KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When Madison and Ella were young, I made it a point to stretch their comfort zones in small, manageable ways. They’d order their own food at restaurants, they'd arrange their own homeschool work schedules, they'd try activities where they didn’t know anyone. I did my best not to step in unless invited. Over time, they started trusting their
own ability to navigate the world without me. That, of course, was the point. But the better they got at being independent, the more I started to feel a quiet kind of discomfort. They were moving outward—into the world, into themselves—and I could feel the shift. There’s a concept in astrophysics called red shift. When a star or galaxy moves away from us, the light it emits stretches, shifting toward the red end of the spectrum. The farther away it moves, the
redder the light appears. It’s how we know the universe is expanding. The movement doesn’t mean the light is gone—just that it’s arriving to us in a new form, from farther away. I think about that a lot as my kids are no longer orbiting so closely. I still see their light; it just looks different now. I’m learning to recognize their new wavelengths. The trick, I think, is not to see red shift as loss, but as evidence of motion. The fact that I feel the stretch means the
universe is doing what it’s supposed to do: expanding, evolving, moving outward. I remind myself that this kind of shift is a mark of success. Increased wavelength, decreased frequency... it's all part of the natural order of things. Light travels and stretches, and love does, 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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Handyman Hal is rolling into town on his “awesome tool vehicle” for a high-energy, laugh-out-loud live show the whole family will love! In The Handyman Hal Comes to Town Tour, children’s educational YouTube favorite Handyman Hal is joined by friendly helpers and special guests as he builds a secret project using cool tools, music, and lots of kid participation. Sing and dance along to fan-favorite songs like “Tools Are Cool” and “The Awesome Song,” and hold on tight when a wild science experiment unleashes dino-sized chaos! This engaging live performance is a fantastic first theater experience for little ones and a fun-filled adventure for kids of all ages. Tickets available now!
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We’re pushing the limits of basketball and having even more fun. Don’t miss the one and only Harlem Globetrotters in an all-new tour. There will be new high-flying dunks, hilarious stunts, a new record-breaking attempt and unforgettable family moments!
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The Mid-South Mission of Mercy (MidMOM) is a free, two-day dental clinic for under-served and under-insured people living in Memphis and the surrounding Mid-South area. Since 2016, we have provided over 12 million dollars worth of dentistry to more than 16,000 patients in the greater Memphis area with the help of more than 16,000 volunteers. The next MidMOM clinic will be held Friday, January 23 & Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN.
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Get ready as elite riders from across North America clash in a high-stakes showdown of speed, precision, and pure determination. Every corner counts, every pass is personal, and the championship is on the line. This season, Arenacross is leveling up — with a global spotlight and a fan-first approach that transforms each round into a high-octane spectacle. From lights to sound to storytelling, we’re turning up the volume on every moment.
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Join the Dixon community for a joyful celebration of the museum’s golden anniversary, taking place from 1–5 PM. Celebrate 50 years of art, gardens, and education in the heart of Memphis. Enjoy cake, lemonade, tea, and hot chocolate, along with special tours and art activities designed for all ages throughout the afternoon. Guests can also experience the premiere of 50 Years of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, a documentary by Last Bite Films, screening at 2 PM, highlighting the people
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Jan 29-Feb 1 at Landers Center in Southaven, MS: Hit the road to adventure when Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures skates into your hometown! Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends embark on a wild ride to your favorite Disney destinations. Travel with Moana to the sun soaked Motunui, set off on a safari to the Pride Lands with Simba. Discover a whole new world as you are swept up in Aladdin's princely parade. Play at a larger-than-life carnival with Woody and Forky.
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- Story Time: Superheroes - Morton Museum of Collierville History - 196 N Main St, Collierville, TN 38017, Saturday, January 24, 10:30am
- MidMOM 2026 - Bellevue Baptist Church - 2000 Appling Rd, Cordova, TN 38016, Friday, January 23 to Saturday, January 24, See website for details.
- Cars and Coffee - City of Germantown - GPAC Parking Lot 1801 Exeter Road, Germantown, TN 38138, Saturday, January 24, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Embracing Autism - Memphis Public Library - Raleigh Branch - 3452 Austin Peay Hwy., Memphis, TN 38128, Saturday, January 24, See website for details.
- Every Saturday, the Memphis
Brooks Museum of Art is FREE from 10am - 12pm! - 1934 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, Saturday, January 24, 10am - 12pm
- Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market - 1000 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, Saturday, January 24, 9am to 1pm Fall/Winter (November thru March)
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Memphis area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues, unlock secrets,
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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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