KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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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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Step into a world of twinkling lights, cozy moments, and holiday magic at Holiday Wonders at the Garden, presented by Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW). From November 28 through December 30, the Memphis Botanic Garden transforms into a winter wonderland with glowing trails, themed evenings, and plenty of festive fun for all ages. Whether you’re here with family, friends, or on a date, every visit promises merry memories waiting around every corner. This year, the wonder expands deeper with the debut of Polar Passage, an immersive new experience in The Woodland. Plus, extra interactive play opportunities and a mobile web app with an interactive GPS map, FAQs, and more festive surprises.
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The Nutcracker returns to The Orpheum stage! Young Clara learns that the world is much larger and more splendid than she ever imagined after an unexpected adventure takes her to a fantasy world of dueling mice, magic Christmas trees, candy dreams, and beautiful dance. Featuring live music from the Memphis Symphony Orchestra playing the iconic Tchaikovsky score and exquisite sets and costumes, this show brings people together through an uplifting classic tale told in a new way.
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Winter Wonderland brings holiday magic to Memphis with indoor attractions for all ages. This family-focused holiday festival features a 20' inflatable slide, bumper tubes, hands-on activities, festive displays, live performances including Magic Mr. Nick's magic show, and plenty of picture-perfect moments for everyone!
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Santa Claus is coming to town! Kick off the holiday season with us on the Center Green with photos with Santa, holiday characters and more festive fun.
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Join us on Saturday, December 13, from 11AM–4PM for a festive day of creativity and craftsmanship at the Metal Museum’s annual Artist Market! Shop one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, home décor, and more—perfect for holiday gifting or a special treat for yourself. Enjoy live metal demonstrations, hands-on activities, and delicious bites from a local food truck while exploring the Museum grounds. Bring your friends and family for a joyful time of local talent and holiday spirit!
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Come aboard our Christmas Dinner Cruise for a beautiful Christmas experience. Ticket prices include a 2-hour Cruise with Dinner down the Mississippi River and our live Blues & Jazz Band for your entertainment. This is a great way to celebrate the Holidays with your Significant Other, Friends, Family, or Co-Workers!
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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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The Memphis 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 is Memphis'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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- A Very Merry Beer & Carols - 1567 Overton Park Avenue, Memphis, TN, USA, Friday, December 12, 2025, 6:30 PM
- Free Pictures with Santa Claus! - 203 Beale Street Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38103, Friday, December 12, 2025, 5 PM - 7 PM
- Children's Story Hour at Officer Geoffrey Redd Library - 5094 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38117, Friday, December 12, 2025, 11am - 12pm
- Story Time at Morton Museum of Collierville History - 196 N Main St, Collierville, TN 38017, Friday, December 12, 2025, 10:30 am
- Free Santa Photos - The Shops of Saddle
Creek - West Farmington Boulevard, Germantown, TN, Friday, December 12, 2025, See website for details
- Happy Birthday, Raleigh Library! - 3452 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38128, Friday, December 12, 2025, 3pm
- Sounds of the Season - (Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library) - 3030 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111, Friday,
December 12, 2025, See website for details
- Free Santa Photos - The Shops of Saddle Creek - West Farmington Boulevard, Germantown, TN, Saturday, December 13, 2025, See website for details
- Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market - 1000 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 9am to 1pm Fall/Winter
- Christmas Parade 2025 - Town of Arlington - Airline Road to the Douglass/Mem-Arlington Road intersection, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11 AM
- ¡Christmas Fiesta! at Dixon Gallery and Gardens - Park Avenue, Memphis, TN, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11:00am - 3:00pm
- Breakfast and Workshop with Santa Cow - 235 Goodman Rd W, Southaven, MS, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 8:00am
- Lego Club - Memphis Public Library (Randolph Branch) - 3752 Given Ave, Memphis, TN 38122, Saturday, December 13, 2025,
3pm
- Christmas in Collierville Saturdays - 120 W Mulberry St, Collierville, TN 38017,
Saturday, December 13, 2025, See website for details
- Germantown Holiday Parade - 1930 South Germantown Road, Germantown, TN 38138, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Every Saturday, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is FREE from 10am - 12pm! - 1934 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10am - 12pm
- Visit Santa - 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 1PM - 3PM
- Festival of Christmas Concert - 1750 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 7:30pm
- Free Santa Photos - The Shops of Saddle Creek - West Farmington Boulevard, Germantown, TN, Sunday, December 14, 2025, See website for details
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Memphis 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 best places to take kids in Memphis, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. Check out our most recent winners list, then check out our calendar and resource lists for lots more to do in Memphis!
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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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