KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
It's often said that parenting is a "thankless" job. In one sense, that's undeniably true, because it will likely be many years before the young humans you're raising—the ones who actually have a stake in the outcome of the excellent job you're doing—are in a position to thank you. So you don't hear that phrase often during the first couple of decades of parenthood.
My fervent wish
for the future is to live in a world filled with engaged, culturally literate, productive, happy people. This means that what I said above isn't precisely accurate: It's not only your kids who have a stake in your parenting success, we ALL do, because the path to that future starts NOW for the young people in your orbit. So I'm grateful that you care about getting them "out and about" to the wide variety of experiences available in your community: It will make all
the difference.
Our job here at KidsOutAndAbout.com is to help you do that as easily as possible. In 2001, I created the original version of this web platform that now connects 15 million people each year with their area's activities and resources. My team gets to see it all up-close and personal as local businesses post to KidsOutAndAbout through their free listings, and then we get to turn around and shout about them to y'all, bringing your community closer to you.
So I want to
step in for the rest of the world that's not (yet) thanking you, and say it to you today: Thank you so much for what you're doing. Raising kids is hard in any era, but no one could have anticipated all the roadblocks that a pandemic would toss onto our path.
As anyone who knows me knows, I'm endlessly looking for reasons to celebrate. So today, I'm celebrating YOU with my digital megaphone and pom-poms. You're doing a great job. Future Deb sends her thanks,
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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Just a minute of your time could make a big impact. KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of AI. We're asking all parents, grandparents, and caregivers-whether you're
tech-savvy or not-to weigh in.
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Private Schools in the San Antonio area: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences. If your school should have a video on this page, please send a link to the school's video on YouTube or Vimeo to ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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The San Antonio area has many private schools and alternative education options from which parents can choose. Each has its unique benefits and advantages, so it's important to investigate carefully. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools. If your school is not on our list but should be, please email us at ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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Over 40 acres of things to do! There is so much to see and do on the farm! Explore our variety of attractions, pick out the perfect Christmas tree from gorgeous pre-cut trees, enjoy live music, "Texas snow", food & drinks and activities!
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The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.
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The famous holiday lights on the River Walk will turn on this year on November 28, 2025, at our Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and will shine brightly each night until dawn on Monday, January 13th. Our Annual Ford Holiday River Parade kicks off the holiday season and is the official televised lighting ceremony at Arneson River Theatre. Join us for this festive event Friday, November 28, 2025. We invite you to experience the spectacular display of over 100,000 lights (2,250 strings of light) draped over the towering bald cypress trees that line the River Walk. Visiting the River Walk to enjoy the spectacular holiday lights is free. The River Walk is a public park open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. Holiday lights are on the downtown portion of the River Walk.
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In honor of our 10th birthday, we’re serving up a playful new experience inspired by everyone’s favorite celebration treat! Step into You're Invited To Birthday Cake Mountain, where artist-in-residence Liza Fishbone transforms the joy of birthday cake into an immersive, art-filled adventure. Families can wander through a forest of glowing candles, decorate colorful “cakes” together, and discover how creativity can build whole new worlds. Each hands-on activity invites kids to tinker, imagine, and celebrate the magic of making-one sprinkle at a time.
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Discover, taste, and explore at the first-annual Taste of Pearl festival — a full day celebrating the people who make Pearl come alive. From local makers and artisans to chefs, operators, and musicians, this immersive experience invites guests to curate their own Pearl adventure.
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Join us the Saturday after Thanksgiving for a relaxing day surrounded by wildlife, water, and wide-open skies. As a little “thank you” to our community and the natural spaces we share, admission to Mitchell Lake Audubon Center will be free all day. Take a peaceful walk along our trails, watch winter birds arrive, explore the Visitor Center, or simply enjoy some time outdoors with friends and family.
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Stop and Shop at our FREE annual Holiday Art Market from 10am-5pm featuring unique hand-crafted items created by local artists and artisans, including home decor, gourmet food, accessories, gifts and much more, just in time for the holidays!
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This Thanksgiving Weekend, downtown Boerne transforms into a vintage holiday wonderland, complete with live music and performers, lights, food, kids activities and SNOW along Main Street!
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Kick off the season with the Holiday Tree Lighting at Pearl in San Antonio! Gather with family and friends for an evening filled with festive spirit, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer as we illuminate Pearl’s iconic tree. Enjoy the magic of the season surrounded by the charm of Pearl’s restaurants, shops, and community atmosphere. This beloved annual event marks the start of the holidays in San Antonio — don’t miss it!
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Santa and Mrs. Claus are back in 2025 with more glitter, glee, and toys to carry on this wonderful tradition of bringing joy to the holidays! The 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade is a cherished San Antonio tradition that brings joy and festivity to the San Antonio River Walk. This year’s theme is Merry Movie Magic, so be ready to see floats dedicated to the holiday season's most iconic films. Join us for our annual spectacle featuring 27 beautifully illuminated floats, 5 entertainment floats, and over 100,000 holiday lights (2,250 strands) that brighten the River Walk from sundown to sunrise until the weekend after New Year’s Day. Held the day after Thanksgiving, the parade and river lighting ceremony begin on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6 PM at the Tobin Center, with a live broadcast at 7:05 PM from the Arneson River Theatre. Don’t miss this magical event that’s sure to be a highlight of your holiday season!
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Be Our Guest at BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years. This enchanting and timeless tale, filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love, has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Reuniting to create this new production are members of the original Tony Award®-winning artistic team, including composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, book writer Linda Woolverton, with direction and choreography by Matt West, scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward and lighting design by Natasha Katz. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the beloved musical that will fill your heart with joy and Disney magic.
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Old West Christmas Light Fest dazzles and delights with holiday flavors, favorites, and fun! Your favorite holiday event brings the Christmas season to life with dazzling lights paired with food and family-friendly activities under the beautiful star-filled sky at Enchanted Springs Ranch.
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- Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony - Pearl - 303 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215, Friday, November 28, 2025, 3:30-8 pm
- Dickens on Main - Hill Country Mile - 1100 S Main to 521 N Main, Boerne, TX 78006, Friday, November 28, 2025 and Saturday, November 29, 2025, see website for times
- Holiday Lights on the River Walk - San Antonio River Walk - San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, TX, Friday, November 28, 2025 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, dusk to dawn
- Pictures with Santa - Pearl - 303 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215, Friday, November 28, 2025, varies
- Holiday Art Market - Tobin Center for the Performing Arts -
100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 10 am
- Pack 601 November Hiking Club Session 2: Dino Tracks (5 mi) - San Antonio - 8631 Tezel Road, San Antonio, TX 78254, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 8:00-11:30 AM
- Thankful for Nature - Mitchell Lake Audubon Center - 10750 Pleasanton Rd, San Antonio, TX 78221, Saturday, November 29, 2025,
8AM-3PM
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, Saturday, November 29,
2025 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, see link for times
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Planning a kids birthday party in the San Antonio area? Here are lots of ideas for where to have it! If there is a resource that we have missed, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it
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2025's best places to take kids in San Antonio and the surrounding area: Early each summer, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page is an annotated list of the winners, both of the
top 20 slots and of the three catgory winners.
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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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