KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
|
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my own
parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them to
grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—Debra Ross, publisher
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
- One Bird. One Big Holiday. Zero Chill. Be one of the first to experience the next holiday classic at First Stage, November 22 – December 28! When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! The Unlimited Squirrels deck the halls and Elephant and Piggie come ready to celebrate! But will The Pigeon join in the festivities, or will he run all the way to the North Pole in the search of the greatest gift ever? Catchy tunes, silly stories, goofy gifts, audience antics: it’s all in this brand-new musical party that sleighs!
|
|
|
|
This Downtown District Christmas event has become a beloved family tradition. Purchase Cookie Crawl boxes online or at the district office and visit all the participating businesses on Friday, Dec 5th and Saturday, Dec 6th to fill up your box with a wonderful variety of holiday goodness. It’s a wonderful way to make treasured memories that will last a lifetime!
|
|
|
|
Learning on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard destined for greatness, Harry leaves for wizarding school for the first time in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™. This concert presents the first movie of the unforgettable series while a live orchestra performs John Williams's enchanting score. Join us for an evening of music and magic. WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indiciaare © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22)
|
|
|
|
Stop by the 8th annual Christkindlmarkt, a traditional outdoor Christmas market featuring over 50 vendors. Includes Wisconsin Specialty food retailers and artisan craft vendors. Enjoy live music as well as a variety of local food trucks and beer from local breweries. This is a two-day event taking place at the West Allis Farmers Market on Friday, Dec. 5 from 4-9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6 from noon-4 p.m.
|
|
|
|
Talmi Entertainment’s NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, now celebrating its 33rd annual tour, has become a Christmas tradition for families across North America. In 2025, NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet returns to over 100 cities sharing the joy and magic that audiences nationwide have enjoyed for over thirty years.
|
|
|
|
Feel the magic of the holidays and enjoy the beauty of hundreds of glowing luminaries lining the streets of downtown Cedarburg on Friday evenings, guiding you through our historic downtown and putting you in the holiday spirit. Weather-permitting.
|
|
|
|
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than a brunch with Santa! Join us for a family-friendly, holiday treat!
|
|
|
|
Bring the whole family out for some holiday cheer and a festive atmosphere at this event, making it a wonderful memory for everyone! Breakfast With The Reindeer is presented by the Delafield Chamber of Commerce and sponsored in part by our local member businesses. Kids will love meeting Santa's amazing flying friends, and parents can enjoy the wonder on their children's faces as they greet real, live reindeer from Reindeer Games in nearby Hartford, WI. Guests are encouraged to bring their camera to photograph loved ones with Santa, live reindeer, and a magical Elf or two!
|
|
|
|
It’s a glowrious time to be Downtown! Our parks and streets are aglow with holiday spirit and more than a half million brilliant bulbs. Meanwhile, a flurry of shows, Santa photo ops and exceptional dining opportunities are beckoning friends and family to gather here all season long!
|
|
|
|
Candy Cane Lane is festively decorated houses, and trees wrapped like candy canes. Over the years, Candy Cane Lane has raised over 3 million dollars for the MACC Fund! Make Candy Cane Lane a part of your family's holiday tradition and help provide HOPE for kids battling cancer and related blood disorders. If you drive through Candy Cane Lane, please keep your headlights ON. If you walk through Candy Cane Lane, remember that Candy Cane Lane attendees are not permitted on personal property.
|
|
|
|
Adventure into the dreamlike world of Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium! Hailed as “equal parts smart and magical” (Milwaukee Magazine), this fantastical production invites you to let your imagination run free for the holidays. As one of Milwaukee’s favorite holiday traditions, The Nutcracker guarantees an enchanting evening of festive fun for all ages. Nearly 200 dancers, including students of Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, will illuminate the incredible artistic talent found right here in our city.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Milwaukee 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.
|
|
|
- Free Trolley Rides in Downtown Historic Cedarburg - Washington Ave, Google Maps, Friday, December 5, 2025, 5 pm - 8 pm
- A Walk in the Park at a Park Near You - Multiple Locations Throughout Milwaukee, Google Maps, Friday, December 5, 2025, 12 pm - 1 pm
- Family Free Day at Milwaukee County Zoo (Dec 6, 2025) - 10001 West Bluemound Road,
Milwaukee, Google Maps, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Holiday Tree Lighting - Konkel Park, West
Layton Avenue, Greenfield, Google Maps, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2:00 - 6:00 PM
- Christmas Parade - City of West
Allis - West Allis Downtown, West Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, Google Maps, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 4:45 - 6 p.m.
- FBBG Holiday Gift Fair - 9400 Boerner Dr, Hales Corners, Google Maps, Sunday, December 7, 2025, 10 AM – 2 PM
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Milwaukee 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!
|
|
|
Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
