KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Peace can come in many textures during the holidays. For some, it’s the energizing bustle of concerts and community events, or the warmth of a crowded house full of voices and motion. For others, it’s the stillness of a walk through snow-covered woods, a soft blanket at home, or the quiet company of someone who understands them. It shifts from person to person, and
sometimes even from one day to the next. Peace can be internal, external, or, at its best, a bit of both: a sense that life makes sense, within and around us. It’s easier to feel when we’re free from hardship, but even in the midst of challenge, it’s sometimes possible to find a quiet kind of peace when we know we’ve done our best with the time and energy we’ve been given. Peace can be elusive for parents; after all, we're the ones in charge of figuring out
how to make the family rhythm and flow work for everyone, and what brings peace to our kids may look nothing like what brings it to us. Maybe your son needs to be out with friends while you crave stillness. Maybe your daughter is hoping to hide in a corner with a book while you're in full-on glitter-and-cookie mode with all the cousins. Parenting is the art of balance, of helping everyone in the family thrive by seeing who they really are and doing our best to honor it. It's not easy, and it's
never perfect, but we try. When kids feel known—when they hear “I see that you love this, that you need this, and I’ll help you find your way to it”—they flourish. That sense of being understood can be its own kind of peace. So as the season winds to a close, I wish you whatever kind of holiday rhythm helps you feel most like you. And I hope you’ll find moments to offer that same gift to those around you. When we make space for each other’s version of peace,
it’s more likely to find its way into the room.
—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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An extraordinary cosmic phenomenon the whole family can enjoy is happening this season at Meow Wolf Grapevine. We call it: Phenomenomaly. Enjoy interactive, live performances throughout the worlds, mysterious characters, magical puppets, and more. Plus...limited edition merch for this exclusive event series.
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This isn’t just a game—it’s a live, interactive fantasy quest where every choice shapes your destiny. Explore immersive sets, face thrilling challenges, and experience the magic of storytelling brought to life. Solve puzzles, battle mythical foes, and uncover secrets in a one-of-a-kind fantasy world for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious newcomer, gather your party and embark on an unforgettable journey. Book your adventure now and become a hero!
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Follow the wintery story pages around the plaza to find what happens during this year’s Holiday Storywalk®. Each story board has a different activity to encourage comprehension skills and enhance the fun!
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Gingertown Dallas at NorthPark Center is one of the biggest gingerbread house exhibits in North Texas, with all proceeds benefiting Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA). Nationally and internationally, CCA addresses the medical, financial, psychosocial, emotional, and educational concerns relating to craniofacial conditions. Originally founded in 2006 by David M. Schwarz Architects, this unique holiday display showcases talent from local design, architecture, engineering, and construction firms to help spread joy and hope during the holidays.
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Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa it is based on the African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa. The celebration lasts one week beginning the day after Christmas and ending on New Year’s day. The event will include a program and the lighting of the 7 candles and brief presentations representing the principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Event is hosted by the MLK Advisory Board.
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Balloon Museum presents Let’s Fly in Dallas — the third stop of its Texas tour. A one-of-a-kind experience set in the iconic space of the South Side Studios, featuring monumental inflatable artworks by renowned international artists. The exhibition explores air not only as a physical element, but as a metaphor for movement, lightness, and boundless travel.
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How long is it acceptable to keep Christmas decorations up? What is the correct way for a dog to wear pants, all 4 legs or just the back 2? Debate isn’t just about talking — it’s about thinking fast, reading the room, and owning the mic! Come flex your skills in public speaking, build rock-solid arguments, and learn to see every side of a discussion. Whether you’re debating with a friend (or just yourself), it’s all about confidence, creativity, and having fun.
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Bubble Planet is an immersive experience full of bubbles! Step into a planet beyond your imagination with VR technology, themed rooms, fantastical landscapes, and even a hot air balloon simulator. Jump from one immersive space to the next and explore them all with your five senses!
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In its 15th year at Frisco Square, Skate the Square is the area’s only real ice outdoor ice rink! Located perfectly along Main and Coleman, Skate the Square provides the perfect ice skating experience to get you and your family in the holiday spirit. Join us beginning on November 21st for the perfect start to your holiday season!
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TRAINS AT NORTHPARK is a unique, beloved, and visually stunning holiday exhibition featuring a fascinating array of miniature trains rolling across 1,600 feet of track on a journey through Dallas and America’s most iconic cityscapes. From the youngest children, mesmerized by the colorful locomotives and intricate landscapes, to adults who appreciate the craftsmanship and detail of the model trains, there is something at this dynamic exhibit for everyone to enjoy. Each season, the display is refreshed with new scenes and features, making it a must-see year after year. We are excited to offer a S.T.E.A.M.-inspired experience and special Sensory Friendly days to the 2025-2026 exhibit!
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Rockin’ New Year’s Celebration is the perfect way to ring in 2025 at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Guests can enjoy exclusive events and end the year with a breathtaking 360-degree fireworks extravaganza on New Year’s Eve, marking the largest fireworks display in Texas.
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Harry Potter™: The Exhibition celebrates all things Harry Potter™ by bringing to life some of your favourite moments, characters, locations, and beasts from the film series, as well as the extended Harry Potter universe. Get up close to authentic props and costumes, practice your Quidditch™ skills, pot a Mandrake, and more in this unforgettable experience.
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- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Dallas - Fort Worth - Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, December 26, 2025, see link for times
- A Musical Retelling of A Visit from St. Nick - Main Street, Southlake, TX, Friday, December 26, 2025, 11 am - 12 pm
- Christmas in the Square - 8874 Coleman Blvd, Frisco, TX 75034, Friday, December 26, 2025, 6 - 10 pm
- Gingertown Dallas - 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75225, Friday, December 26, 2025, during normal mall hours
- Christmas Spectacular Light
Show - 4900 Blair Oaks Drive, The Colony, TX, Friday, December 26, 2025, 5:30 - 10:50 pm
- Holiday Lights in the Park - Andrew Brown Park East - Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, TX, Friday, December 26, 2025, 6 - 10 pm
- Holiday Storywalk - Main Street, Colleyville, TX, Friday, December 26, 2025, all day
- SaturYAY - 6635 Warren Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034, Saturday, December 27, 2025, 10 am - 4 pm
- Christmas in the Square - 8874 Coleman Blvd, Frisco, TX 75034, Saturday, December 27, 2025, 6 - 10 pm
- Gingertown Dallas - 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75225, Saturday, December 27, 2025, during normal mall hours
- Christmas Spectacular Light Show - 4900 Blair Oaks Drive, The Colony, TX, Saturday, December
27, 2025, 5:30 - 10:50 pm
- Holiday Lights in the Park - Andrew Brown Park East - Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, TX, Saturday, December 27, 2025, 6 - 10 pm
- Kwanzaa Celebration - Wilson Street, Denton, TX, Saturday, December 27, 2025, 10 am - 1 pm
- Teen Silly Debates - 248 Southwest Johnson Avenue, Burleson, TX 76028, Saturday, December 27, 2025, 4 - 5 pm
- Holiday Storywalk - Main Street, Colleyville, TX, Saturday, December 27, 2025, all day
- Chess Club - Municipal Way, Grapevine, TX, Sunday, December 28, 2025, 12:30 - 2:30 pm
- Super Smash Bros Holiday Tournament - Municipal Way, Grapevine, TX, Sunday, December 28, 2025, 1 - 3 pm
- Christmas in the Square - 8874 Coleman Blvd, Frisco, TX 75034, Sunday, December 28, 2025, 6 - 10 pm
- Gingertown Dallas - 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75225, Sunday, December 28, 2025, during normal mall hours
- Christmas Spectacular Light
Show - 4900 Blair Oaks Drive, The Colony, TX, Sunday, December 28, 2025, 5:30 - 10:30 pm
- Holiday Lights in the Park - Andrew Brown Park East - Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, TX, Sunday, December 28, 2025, 6 - 10 pm
- Holiday Storywalk - Main Street, Colleyville, TX, Sunday, December 28, 2025, all day
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions in and around the Mid-Cities. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
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Ring in the New Year with a little help from KidsOutAndAbout! Our Big List of family-Friendly celebrations is just what you need to find ball drops, fireworks displays, NOON Year's Eve fun, activities, parties and more! If your favorite isn't on the list be
sure to send us an email and we'll add it pronto.
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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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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Mid-Cities 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 Mid-Cities 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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