KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which
explained why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30. Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time:
Presence creates the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them
together. They don’t pile up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—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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I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
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Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
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- 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!
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Discover Winter Glow, now open at the Brown Deer Park in Milwaukee through January 2026—a festive drive-through experience that brings the holiday season to life! Families, friends, and couples can enjoy sparkling lights, colorful holiday displays, and cheerful music from the comfort of their car. Follow the illuminated route as classic holiday songs play through your car radio, perfectly synced to the twinkling lights and glowing scenes. Share hot cocoa, point out favorite displays, or cozy up under blankets as each turn reveals something new. It’s a joyful, family-friendly celebration full of festive magic. Tickets are available at winterglowexperience.com and on the Fever app.
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Join The Pfister Hotel for a sweet time at our Sugar & Spice Gingerbread House Workshop! Celebrate the season with a joyful evening of festive creativity at our annual Gingerbread Workshop. Hosted by The Pfister Hotel’s talented Pastry Team, this delightful experience invites guests of all ages to decorate a beautifully pre-assembled gingerbread house with an abundant array of confections.
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Come create a Hallmark moment with friends and loved ones as Menomonee Falls Downtown transforms into a Christkindl Market Village. Enjoy the Holiday Vendor Tent at our picturesque Mill Pond Park with a 2025 commemorative mug of warm, spiced Gluhwein. Then stroll over to the Post 382 Food & Beer Garden to taste the cuisines of brats and sausage, imported beer, homemade stollen and European desserts. Other enchanting activities include horse drawn carriage rides in our historic district. LIVE reindeer and pictures inside Santa’s Workshop await the whole family at The Kinder Korner. Kiddos will also have an opportunity to meet Elsa and Anna from Frozen at the princess meet and greet.
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Gather the family and friends and join US Cellular as they light up the night sky to celebrate the holiday season with a free drone show for the community! Join us December 13th at 5:00 PM at Veterans Park in Milwaukee.
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This year’s Holiday Show turns each verse of “The 12 Days of Christmas” into a playful scene, interpreted through imaginative displays and floral artistry. As you wander through the dome, you’ll discover clever, lighthearted vignettes inspired by the song—perfect for kids, families, date nights, and anyone who loves the holidays with a twist. Hundreds of poinsettias in vibrant reds, pinks, and whites fill the space, surrounding you with the warmth and color of the season. At the heart of the show, a sparkling Holiday Tree creates a stunning backdrop for festive photos and family memories.
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Join us on Saturdays for full throttle holiday fun at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Kids can create ornaments, reindeer headbands, and moto-themed holiday cards, take part in a festive scavenger hunt, and show off their holiday spirit with airbrush tattoos. Each Saturday features something extra. Included with Museum admission. Bring the whole family and make some holiday memories.
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Searching for a magical Santa event in Milwaukee? Father Christmas Visits the Pabst Mansion is a cherished holiday tradition, perfect for families looking to celebrate the season with Santa himself. With his lantern, walking stick and red cloak with white trim, a whimsical Father Christmas travels south each Sunday during the holiday season to the Pabst Mansion.
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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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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.
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- Free Trolley Rides in Downtown Historic Cedarburg - Washington Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012, Friday, December 12, 2025, 5 pm - 8 pm
- Holiday Makers Market - Greenfield Community Center, West Cold Spring Road, Greenfield, WI, Saturday, December 14, 2025, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Visit Santa - Main Street Mercantile, 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, Saturday, December 14, 2025, 1 PM - 3 PM
- Free Holiday Drone Show - Veterans Park, 100 E Lagoon Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 5 PM
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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!
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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!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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