KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
|
|
|
|
Sun, Nov 16: Taste of Gan: Kindergarten open house at Hebrew Day
School of Ann Arbor
Fri, Nov 21: Downtown Marshall Holiday Cookie Walk
Fri, Nov 28: Thanksgiving HIKE and
SEEK at Heritage Park
Thu, Dec 4: Merry Mile at Calhoun County Fairgrounds
Fri, Dec 5: Birmingham Winter Markt
Wed, Dec 10: Oh Deer, Santa's Here! at Heritage Park of Farmington Hills
Fri, Dec 12: Ebird & Friends Holiday Show at The Ark
Sun, Dec 14:
Breakfast with Santa at Longacre House
Fri, Jan 2: No-School-Day Camps at The Future Inventors
Academy |
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 the rest of what’s going on in your head.
—Debra Ross,
publisher |
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
Why travel far when adventure is right here at home? Come climb at Upper Limits Rock Gym in Maryland Heights or Chesterfield, where fun, fitness, and community meet! Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable birthday party, exciting day camps, or your next family adventure, we’ve got something for everyone. Don’t miss out on our Winter Camps starting December 22nd, the perfect way to stay active and beat the winter blues! Sign up today and make this winter one to remember.
|
|
|
|
Preschool is more fun — and educational — by learning outdoors at the Saint Louis Zoo! Join usfor our Second Nature Zoo Preschool Open Houses and learn about our Reggio-inspiredprogram, where children’s interests guide their learning. Students spend 50% of their dayoutdoors and draw inspiration from animals and nature.NEW: Starting with the 2026-27 academic year, preschool will be a full-day program, and thenew classrooms will be located in the Zoo’s new Destination Discovery area!Open house is Sunday, Jan. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. Learn more atstlzoo.org/preschool.
|
|
|
|
Private Schools in the St. Louis 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.
|
|
|
|
The private schools in the St Louis & St. Charles area 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.
|
|
|
|
Now through January 3: This year's Garden Glow is the biggest and brightest ever! Featuring more than two million dazzling lights, Garden Glow transforms the iconic setting of the Missouri Botanical Garden into an enchanted wonderland rich with mesmerizing displays and unforgettable moments.
|
|
|
|
Witness and experience the magic of more than a million twinkling lights during the 40th annual Brewery Lights at the Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery! Starting on November 22nd, guests are invited to stroll down Pestalozzi Street to marvel as the brewery is turned into a remarkable holiday experience with something for everyone.
|
|
|
|
Wobble your way to fun at the Wentzville Wobble One-Mile Race! This lively, action-packed event is designed for all ages, bringing together runners, walkers and even our furry four-legged friends for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re sprinting for the finish line or strolling with your pup, the Wentzville Wobble promises a day of excitement, community spirit and lots of wobbling fun! All racers will receive a custom long-sleeve T-shirt.*
|
|
|
|
Join the Eureka Parks and Recreation Department in welcoming Santa to town with a celebration to kick off the holiday season. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and do a fun craft with the family while enjoying entertainment on the stage. Don't forget to bring your camera for a picture with the big man himself!
|
|
|
|
Celebrating its 41st year, the 2025 Thanks-For-Giving Parade will step off at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 22, 2025. This year, parade goers can expect over 120 parade units, including musical floats and displays, dance groups, drumlines, and marching bands from around the St. Louis region. As always, Santa Claus will be present to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season at the conclusion of the parade.
|
|
|
|
The Festival of Lights returns in 2025 to usher in the holiday season in St. Louis, light The Salvation Army tree of lights and open Winterfest. Join us for a family friendly and free event in Kiener Plaza while enjoying local holiday themed talent performances, new vendors booths and exhibits, photo ops with mascos, including fredbird, real live reindeer and a magical fireworks finale. Pull out those hats and mittens and join us a Kiener Plaza for a St. Louis winter evenings among all the bright lights.
|
|
|
|
Get festive with Thanksgiving-themed arts and crafts for kids, including turkey marker angels, collages, painting, and paper creations. Children and families. Registration recommended.
|
|
|
|
Step into the Upside Down at Skate City’s Stranger Things Pre-Party on Friday, November 21st. Come dressed for the 80s costume contest, strike a pose in the Upside Down photo booth, and enjoy a waffle sundae while testing your knowledge with Stranger Things trivia. Two sessions are available from 4–6:00 PM and 6–8:00 PM. It’s going to be a totally strange and unforgettable night Admission is $8 per skater with $5 skate rental (if needed).
|
|
|
|
Did you know that school-age children are experiencing increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation due to the rise in social media, video games, and screen time? Give those screens a break and join us for an evening of connection and fun!
|
|
|
|
The Magic House hosts Free Family Night every third Friday of the month from 5-8 pm. These special nights enable a family (up to two adults and four children) to visit the Museum at no cost. Free Family Nights are sponsored by Emerson.
|
|
|
|
Big Joel's Holiday Safari is your chance to visit the park during the Holiday Season! The big change for 2025 is that our holiday Safari will be offered during regular day time hours from 10 - 4:00pm and not in the evening hours as in years past. The park will be decorated for the holiday season and we definitely will be highlighting are more winter hardy animals. Of course during this time of the year not all animal species are available for viewing and some may depend on what the weather is doing, but do not worry there will be plenty of animals around.
|
|
|
|
WonderLight's Christmas is returning to the greater St. Louis area for the 2025 season! Come see over 1 million LED lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music played through your own car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show and begin a new Christmas tradition with us this season!
|
|
|
|
The St. Louis 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 St. Louis promise to make your holiday celebrations truly special.
|
|
|
|
St. Louis 2025 holiday events and activities...Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
|
|
|
- A Charlie Brown Friendsgiving - 1701 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010, Friday, November 21, 2025, 10 am
- Board Game Night at Waldorf STL - 814 Bell Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119, Friday, November 21, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Free Fridays- The Saint Louis Art Museum - 1 Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110, Friday, November 21, 2025, 10 am to 9 pm
- FREE Third Fridays - Craft Alliance, 5080 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, Friday, November 21, 2025, 6-9 pm
- Free Family Nights -The Magic House
- 516 S Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122, Friday, November 21, 2025, 5-8 pm
- Thanksgiving Stations - Natural Bridge Branch - 7606 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO, Friday, November 21, 2025, 10:30 am
- Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Annual Way of Lights - National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 South De Mazenod
Drive, Belleville, IL 62223, Friday, November 21, 2025 through Sunday, November 23, 2025, 5-9 pm nightly
- Ameren's Thanks-for-Giving Parade - 11 North 4th Street, St. Louis, MO, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 2 pm
- The Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights 2025 - Kiener Plaza, Chestnut Street, Downtown, St. Louis, MO, Saturday, November 22, 2025, Noon to 8:30 pm
- Holiday Tree Lighting in Eureka - 394 South Central Avenue, Eureka, MO, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 5-8 pm
- Kimmswick Christmas Parade & Open
House - 6041 3rd St, Kimmswick, MO 63053, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10 am –8 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - St. Louis - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Saturday, November 22, 2025 and Sunday, November 23, 2025, See link for times
- The Saint Charles Market - St. Charles Parks & Recreation, 1900 N. Randolph Street, St. Charles, MO 63301, Saturday, November 22, 2025 and Sunday, November 29, 2025, 7:30 am- 1 pm
- The St. Charles Riverwalk Market - St. Charles Farmers Market, 520 N
Riverside Dr, St. Charles, MO 63301, Saturday, November 22, 2025 and Sunday, November 29, 2025, 7:30 am - 1 pm
- YogiSmart at St. Louis County Libraries - St. Louis, MO 63042, Saturday, November 22, 2025, Varies
|
|
|
|
The St. Louis 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
St. Louis 2025 holiday events and activities...Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve. The activities we've listed here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the St. Louis 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Best places to take kids in St Louis in 2024! Once again, our readers have spoken! Thousands of parents voted in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in
special categories like favorite spot for indoor play, favorite nature center, favorite museum, and much more!
|
|
|
Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
