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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One final ask: 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 artificial intelligence. We're asking all parents, grandparents,
and caregivers-whether you're tech-savvy or not-to weigh in.
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The Nashville area's private schools cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools.
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November 21 - January 4: Experience Nashville’s classic holiday tradition as you embark on a magical one-mile walk through Cheekwood’s gardens illuminated by more than a million lights. Stroll through the gardens aglow on a one-mile twinkling trail featuring more than a million lights. Whether you’re returning for Nashville’s classic holiday tradition or experiencing it for the first time, Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood welcomes you to the season with wonder, warmth, and timeless joy.
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CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WONDERLAND COMING TO F&M BANK ARENA ON NOVEMBER 28, 2025! This holiday season, experience the magic of cirque like never before with the all new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland! A thrilling blend of world-class circus artistry and your favorite holiday music, this spectacular production will transport you to a winter wonderland of awe and enchantment.
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Experience a spectacular Christmas light show at Lucky Ladd Farms—just minutes from Nashville, Franklin, and Murfreesboro. Stroll along a mile-long trail of twinkling lights, themed displays, and a live nativity scene that brings the holiday spirit to life. Enjoy fun photo ops, meet festive characters, and explore activities. Join us for a magical family-friendly celebration where every step reveals a new wonder!
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Celebrate the season at our 4th Annual Merry Monthaven Christmas — a festive evening full of holiday spirit, art and music. Events include our annual tree lighting and caroling starting around 4:30 p.m., followed by a special Christmas concert with Pam Tillis (starts around 6 p.m.). There will also be community mural painting, pictures with Santa (4-7 p.m.), and a holiday artisan market where you can shop for handmade gifts and find local treasures. Food trucks and beverage vendors will be on hand.
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The event will take place on November 29th and 30th at Embassy Suites Cool Springs, located at 820 Crescent Centre Drive, Franklin, TN 37067. General admission for adults is $5, with hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult. A VIP Early Access Pass is available for $10 and is valid for both days. VIP perks include early showroom access starting at 10 a.m. on both days, exclusive entrance to the Saturday Trade Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring free light appetizers, and a premium gift for the first VIP attendees through the doors on Saturday while supplies last. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult VIP Pass but are not eligible for the free gift.
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With paid admission, join us for FREE vault tours throughout the day, plus in-museum vehicle demonstrations. There will also be a Black Friday discount of 10% on the museum's book, a hobby gone wild! There are other great gift ideas in the museum's gift shop. Get your shopping done early while having some fun!
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The Nashville 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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Our ;2025 holiday events list for the Nashville area contains Christmas concerts, lights, trees, markets, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve. The activities we've
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- Kidsville Storybook Walk - 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, United States, Google Map, November 28, 2025 to November 30, 2025, 6 AM - 8 PM
- Vanderbilt University Preschool Language and Brain Study
- Vanderbilt University, West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, USA, Google Map, November 28, 2025 to November 30, 2025, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Santa Claus visit at Mall of Monroe - Mall of Monroe - 2121 N Monroe St, Monroe, MI 48162, Google Map, November 28, 2025 to November 30, 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Storytime in the Children’s Gallery - Tennessee State Museum - 1000 Rosa Parks Blvd. (at Jefferson St.), Nashville, TN 37208, United States, Google Map, November 29, 2025, 10:30 a.m.
- Architecture Tour at Frist Art Museum - 919 Broadway –
Downtown, Nashville, TN 37203, United States, Google Map, November 29, 2025 to November 30, 2025, 3:30 pm
- Richland Park Farmers Market - 4711 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209, United States, Google Map, November 29, 2025, 9am to 12pm
- Merry Monthaven Christmas 2025 - Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center, 1017 Antebellum Circle, Hendersonville, TN 37075, United States, Google Map, November 29, 2025, See website for details.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Nashville 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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The best things to do with kids in the Nashville area for 2025 as voted by KidsOutAndAbout.com's local readers. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of our readers' annual 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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