KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Wed, Dec 17: Girl Scouts Brownie Level Miniaturist Badge at The National
Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Fri, Dec 19: Winter Break Cooking Camps at Taste Buds Kitchen - Downtown Overland
Park
Fri, Dec 19: TRC's Pajamas & Pastries with Santa at Turner Recreation Commission
Fri, Dec 19: Gingerbread Lane Weekend at Hometown Olathe Family Farm
Sat, Dec 20: Picnic with Saint Nick at Belton Parks & Recreation
Sat, Dec 20: The Indoorsy Holiday Special at Zona Rosa Town Center
Sun, Dec 21: Zoo VolunTEEN Open House at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Mon, Dec 22: 2025 Winter Day Camps at Wonderscope
Tue, Dec 23: A Wonderful Life In Concert at Kansas City Symphony
Fri, Jan 9: Mario Kart Tournament at Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my own
parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them to
grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—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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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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Sar-Ko Aglow in Lenexa is one of the Kansas City metro’s best holiday light displays. Miles of light strands and thousands of colorful bulbs brighten this favorite park each winter. Take a nighttime stroll around Rose’s Pond Dec. 5, 2025–Jan. 19, 2026, to view the stunning spectacle and its reflections on the water. Whether at dusk or dark, Sar-Ko Aglow makes a picture-perfect scene for family photos.
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Winterland transports audiences into an ethereal wonderland, where the majesty of the northern lights meets the delicate beauty of snow and ice. Infused with the warmth and joy of the holiday season, the show blends festive live music, powerful vocal melodies, captivating dance, and stunning cirque performances.
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Santa will be dropping over 5,000 Candy Canes at Smithville's Heritage Park on December 5! This is a free event for children ages 0-12. Bring a flashlight and bag to search for candy canes (SPR will have limited bags available if needed). The Candy Cane Quest will only last a few minutes so don't be late! The hunt will begin at 6:00 sharp (think an Easter egg hunt but with flashlights and candy canes). There miiiight be more than candy canes out in the fields, look for special prizes too!
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Sip, smile, and soak up the holiday cheer — it’s Holly Jolly Cranberry Weekend at The H.O.F.F.! The farm will be dressed in festive holiday décor with cranberry-inspired touches and plenty of photo ops to capture the season. Enjoy merry vibes, seasonal drinks, and the perfect setting to kick off your December celebrations.
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- Candy Cane Quest at Heritage Park - Heritage Park - East Main Street, Smithville, MO, December 5, 2025, The hunt will begin at 6:00 sharp
- Christmas Kick-Off in Lee's Summit - The Summit Church - 3381 NW Chipman Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64081, December 5, 2025, 5 pm - 8 pm
- Littlest Listeners Club | Storytime @ The
Farm - Hometown Olathe Family Farm - 11000 S Woodland St, Olathe, KS 66061, December 5, 2025, 12 pm - 1 pm
- Free Arts & Crafts Day on the Farm | Hometown Olathe Family Farm - 11000 S Woodland St, Olathe, KS 66061, December 5, 2025, 2 pm - 4:30 pm
- Sar-Ko Aglow 2025 - Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS, December 5-7, 2025, 6 pm - 11 pm
- Festive Fridays at Hallmark Visitors Center - 2450 Grand Blvd, Crown Center, Kansas City, MO 64108, December 5, 2025, 1:00 PM - 2:30
PM
- Hallmark Christmas Movie-thon - 2450 Grand Blvd, Crown Center, Kansas City, MO 64108, December
5-7, 2025, 11:00 AM
- Storytime for Babies - Mid-Continent Public Library - Grain Valley Branch - South Buckner Tarsney Road, Grain Valley, MO, December 5, 2025, 9:30 AM
- "Christmas on the River" in Downtown Parkville - Downtown Parkville - Downtown Parkville, December 5, 2025, 6:00-10:00 PM
- Overland Park SCHEELS Holiday LEGO Build Event - Scheels - West 135th Street, Overland Park, KS, December 6, 2025, 12 pm - 4 pm
- Christmas Open House - Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm
Historic Site - 1200 East Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS 66061, December 6, 2025, 10 am - 4 pm
- Mother Nature Reads - Lakeside Nature Center - Lakeside Nature Center - 4701 East Gregory Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64132, December 6, 2025, 10 am
- Santa is coming to Oak Creek! - Oak Creek Nursery and Landscape - 14301 Parallel Rd, Basehor, KS 66007, December 6, 2025, See website for
time
- Santa Visits at Destination North Pole - 2450 Grand Blvd, Crown Center, Kansas City, MO
64108, December 5-7, 2025, 10 am - 7 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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