KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Fri, Dec 12: 10th Annual Merriment in Melrose
Mon, Dec 15: Sensory
Friendly Zoolights at Phoenix Zoo
Fri, Dec 19: Santa & Friends at the Holiday Lights 2025 at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Sat, Dec 20: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland at Mesa Arts Center
Tue, Dec 23: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) at Orpheum Theatre
Fri, Dec 26: Snow Week at Arizona Science Center
Fri, Jan 2: Ice Skating-Tots at City of Peoria Recreation Programs
Sat, Jan 10: Newsies Jr. Auditions at MTA! at Musical Theatre of Anthem
Thu, Jan 15: Homeschool Explorations: Furniture Design for Kids (for students age 6-11) at The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation - Taliesin West
Thu, Jan 15: Young Rembrandts - Winter Drawing Class |
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
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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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Whether you visit ZooLights every year, or you’re starting a brand-new family tradition, the Phoenix Zoo has everything you need to celebrate the season. Embrace the holiday spirit as millions of twinkling lights transform the Phoenix Zoo into a winter wonderland, with over two miles of glimmering tree-lined trails, dozens of life-like animal lanterns and the tallest floating digital tree in North America, featuring an all-new Lake Lights show. Relax by the fire pit while enjoying s’mores and hot cocoa, swing into fun at Glow Garden, get your photo with Santa and so much more!
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Nov 28 - Dec 24: A Hale Holiday Classic! Our spectacular, heart-warming version of Dickens’ classic tale of redemption is magically brought to life on the Hale Stage. This production is rich with traditional carols, stunning costumes, and memorable characters that are guaranteed to enrich the holiday season for you and your family. Now celebrating its 23rd year in Gilbert!
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Dec 1-23: Vertuccio Farms in Mesa invites you to unwrap new traditions and make memories with your family and friends. Our all new Christmas event is designed for family and friends as you enjoy classic holiday music playing throughout the farm as you stroll. Take pictures in our Giant Ornament and visit our 25 ft Corn Stalk Tree.
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Tempe Festival of the Arts has a 50+ year history in Tempe and takes place in early December and early to mid-March each year. It is one of the oldest festivals in the Southwest. The festival has grown to become a Tempe point of pride and a favorite of our residents and visitors. Guests enjoy artists from around the country, local music, a Kids Block and many great food options - all located on the streets of historic Mill Avenue.
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Bring the family and make some memories at this FREE event! Avondale turns into a winter wonderland with a visit from Santa, activities and entertainment, the premier of the holiday light show, annual tree lighting, food, and sweet treats.
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Phoenix 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. From charming local farms to larger operations, each location provides a unique experience, complete with hayrides, hot cocoa, and seasonal treats.
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- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Phoenix Area - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, USA, December 5-7, 2025, see link for times
- Sparkling Surprise - City of Surprise, AZ - Surprise Community Park, North Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ, USA, December 5-7, 2025, 5:30 pm - 10 pm
- Kids Market- Casa Grande Farmers
Market - Phoenix, AZ 85001, USA, December 6, 2025, 2pm-5pm
- 2025 WinterFest | Avondale Civic Center - 11465 West Civic Center Drive, Avondale, AZ 85323, December 6, 2025, 5 - 9 PM
- Starlight Movie Night - Home
Alone - Scottsdale Civic Center, December 6, 2025, 6:30PM
- Holiday Program & Light Parade at Flatiron Community
Park - Flatiron Community Park, North Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ, USA, December 6, 2025, 3 pm - 6:30 pm
- 10th Annual FREE Peoria Jolly Holiday Outdoor Movie, PJ Party, Night Market & MORE! Sat Dec 6th - Paseo Verde Park, West Greenway Road, Peoria, AZ, USA, December 6, 2025, 4pm
- APS 38th Electric Parade - Let it Glow - 3004 North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ, USA, December 6, 2025, 7-9 pm
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There are lots of places to have a birthday party in the Phoenix area! If there is an attraction that we have missed, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it promptly. Thank you! And you can
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2025's winners in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Phoenix 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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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