KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Tue, Dec 23: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) at Orpheum
Theatre
Fri, Dec 26: Snow Week at Arizona Science Center
Fri, Dec 26: Family Friendly: I Believe in Magic at Painting with a Twist - Gilbert
Sat, Dec 27: Holidays at the Heard
Tue, Dec 30: A Magical Cirque Christmas at ASU Gammage
Wed, Jan 7: First Day of Pre-K: Ready, Set, Learn! at Rio Vista Recreation Center
Sat, Jan 10: Newsies Jr. Auditions at MTA!
Sat, Jan 10: Certified CPR/AED and First Aid Training (ages 16+) at Peoria AZ Parks and Recreation
Sun, Jan 11: Safari Family FunFest - Attain ABA Peoria
Wed, Jan 14: Crafts
& Tails | Litchfield Park Library |
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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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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Saturday, December 13th, 2025, 2pm - 7pm: Mark your calendars for our 10th Annual Merriment in Melrose. Merriment is FREE to the public and features live music, food trucks, kids activities, local artists, photos with Santa, holiday raffle, and Christmas tree lighting. The event will be held on the West side of 7th Avenue at Montecito. Best yet, it is dog friendly ❤️
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Nov 28 - Dec 30: Experience the magic of the season with glowing luminaria paths, sparkling lights, live entertainment and festive treats. Plus, be captivated by Framerate: Desert Pulse for an immersive Sonoran Desert holiday like never before.
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Sock Skating at the Children's Museum of Phoenix, December 2nd through 28th | 9am-4pm. Slip, slide, and glide into fun when your favorite wintertime experience returns to the Museum: The Museum's Atrium transforms into a whimsical, sock-sliding wonderland. Visitors of all ages are invited to glide across the slick surface reminiscent of ice - no skates required! Just bring your favorite pair of comfy socks and get ready to practice your most graceful spin.
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ODYSEA AQUARIUM IS THE PLACE TO VISIT FOR FESTIVE FUN ALL MONTH LONG! Jolly ol' helmet-diving SeaTREK Santa is making a splash again this holiday season with underwater appearances every day through January 4th. Included with admission.
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On December 13–14, 2025, the Phoenix Center for the Arts proudly presents the 14th Annual Phoenix Festival of the Arts — a vibrant, multicultural celebration of artistic expression in the heart of downtown Phoenix.
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Rediscover the joy of the holidays in this friendly, small-town atmosphere. Admission is free to the public. Event features a parade, kids activities, holiday shopping, live performances and food vendors.
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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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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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- Sparkling Surprise - City of Surprise, AZ - Surprise Community Park, North Bullard Avenue, December 12-14, 2025, 5:30 pm - 10 pm
- Arizona National Horse Show - Arizona National Livestock Show, 1826 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85007, December 12-14, 2025, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- 3rd Annual Art at
Anthem - Outlets North Phoenix, December 12-14, 2025, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Family Free Evenings at the i.d.e.a. Museum - 150 W Pepper Pl, Mesa, AZ 85201, December 12, 2025, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- 10th Annual Merriment in Melrose
- North 7th Avenue & West Montecito Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, December 13, 2025, 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Cookies N' Cocoa 2025 at Grace Community Church - Grace Community Church, East Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ, December 13, 2025, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
- Storytime Saturdays @ Sunrise Mountain Library - 8463 West Monroe Street, Peoria, AZ, December 13, 2025, 11:15 am - 11:45 am
- Christmas in the Park - Litchfield Park Recreation Center - Litchfield Square Park, North La Loma
Avenue, Litchfield Park, AZ, December 13, 2025, See website for time
- Visit Santa - Main Street
Mercantile, 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, December 14, 2025, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Phoenix Area - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, December 12-14, 2025, See link for times
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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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