KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Mon, Dec 22: Cookie Decorating with Santa & Mrs. Clause at Wonder & Whoa
Tue, Dec 23: It's A Wonderful Life In Concert at Kansas City Symphony
Wed, Dec 31: Noon Year's Eve Pajama Party Countdown - Lenexa Public Market
Mon, Jan 5: Bach To Rock – Winter Break Camp
Fri, Jan 9: Mario Kart Tournament at Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation
Sat, Jan 17: 'Jungle Book' at Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College
Sat, Jan 24: MTC Kids Jam – Mr. Stinky Feet and the Hi-Tops at Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College
Sat, Jan 24: Skate with Sam the Sasquatch | Summit Ice
Fri, Jan 30: 2026 Father Daughter Dance | Gamber Community Center
Sun, Feb 1: 2026 Mini Me Father Daughter Dance | Gamber Community Center |
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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Now in its 38th year, this magical winter wonderland features more than one million lights and 200 animated displays, all designed and built entirely in-house by our talented crews! Your drive to the Longview Lake Campground begins at the Frank White Jr., Softball Complex. Admission is free. This year's voluntary exit donations will benefit 36 local charities.
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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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Hunt for candy canes outside on the lawn at 9 am. Then come inside for milk and cookies, festive crafts, story time and a musical performance. Santa and Mrs. Claus may even drop by for a special visit. Ages 6 and under (with parent or guardian) No registration required.
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Create Christmas memories that will last for many seasons to come, and celebrate Gary Neal Johnson’s incredible legacy! Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays. Share the season with the people you love at A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
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Celebrate the holiday season at the Westport Christmas Market! Sip on warm festive beverages, support local Kansas City makers and crafters while holiday shopping, enjoy festive music, and create cherished memories with the whole family. Tis’ the season!
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- Girls in Tech Night - KC STEM Alliance - 4825 Troost
Avenue, Kansas City, MO, December 12, 2025, 5:30pm
- Storytime for Babies - Mid-Continent Public Library - South Buckner Tarsney Road, Grain Valley, MO, December 12, 2025, 9:30 AM
- Christmas Storytime - 8700 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO, December 12, 2025, 9:30am
- Hallmark Christmas Movie-thon - 2450 Grand Blvd, Crown Center, Kansas City, MO 64108, December 12-14, 2025, 11:00 AM
- Festive Fridays at Hallmark Visitors Center - 2450 Grand Blvd, Crown Center, Kansas City, MO 64108, December 12, 2025, 1:00PM-2:30PM
- Free Arts & Crafts Day on the Farm |
Hometown Olathe Family Farm - 11000 S Woodland St, Olathe, KS 66061, December 12, 2025, 2 pm - 4:30 pm
- Littlest Listeners Club | Storytime @ The Farm - 11000 S Woodland St, Olathe, KS 66061, December 12, 2025, 12 pm - 1 pm
- Around Since the Dinosaurs - a Native Wildlife Event | Lakeside Nature Center - 4701 East Gregory
Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64132, December 13, 2025, 10 am
- Breakfast with Santa | ArtsTech - 1522 Holmes St, Kansas
City, MO 64108, December 13, 2025, 9 am - 12 pm
- Donuts with Santa at Memorial Hall - Memorial Hall,
North 7th Street Trafficway, Kansas City, KS, December 13, 2025, 9 am - 12 pm
- Free Santa Community Event - 6824 Lackman Road, Shawnee, KS 66217, December 13, 2025, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Diaper Distribution - Red Bridge United Methodist Church - 636 E 117th St, Kansas City, MO 64131, December 13, 2025, 9am - 11am
- MTC Kids Jam – Dan + Claudia
Zanes Holiday Sing Along featuring Elena Moon Park - Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College - 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210, December 13, 2025, 11:00AM
- City Center Live: It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play - Lenexa City Hall, Community Forum, West 87th Street Parkway,
Lenexa, KS, December 13-14, 2025, Dec 13 6:30 pm | Dec 14 4 pm
- Throw Blanket Swap at The H.O.F.F. - 11000 S Woodland St, Olathe, KS 66061, December 14, 2025, 12 pm
- Visit with Santa - Main
Street Mercantile, 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, December 14, 2025, 1PM - 3PM
- The Wonders of Christmas - Westside
Family Church, Woodsonia Drive, Lenexa, KS, December 14, 2025, 5:00-7:00PM
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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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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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