KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Wed, Nov 26: Annual Veteran New Coat and Sock Drive - Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary Fri, Nov 28: GENTRI Christmas - Eccles Theater Sat, Nov 29: Scales & Tails at Discovery Gateway Children's Museum Mon, Dec 1: Santa's Arrival in Riverton Tue, Dec 2: Celtic Woman - Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall Wed, Dec 3: Once Upon an Art Museum - Utah Museum of Fine Arts Fri, Dec 5: Gingerbread Festival 2025 - Bountiful Davis Art Center Tue, Dec
9: ‘Twas the Night Before - Eccles Theater Thu, Dec 11: Queer Youth Art Night - Under the Umbrella
Bookstore Fri, Dec 12: Pioneer Christmas at the Village Fri, Dec 26: Holiday Break Camp: What Goes Up, Must
Come Down at Little Beakers Science Lab for Kids Sat, Dec 27: Sleigh Rides on the Farm -
American West Heritage Center
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
When I was about four years old, I turned to my mother and asked, “Mommy, do you know what I’m thinking?” She said no, that no one can know what’s going on in someone else’s head unless they say it out loud. I was instantly relieved. “Good!” I said, emphatically.
This family story points to something we all figure out eventually: No one—not even those we love most—can truly know us
completely. That’s because our minds are crowded with thoughts, memories, emotions, and those little sparks of insight that are hard to pin down for ourselves, much less explain to someone else. So no matter what, we can only really share just a slice of who we are.
Some people might say that being selective about what parts of ourselves we show to different people means we're being fake, but I don't. Full transparency isn't even possible, so the goal is sincerity. As long as what we
share is true to who we are, we’re being honest. Selective, but sincere.
This is especially helpful to remember during the holidays, when we’re surrounded by lots of people, sometimes all at once. Some of them we love dearly. Others... less so. So when Aunt Viv is going on (again) about the zoning board, you don’t have to confess how bored you are. Just focus on what’s real—the part you truly mean—and say that. “So sorry that's getting in your way, Aunt Viv. But I just have to say: Your
pecan pie is amazing.”
So this holiday season, try to tune your radar to see the good stuff. Say out loud what you honestly appreciate. And take comfort, as four-year-old Deb once did, that no one can read —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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Ear infections are the most common reason kids visit the doctor—but did you know that only 1 in 3 suspected cases is actually an ear infection? WavelyDx helps you know before you go. This FDA-listed app turns your iPhone into an easy, at-home tool that checks for ear infections by playing soft sounds into the ear. Just tape an Ear Tip onto your iPhone, point it gently down your child’s ear canal, and in seconds you’ll see a result: “Likely” or “Unlikely.” Click here for more information. Or, visit wavelydx.com/start-here to order Ear Tips. When you install the app, use code UTAHKIDS for your first month free. (Android coming soon)
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Kiwi joins CHILL ACT Provo, Utah’s leading Autism, Special Needs & Homeschool Expo — a groundbreaking event where thousands of families connect to real resources, real providers, and real solutions. CHILL ACT brings together the top ABA organizations, homeschool programs, nonprofits, therapists, adaptive activity centers, and community partners. Families can explore sensory zones, hands-on learning stations, workshops, and meaningful support — all designed to celebrate every child’s unique journey. Kiwi is grateful to participate in an event that is redefining inclusion and giving families hope, clarity, and community in one powerful day. CLICK THE IMAGE to attend & visit.
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The private schools in Salt Lake City 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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HopeFULL presents the 2025 Annual Crazy Daisy Holiday Show!! Over 200 small businesses will have the best selection of holiday shopping to check every person off your list. Santa Claus will be stopping by, local entertainment will be rocking the stage, try some delicious and unique treats, and enter the HUGE GIVEAWAYS! HopeFULL / Coats for Kids will be collecting warm coats and clothing to help keep our local kiddos warm through the cold season. We also collect funds to pay off students school lunch debt. Please join us in keeping our local kiddos warm and fed. If you have the means and would like to donate you can do so by buying a ticket.
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Experience the world’s most in-demand ballet, Swan Lake, presented by Classical Arts Entertainment and performed by International Ballet Stars. A full-scale production features Tchaikovsky’s legendary score and brings the masterpiece choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov to life. Be spellbound by the iconic variation of Little Swans, Odile’s 32 fouettés, and the graceful movements of the talented ballet dancers. With over 200 custom scenery pieces adding grandeur and beauty, this production promises to be a spectacular visual treat. Featuring a brilliant cast of dancers from Italy, France, Georgia, Great Britain, Ukraine, Japan, Moldova, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, this tour celebrates the diversity and global excellence of classical ballet.
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Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated "Bah! Humbug!" Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he's forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful "Happy Christmas" before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.
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New friends and more fun? YES, please! Girls in grades K-3 are invited to Animal Dance Parties. Discover Girl Scouts and get WILD on the dance floor with Girl Scouts—it’s all FREE! Registration is required. Plus, add on the Build-A-Bear Workshop Experience for $30. Choose your new furry best friend, stuff it with care, and bring it to life.
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Salt Lake City 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. From charming local farms to larger operations, each location provides a unique experience, complete with hayrides, hot cocoa, and seasonal treats. Many farms also host holiday events, making it easy to create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a classic fir or a unique spruce, the Christmas tree farms around Salt Lake City promise to make your holiday celebrations truly special.
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 big holiday events list for the Salt Lake City area: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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- Christmas Light Display in The Orchard - University Place - Orem, UT - East University Parkway, Orem, UT, Friday, November 21, 2025
- PBS Utah Reading Marathon - Friday, November 21, 2025
- Write Letters to Santa Claus - The Shops at South Town - State Street, Sandy, UT, Friday, November 21,
2025
- Crazy Daisy Holiday Show - Mountain America Exposition Center - 9575 State Street, Sandy, UT 84070, Friday, November 21, 2025 - Saturday, November 22, 2025
- Lighting of Riverwoods 2025 - 4801 North University Avenue, Provo, UT 84604, Friday, November 21, 2025, 6 pm - 8 pm
- Winter After Dark Art Stroll at
The Gateway - 18 North Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, Friday, November 21, 2025, 6 pm - 9 pm
- Young Entrepreneurs Business Fair & Bake Sale - South 2700 West, Riverton, UT, Friday, November 21, 2025, 6:30pm
- Discover Girl Scouts Animal Dance Party - Murray, UT, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:00-11:30 AM
- Lights On! Holiday Lighting Event - The Gateway - 18 North Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, Saturday, November 22, 2025,
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
- Gingerbread Festival at the Outlets at Traverse Mountain - Cabela's Boulevard, Lehi, UT, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 2 pm - 5 pm
- Grand Gingerbread Village at the Outlets at Traverse Mountain - Cabela's Boulevard, Lehi, UT, Saturday, November 22, 2025 - Sunday, November 23, 2025
- Creator's Collective SLC Holiday
Market - 2531 South 400 East, South Salt Lake, UT, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 11 am - 4 pm
- Free
Hot Cocoa at Chocolate Covered Wagon - 1100 W 7800 S, West Jordan, UT 84088, Saturday, November 22, 2025 - Sunday, November 23, 2025
- Elf Displays and Scavenger Hunt 2025 at Gardner Village - 1100 W 7800 S, West Jordan, UT 84088, Saturday, November
22, 2025 - Sunday, November 23, 2025
- Swaner's Sunday Craft - Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter - 1258
Center Drive, Park City, UT 84098, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 11am
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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! Check out your fellow
readers' favorites, and enjoy exploring the best of the region!
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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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