KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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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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Realms of Inquiry is a cooperative learning community for grades 6–12 in Taylorsville dedicated to nurturing bright, creative, independent thinkers. With small class sizes, mentor‐guided learning, and opportunities for project-based, outdoor, and international programs, students help design a learning path that fits their interests and learning style. Realms offers accredited academics as well as real-world experiences—whether that’s exploring nature, leading in community projects, or discovering new cultures abroad. If you want an education where your student is seen, supported, and challenged, we invite you to visit us and learn more. Contact us at frontdesk@realmsofinquiry.org or 801-467-5911. Click on the image for more information.
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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.” 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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Join us from 10 am - 4 pm at Camp Floyd State Park to see how the soldiers of Camp Floyd celebrated Christmas with soldiers throughout the park. Tour the Commissary and the Inn while you are here seeing the park’s Christmas decorations. Don’t forget to visit with Santa Clause from 12 pm - 4 pm but be wary that the Grinch may steal what you have. Food will be available at for purchase at Beefsteak’s Bistro. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per family (immediate family only).
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Leave the bustle of the season behind to remember the true meaning of the holiday. Bundle up and bring your loved ones to enjoy a quiet, peaceful experience like no other. Soft Christmas music plays as you wander through a path of hundreds of luminaries made by school children. Can you find the symbols of Christmas and their meanings? As you pass gentle farm animals and step into the barnyard, imagine how it might have been that first Christmas night. Enjoy an international nativity display and explore the significance of "LIGHT" at our special exhibits. Then sip some hot chocolate around the fire while visiting with friends and family. This is what Christmas is all about!
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Cirque du Soleil’s holiday-themed family theatrical spectacle arrives in Salt Lake City this December. Twas the Night Before… is an exhilarating new spin on the beloved Christmas classic as only Cirque du Soleil can imagine. This vibrant acrobatic spectacle about the joy of sharing and friendship promises to spark lasting memories in the hearts of children and adults alike. Recommended for all ages. All patrons require a ticket regardless of age (including infants).
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The magic of the holidays is here! Bring your little ones to The Shops at South Town to write their very own Letter to Santa... and we’ll make sure it gets all the way to the North Pole! We’ll provide everything you need: festive stationery, pencils, and of course, Santa’s special red mailbox. Stop by near the Santa Set and JCPenney from November 15 through December 24, and let the Christmas wishes begin! Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a wish list, or a little holiday doodle, every letter helps spread the joy of the season. Don’t forget to wave to Santa while you’re there — he loves hearing from his favorite writers!
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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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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.
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KidsOutAndAbout is Salt Lake City's online guide to everything for kids, teens, and families! The activities we've listed here are confirmed for this year, but many require reserving ahead of time,
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- Pioneer Christmas at the Village - Provo Pioneer Village - 600 North 500 West, Provo, UT 84601, December 12-13, 2025, 5:00PM-8:00PM
- Santa on Towne Center Drive - The City of South Jordan - 1600 West Towne Center Drive, South Jordan, UT, December 12-13, 2025, See website for details
- Wreaths Across America - Riverton City
Cemetery - 1540 W 13200 S, Riverton, UT 84065, December 13, 2025, 10 am
- Holiday Luminary - Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary - South Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT, December 13, 2025, 5 pm - 8 pm
- Santa Parade - Lehi City - 100 E Main St, Lehi, UT, December 13, 2025, 4 pm - 7:30 pm
- Terraine Together: A Holiday Celebration - Terraine - West Hidden Hills Way, West Jordan, UT, December 13, 2025, 1-5 p.m.
- The Velveteen Rabbit in Concert - The Main Library (Salt Lake City Public Library System) - 210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, December 13, 2025, 3 pm - 4 pm
- Swaner's Sunday Craft - Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter - 1258 Center Drive, Park City, UT 84098, December 14, 2025, 11 am
- Visit Santa - Main Street Mercantile - 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, December 14, 2025, 1PM - 3PM
- Sunday Concert Series at the Museum -
Springville Museum of Art - East 400 South, Springville, UT, December 14, 2025, See website for details
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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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