 2025, 6:00 pm
- Santa Visits at Destination North Pole - 2450 Grand Blvd, Crown Center, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States, November 28-30, 2025, 10am -
7pm
- Free Arts & Crafts Day on the Farm - Hometown Olathe Family Farm - 11000 S Woodland St, Olathe, KS 66061, United States, November 28, 2025, 2 pm - 4:30 pm
- Littlest Listeners Club | Storytime @ The Farm - Hometown Olathe Family Farm - 11000 S Woodland St, Olathe, KS 66061, United States, November 28, 2025, 12 pm - 1 pm
- Hallmark Christmas Movie-thon - 2450 Grand Blvd, Crown Center, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States, November 28-30, 2025, 11:00 AM
- Small Business Saturday Sip & Shop - Hometown Olathe Family Farm - 11000 S Woodland St, Olathe, KS 66061, United States, November 29, 2025, 12 pm - 5 pm
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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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