KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Toronto readers! We're so sorry for the confusion. We accidentally sent a newsletter that included incorrect information. This version includes the corrected up-to-date and local information. Thank you very much for your
patience! -Your KidsOutAndAbout Team |
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 |
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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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Please take a minute to tell us about how you feel about AI 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. Your input will directly shape upcoming national resources designed to help families guide kids wisely and safely. The survey closes soon, so please take 60–90 seconds to be part of this important effort. Click here for the survey. |
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The JunXion's single-day camps are jam packed with lots of stuff your kids will love. Your kids will not want to leave after a day of VR experiences, arcade time, great arts & crafts projects, engaging activities, lots of games and tons of fun. These single-day camps are as much for parents as they are for kids, as parents can leave their kids at a safe place, and go to work stress-free. Age ranges include: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13.
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Kick off the holiday season at the Bright and Merry Market in November. Held in downtown Oshawa, experience a holiday market, seasonal displays, live entertainment, buskers, and a holiday trolley. Finish your visit by snapping a photo with Santa, along with the tree lighting at 8 p.m.
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Celebrate the holiday season at WinterFest, an immersive holiday experience for the whole family! With festive light displays complete with millions of shimmering lights, family activities, new live entertainment, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages, and select attractions, cozy moments are sure to be had with friends and family all winter long!
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The Brampton Santa Claus Parade always brings cheer and smiles to so many young and young at heart.
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Welcome Santa Claus to Newmarket at our annual Santa Claus Parade. Bundle up and bring your family and friends to see the festive holiday floats followed by our special guest - jolly Old St. Nick. Please remember to bring your letter to Santa to be picked up by Canada Post and your non-perishable food item to be collected for the Newmarket Food Pantry.
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The Country Heritage Holiday Experience in partnership with the Halton Buttertart Festival returns to Country Heritage Park on Sunday, November 23, 2025 The event will run from 10 am to 4 pm and we will celebrating the rich history of Country Heritage Park with the addition of interactive educational experiences, tractor rides, and live entertainment and activations.
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Get ready for holiday family fun! One of the biggest must-do's of the entire year... the Oshawa Santa Claus Parade of Lights. A night time tradition... line the streets and get ready for music, dancing and plenty of cheer.
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Holiday lights, festive flavours, live performances, artisanal shopping, and Canada’s most iconic Christmas tree. The Distillery Winter Village is Toronto’s original and world-famous Christmas market, where historic cobblestone streets transform into a holiday wonderland with Santa and his elves, carollers, endless festive photo ops, seasonal food and drinks, and one-of-a-kind shopping from local artisans.
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Mountsberg Conservation Area is pleased to present Christmas Town, a magical visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their woodland hideaway.
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Celebrate the Aga Khan Museum’s 11th annual Duende International Flamenco Festival: Flamenco Reimagined from November 16 to 23. Experience the pluralistic energy of flamenco through masterclasses, family and community workshops, and our highly anticipated must-see performances. A fresh and modern take on flamenco that blends the traditional and modern aspects of this evolving art form, Flamenco Reimagined features international headliners, all from Spain, representing the innovation and spirit of contemporary flamenco being made in flamenco’s birthplace. Our 2025 edition of Duende includes family workshops, community dance workshops and masterclasses as well as our established school outreach programming.
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'Tis the season to share joy, laughter, and togetherness! On Saturday, November 16, stop by the Zoo’s Front Entrance between 9:30am and 12:30pm for a free family photo with Santa and plenty of festive cheer!
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Guess who’s coming back to town?! Santa and Mrs. Claus are making a special stop at Joseph Brant Museum this holiday season, and they can’t wait to meet you! Families can book a 10-minute time slot for a “Visit with Santa!” on November 15 & 16 (6 family members maximum).
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The most enchanting of Niagara Falls attractions, the annual Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest FREE outdoor light festival. Experience the spectacular displays with millions of lights and larger than life displays across the tourism districts.
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- At Home in Toronto - Market Gallery - 95 Front
Street East, Toronto, ON M5E 1C2, Friday, November 21, 2025 to Sunday, November 23, 2025, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights - City Hall of Niagara Falls, Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY, Friday, November 21, 2025 to Sunday, November 23, 2025, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa's Arrival - Town of LaSalle Civic Centre, Malden Road, LaSalle, ON, Friday, November 21, 2025, 6:00 PM
- Saturday Family Fun at Bradley Museum - 1620 Orr Road, Mississauga, ON L5J 4T2, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Santa Claus Parade - City of Pickering - The Esplanade South, Pickering, ON L1V 6K7, Saturday, November
22, 2025, 10:00 AM
- Santa's Spectacle of Lights – Town of Ajax Santa Claus Parade - Harwood Avenue South, Ajax, ON, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Santa Under the Stars Parade - 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Light Up the Square & Santa Claus Parade, presented by TD - 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Smile for Santa! - Yorkgate Mall, 1 York Gate Boulevard, Toronto, ON M3N 3A1, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Toronto 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 best places to take kids in Toronto, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. Our Top 20 results page is an annotated list of the winners, both of the top 20 slots and of the category winners. But there is LOTS more to do in and around
Toronto!
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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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