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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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.
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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.
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Step into a world of festive fun at Winter Wonderscape, a pop-up holiday experience! Climb to the top of a dazzling Ice Castle and zip down the slide, weave your way through the Snow Maze and craft a one-of-a-kind holiday gift in the Elves Workshop. Then hop in Santa’s Sleigh for a photo that’s picture-perfect for the season! Plus, don’t miss the Snowball Showdown, happening Tuesday through Friday at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Come make magical memories with your family with Holiday Magic this December at The Magic House! Winter Wonderscape is included with admission.
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THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Broadway tour. Baltimore Sun raves “Powerhouse performances. Stunning choreography. Visionary sets” and Chicago Sun-Times proclaims THE WIZ is “An eye-popping and high-intensity revival! This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale
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Saint Louis Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” performances have become a tradition for thousands of area families. Glorious dancing, costumes, sets and lighting – this Nutcracker has it all.
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Immerse yourself among festive installations of poinsettias and other seasonal favorites presented alongside the newly planted permanent displays of Mediterranean species throughout the Emerson Conservatory. This year’s Holiday Flower and Train Show explores the Victorian era through nature and architecture, highlighted by unique miniature versions of the Garden's Victorian buildings and structures made of natural elements. Included with daytime Garden admission and evening Garden Glow admission. The Garden is closed on December 25. Garden Glow is closed November 17 and 27 and December 24–25.
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Begin your holiday celebration when you experience the enchantment of Christmas at the "Christmas Wonderland" holiday light display. The "Grandpa Gang" has been at it again transforming Rock Spring Park in Alton, Illinois into a Winter Wonderland. Visitors can drive through the park to view more than 4 million lights decorating the park! This year the popular Enchanted Forest where visitors vote on their favorite decorated tree returns to the park, as do visits with Santa Claus! Take your own free photos with Santa! Walkthrough night is always the first Monday after Thanksgiving (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.) for anyone who wants to brave the cold and get an up-close-and-personal view of the holiday light show!
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Join us for this year's Heritage Winter Market! There will be plenty of small business vendors for shopping, lots of food and drinks, and a tree lighting ceremony out front! This year we are hosting reindeer from Holly Leaf Farms for a cute Holiday Photo Op. We can't wait to welcome you all again! Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 from 5pm-8pm inside the Glen Carbon Heritage Museum. This event is free and open to the public.
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Experience the magic of the holiday season at City Museum during Weirdly Wonderful Holidays! Step into a winter wonderland of joy and delight as City Museum transforms into a festive paradise from Thanksgiving through the entire month of December. From twinkling lights that illuminate the night to heartwarming encounters with Santa and his merry helpers, there’s something for everyone!
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Celebration of Lights is a holiday light display held at Fort Zumwalt Park in O'Fallon, Missouri. Each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses. Started in 1991, the holiday event attracts more than 13,000 vehicles each year and more than 15,000 individuals during the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll.
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Authentic open air German style Christmas Market. German and polish food, heated tent, international vendors, local craftsmen and artists.
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The annual Wentzville Holiday Night Lights display at Rotary Park is open Friday, NOV 28 through Tuesday, DEC 30. Enjoy a one-mile light display that features large, illuminated commercial scenes and tunnels of twinkling lights. This holiday display is a great way to experience the magic and joy of the season close to home. Drive-Thru admission is $15 for vehicles holding up to six passengers; $1 per additional person after the sixth. On Saturdays, you can enjoy a visit with Santa inside the Kolb Building, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland! The Drive-Thru will open late on DEC 7 due to the Holiday Night Lights 5K and Fun Run. The Drive-Thru will not be open DEC 14 or DEC 15 due to the Holiday Night Lights Walk-Thru events.
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Join the community of Belleville for this annual parade when Santa comes to town. Sponsored by the Optimist Club of Belleville, this tradition began in 1952 and is the largest parade in Southern Illinois, featuring floats, marching bands, dance groups, and the arrival of Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
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SLAM will celebrate the holiday season with free concerts, tours, gallery activations, and art-making activities every Friday from November 28 through December 19. In between programs and visits to the galleries, stop by a holiday pop-up bar in Sculpture Hall to purchase seasonal drinks and snacks.
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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.
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- Free Fridays- The Saint Louis Art Museum - The Saint Louis Art Museum - 1 Fine Arts Drive Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63110-1380, Friday, November 28, 2025, 10 am to 9 pm
- Festive Friday - - 1 Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, MO, Friday, November 28, 2025, 10 am to 9 pm
- St. Charles Christmas Traditions® - - 230 S Main St, St Charles, MO 63301, Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, various times
- Belleville Chirstkindlmarkt - - Public Square, Belleville, IL, Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, see website for times
- Santa Claus Parade - - 216 East A Street, Belleville, IL, Friday, November 28, 2025, 10 am to 12 pm
- 2025 Holiday Parade of Lights - Downtown
Washington Inc. - Lafayette Street, Washington, MO, Friday, November 28, 2025, 6 to 7 pm
- 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 62223-1023, Friday, November 28, 2025, 5 to 9 pm nightly
- The St. Charles Riverwalk Market - St. Charles Farmers Market - 520 N Riverside Dr (The
Foundry Arts Center Parking Lot), St. Charles, MO 63301, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 7:30 am to 1 pm
- The Saint Charles Market - St. Charles Parks & Recreation - 1900 N. Randolph Street, St. Charles, MO 63301, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 7:30 am to 1 pm
- New Melle Country Christmas - - 4700 State Highway Z, New Melle, MO, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 4 to 8 pm
- Heritage Winter Market - - Glen Carbon Heritage Museum, 124 School Street, Glen Carbon, IL 62034, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 5 to 8 pm
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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.
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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
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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!
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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!
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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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