KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a teenager, a math teacher I respected told me that there are two kinds of people: Those who make pizza, and those who grab as many slices as they can. "At the end of the day," he said, "you want to be someone who has made more pizza than she eats." He said this to me at the perfect time, when I was just forming my ideas about who I was and was going
to become. I decided I wanted always to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation, so I started thinking about how to use the time I have here on Earth to make as much pizza as I possibly could. Over the years, I found that the key to success in this long-term goal is to tune my mental radar to the very near future, to stay in control of my time rather than giving it away to an algorithm that serves endless empty calories: How best do I use the next five
minutes, the next half hour, the next day? It all adds up. Even young kids can add value to the world, especially if they watch their parents doing it. New Year's resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, especially when they're overly specific. But resolving to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation is straightforward. For some easy recipes for quick wins, check out my quick-read article 12 Starter Ideas for Pizza on Earth. Then look up from your phone, scan your world, and you'll find all the ingredients you need. Here's to a delicious 2026!
—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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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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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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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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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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Join us on Saturday, January 3, at 10 a.m. for Family Movie Day. We will be watching Lilo & Stitch (2025-Rated PG). We hope you can join us!
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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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Dive under the sea this January with Plano Metropolitan Ballet's The Little Mermaid! Join us for a magical retelling of the classic fairytale, filled with shimmering costumes, enchanting choreography, and a splash of wonder for the whole family. Don't miss this unforgettable journey where dreams, love, and courage sparkle on the stage.
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How about a fun, creative start to your weekend? Bring your family to the Coppell Arts Center on the first Saturday of every month for a free make-and-take craft! Stop by anytime between 9 AM to 12 PM to create your craft. Kids will receive a do-it-yourself craft kit that they can assemble and customize at art stations inside the Coppell Arts Center. A parent must accompany all children at all times. For children ages 3 - 12.
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Barbie is the ultimate career guide having had more than 200 jobs over the last 60 years. Explore a variety of careers and learn the story of real-life women who broke barriers in their industry. Discover your career with Barbie™ You Can Be Anything™:The Experience! Barbie dolls and their accessories encourage imaginative play. The kind that teaches us no matter our gender, ethnicity, or background, we can make the world a better place by doing work that excites us, challenges us and brings us fulfillment. This exhibit has something for everyone!
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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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During the 20th Annual Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs exhibition, these animatronic dinosaurs will move and roar, providing an experience sure to captivate visitors.
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- A New Year's Eve Mystery - Burleson Public Library - 248 Southwest Johnson Avenue, Burleson, TX 76028, January 2, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm
- Saturday Make & Take Crafts - Coppell Arts Center - 505 Travis St, Coppell, TX 75019, January 3, 2026, 9 am
- Family Movie Day - Burleson Public Library - 248 Southwest Johnson Avenue, Burleson, TX 76028, January 3, 2026, 10 am
- Christmas Spectacular Light Show -
The Colony Fire Department, 4900 Blair Oaks Drive, The Colony, TX, multiple dates including January 2–3, 2026, nightly 5:30-10:30 pm (Sun–Thu) / 5:30-10:50 pm (Fri–Sat)
- Christmas in the Square - 8874 Coleman Blvd, Frisco Square, Frisco, TX 75034, multiple dates including January 2–4, 2026, 6-10 pm
- Gingertown Dallas - NorthPark Center - 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75225, runs through January 3,
2026, during normal mall hours
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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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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 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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