KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When Madison and Ella were young, I made it a point to stretch their comfort zones in small, manageable ways. They’d order their own food at restaurants, they'd arrange their own homeschool work schedules, they'd try activities where they didn’t know anyone. I did my best not to step in unless invited. Over time, they started trusting their
own ability to navigate the world without me. That, of course, was the point. But the better they got at being independent, the more I started to feel a quiet kind of discomfort. They were moving outward—into the world, into themselves—and I could feel the shift. There’s a concept in astrophysics called red shift. When a star or galaxy moves away from us, the light it emits stretches, shifting toward the red end of the spectrum. The farther away it moves, the
redder the light appears. It’s how we know the universe is expanding. The movement doesn’t mean the light is gone—just that it’s arriving to us in a new form, from farther away. I think about that a lot as my kids are no longer orbiting so closely. I still see their light; it just looks different now. I’m learning to recognize their new wavelengths. The trick, I think, is not to see red shift as loss, but as evidence of motion. The fact that I feel the stretch means the
universe is doing what it’s supposed to do: expanding, evolving, moving outward. I remind myself that this kind of shift is a mark of success. Increased wavelength, decreased frequency... it's all part of the natural order of things. Light travels and stretches, and love does, 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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Handyman Hal is rolling into town on his “awesome tool vehicle” for a high-energy, laugh-out-loud live show the whole family will love! In The Handyman Hal Comes to Town Tour, children’s educational YouTube favorite Handyman Hal is joined by friendly helpers and special guests as he builds a secret project using cool tools, music, and lots of kid participation. Sing and dance along to fan-favorite songs like “Tools Are Cool” and “The Awesome Song,” and hold on tight when a wild science experiment unleashes dino-sized chaos! This engaging live performance is a fantastic first theater experience for little ones and a fun-filled adventure for kids of all ages. Tickets available now!
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Join us on Friday, January 23rd for a special skywatching event. We’ll observe the conjunction of the Moon, Saturn, and Neptune. This celestial lineup can be seen with a pair of binoculars—binoculars will be available to borrow. Enjoy moon pies as we take in the night sky, and warm up at our Marshmallow Roast beginning at 5:00 pm. At 6:00 pm, stick around for a guided Night Walk to explore the park after dark. Headlamps and flashlights will be provided. Located at the pavilions at 12847 Old Hickory Boulevard, Antioch, TN 37013. Check online for weather updates.
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Let it go! See Disney's Frozen In Concert! Fearless optimist, Princess Anna, sets off on an epic journey – teaming up with rugged mountain man, Kristoff, and his loyal reindeer Sven – to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.
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We’re pushing the limits of basketball and having even more fun. Don’t miss the one and only Harlem Globetrotters in an all-new tour. There will be new high-flying dunks, hilarious stunts, a new record-breaking attempt and unforgettable family moments.
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Follow the yellow brick road to a land of imagination, adventure, and heart at TPAC’s Family Day celebration! Step into a twister of wonder where ruby slippers sparkle, lions find courage, and the road to Oz winds through music, magic, and make-believe. Enjoy sensory-friendly activities, tasty treats, and live performances inspired by Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and more. Best of all, your ticket includes it all—activities, snacks, entertainment, and more—so the whole family can enjoy the excitement. TPAC’s Family Day invites you to discover the magic of Oz and celebrate the arts in a place where courage, friendship, and imagination shine. TPAC's Family Day 2025 will have activities from 1:30PM to 4:30PM. Activities will be in TPAC's Jackson Hall and Polk Theater. Book your tickets today!
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- Kidsville Storybook Walk - 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, Friday, January 23, 2026 to Sunday, January 25, 2026, Park hours, 6 AM - 8 PM
- Drop In Messy Art - All Ages! - Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, Brentwood, Friday, January 23, 2026, 10 AM
- Storytime in the Children’s Gallery - Tennessee State Museum -
Tennessee State Museum, Nashville, Saturday, January 24, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
- Richland Park Farmers
Market - Richland Park Farmers' Market, Nashville, Saturday, January 24, 2026, April - December, 9am to 12pm | January - March 10am-12pm
- Fireside Stories - Jan 24th - Antioch, Saturday, January 24, 2026, 1PM-3PM
- Saturday Storytime - Linebaugh Public Library, Murfreesboro, Saturday, January 24, 2026, 10-11 AM
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Nashville area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues, unlock secrets,
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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 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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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