KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
It's often said that parenting is a "thankless" job. In one sense, that's undeniably true, because it will likely be many years before the young humans you're raising—the ones who actually have a stake in the outcome of the excellent job you're doing—are in a position to thank you. So you don't hear that phrase often during the first couple of decades of parenthood.
My fervent wish
for the future is to live in a world filled with engaged, culturally literate, productive, happy people. This means that what I said above isn't precisely accurate: It's not only your kids who have a stake in your parenting success, we ALL do, because the path to that future starts NOW for the young people in your orbit. So I'm grateful that you care about getting them "out and about" to the wide variety of experiences available in your community: It will make all
the difference.
Our job here at KidsOutAndAbout.com is to help you do that as easily as possible. In 2001, I created the original version of this web platform that now connects 15 million people each year with their area's activities and resources. My team gets to see it all up-close and personal as local businesses post to KidsOutAndAbout through their free listings, and then we get to turn around and shout about them to y'all, bringing your community closer to you.
So I want to
step in for the rest of the world that's not (yet) thanking you, and say it to you today: Thank you so much for what you're doing. Raising kids is hard in any era, but no one could have anticipated all the roadblocks that a pandemic would toss onto our path.
As anyone who knows me knows, I'm endlessly looking for reasons to celebrate. So today, I'm celebrating YOU with my digital megaphone and pom-poms. You're doing a great job. Future Deb sends her thanks,
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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Just a minute of your time could make a big impact. KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of AI. We're asking all parents, grandparents, and caregivers-whether you're
tech-savvy or not-to weigh in.
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Families, get ready to jingle all the way to Pinstripes for the most festive brunch of the season! Santa's making his list and checking it twice, and your family's invited to join him for our spectacular Santa Brunch. Every Saturday & Sunday from 11/29 - 12/21, the big man himself is trading his sleigh for a seat at our table. Join us for a holiday buffet packed with action stations, classic breakfast selections, and an amazing chocolate fountain that's sure to delight! Plus, kids 5 & under eat FREE! Gather your merry little band and make this season unforgettable. Spots fill faster than Santa's sleigh, so book today!
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On Sunday, December 28, 2025, First Avenue will come alive with The Current Presents: KOO KOO — Silly Shindig, a lively local showcase packed with high-energy performances and family-friendly fun. The event features an exciting lineup including Peelander Z, Mega Ran, Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship, Louis & Dan and the Invisible Band, and Derry & The Dirty Dishes. Doors open at 11:00 AM, with shows kicking off at 11:30 AM in the 7th St Entry and 11:50 AM on the main stage at First Avenue. Open to all ages, this festive gathering promises a day of music, laughter, and community spirit. Admission to the 7th St Entry will be based on capacity, so early arrival is encouraged for the best experience. More info: https://first-avenue.com/event/2025-12-koo-koo/ Ticket link: https://www.axs.com/events/1116585/koo-koo-tickets?skin=firstavenue
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Deck the halls with tons of COLOR! From Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, come enjoy holiday fun the Crayola way! Complete a seasonal scavenger hunt, pose in holiday photo-ops, and make handmade gifts from the heart as you create a Pop-Up Greeting Card for someone special, paint one-of-a-kind Holiday Ornaments to add some festive flair to your home, mold a Penguin Friend with Model Magic to bring holiday cheer, and write a Letter to Santa with all the nice things you’ve done this year. All included with general admission.
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The Minneapolis - St. Paul area has many private schools and alternative education options from which parents can choose. Each has its unique benefits and advantages, so it's important to investigate carefully. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools. If your school is not on our list but should be, please email us at [email protected]. |
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Private Schools in and around the Twin Cities: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences.
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Join us at Miracle at Big Rock and Experience good ole’ fashioned family fun like never before! Miracle at Big Rock 2025 is going to be an event you don’t want to miss! Christmas Lights, Food Trucks, Artisans, Sledding, S’mores. Fireworks, Cocktails, and More! Grab Tickets today!
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We’re celebrating our sixth year of the GLOW Holiday Festival in Minnesota! Featuring over a million lights, the Enchanted Forest, Vixen’s Zip Line, and Giant Slide, GLOW is a must-see experience. The elves have been busy gussying up the place with new exhibits to make sure your holidays are shiny & bright.
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Explore the restored keeper’s house while learning about how the families lived at the station during the winter.
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Immerse yourself in the holiday magic as we bring the charm of a traditional European Christmas Market to St. Paul!
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Join Ballet Co.Laboratory at Highland Park Library for a special storytime inspired by The Snow Queen. Highland Park librarians collaborate with dancers from Ballet Co.Laboratory to present a one-of-a-kind reading that will get you dancing.
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Community-built holiday exhibit inspired by a beloved modern-day Norwegian tradition Norway House invites the Greater-Twin Cities community—and beyond—to celebrate the holiday season at Gingerbread Wonderland, the annual gingerbread city exhibition in the Joan and Walter Mondale Galleri, that fills Norway House with hundreds of sweet, sugary creations. Inspired by the world-famous gingerbread city (Pepperkakebyen) of Bergen, Norway, a tradition begun in 1991, Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House brings together bakers, artists, and families of all ages to build a magical winter village—right here in Minneapolis.
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Bring the family to our warm greenhouse and capture a moment with Santa in his beautiful sleigh. Santa will be present Saturdays and Sundays starting Thanksgiving weekend. November 29th & 30th, December 6th & 7th, December 13th & 14th, December 20th & 21st. $5 per family, using your own camera.
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Kick off the season Saturday, Nov. 29 with a day of the best of local shopping, dining and free events and an evening of lights, music & holiday cheer!
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Our popular holiday market is back! Join us at Wagner's Garden Center for our food and maker market series! Field & Festival is a bustling hub of local farmers, foodies and artists. Wagner's Garden Center is a family run business started in Minneapolis more than 100 years ago. Wagner's will be hosting the market on Saturdays and Sundays in November and December from 10:00AM - 2:00PM.
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Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, is bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays that bring to life your favorite holiday scenes and characters. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas! Pile everyone into the car and experience more at the same low price! One carload, one price for the entire family.
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The Minneapolis-St. Paul 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 big list of 2025 holiday events list for the Minneapolis - St. Paul area. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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- Family Playtime at The Grove - The Grove United Methodist Church, 8600 90th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, Friday, November 28, 2025, 10-11 am
- European Christmas Market at Union Depot - Union Depot, 214 4th St E, Saint Paul, MN 55101, Friday, November 28, 2025 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, 12:00pm to 6:00pm
- Bentleyville Tour of Lights 2025 -
Bentleyville, 4313 Haines Road, Hermantown, MN 55811, Friday, November 28, 2025 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, Sunday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
- Saturday Vibe: Family Storytime - Saint Paul Public Library, 90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 11:00am-12:00pm
- Paw Pals: Read with Maple the Dog - Saint Paul Public Library, 90 West 4th Street,
Saint Paul, MN 55102, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 11:00am-12:00pm
- Library Storytime: The Snow Queen - Ballet Co.Laboratory, 276 East Lafayette Frontage Road, Saint Paul, MN 55107, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 10:30am-11:30am
- Small
Business Saturday & Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony - 50th & France, 3925 W 50th St, Minneapolis, MN 55424, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 5 pm
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul 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 winners in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. 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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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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