KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
I'm in Phoenix this week for a meeting of the American Astronomical Society, where I'm giving a talk about my new book, The Eclipse Effect. One of the best parts of being here is getting to attend the other presentations, too, which is how I found myself Monday night inside under the Dorrance Planetarium Dome at the Arizona Science Center, gazing up at a sky unlike any I’ve ever seen. Thanks to cutting-edge LED projection technology and the first imagery from the nearly-complete Rubin Observatory in Chile, the dome became a portal into the depths of our galaxy and beyond,
rendered in light so vivid and detailed it felt like we could fall in. The room was full of astronomers, researchers, educators—professionals who have dedicated their careers to explaining the universe. These were the very people who helped build the tools, who'd worked the math, who’d waited decades to see the science take shape... and even they were astonished: Their faces were lit up with the kind of awe you usually only see in children. It was a reminder that at its
heart, science is about connection. Connecting those points of light above my head, yes; connecting the dots, sure... but also connecting people—to each other, to wonder, and to what’s possible. If you want your kids to connect deeply with science—or history, or nature, or culture, or space—you don’t need a telescope on a mountain, you just need a person. So go to the museum, walk the trail, step into the planetarium. But don’t stop at the
exhibit signs: Find the people! Ask them questions. They want to talk to you! These docents, tour guides, librarians, explainers, and educators are the ones who turn information into illumination. They are the lens your kids can look through to see what their future might be. So seek the sky painters. Then stand next to your kids, look up, and be amazed together.
—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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Found Stage March Break Drama Camp runs March 16–20 for children ages 6–10. This full-day program combines drama, creative arts, and outdoor activities. Students will rehearse and perform an original scripted, spring-themed show inspired by Czech author and illustrator Zdeněk Miller, while creating props and artwork connected to the story. The week concludes with a professionally filmed performance families can watch at home. Camp runs from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM and includes catered lunch, snacks, and drinks. Follow the link for more details and to register.
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KinderNotes is a weekly early years music education class for Junior and Senior Kindergarten aged children, led by experienced instructors who love to make music-learning fun.
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Winterlit tickets are now available! Add some whimsy to your winter nights and plan your visit to Mountsberg’s award-winning display of outdoor lights at Winterlit. Enjoy a moonlit stroll along two different trails featuring sustainably sourced, illuminated art installations.
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Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical, a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.
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Experience the beauty of Mountsberg’s forest with a wagon ride through the woods! Rides are available daily during the holiday season from December 26 to January 4 and then on weekends until February 16. This year the rides will include complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast over the fire after the ride.
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Toronto’s award-winning winter art exhibit, Window Wonderland, returns to the Junction for its sixth consecutive year! From Friday, November 28 to Sunday, February 1, 2026, the streets of the Junction will once again be transformed into a FREE, open-air gallery, showcasing 20 artist-designed storefront windows and 11 vibrant wall murals. Each installation will be brought to life through the magic of augmented reality (AR), blending creativity, technology and community spirit.
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Step into the season with us at Winter Wanderings: Guided Snowshoeing Tours and embark along the snowy trails of Crawford Lake’s Longhouse Village.
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We are keeping the good times rolling all season long! Tune in this winter for an exciting lineup of free music in the West Wing, located on street level, or bop to the beat at the Roller Express with a lineup of groovy DJ’s.
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There's no place like home! Experience the beloved family tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home! This classic story has entertained audiences for generations, and now you can share the magic with your family!
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Sharks have intrigued humans for as long as we have explored the oceans. The terrifying monster from the movie Jaws is what many might imagine when they think of these animals, but they are far more fascinating and complex than their depiction in popular culture. Did you know, for example, that there is a shark that eats seagrass? Or that some sharks can sense Earth's magnetic field?
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Bubble Planet is an immersive experience full of bubbles! Step into a planet beyond your imagination with VR technology, themed rooms, fantastical landscapes, and even a hot air balloon simulator. Jump from one immersive space to the next and explore them all with your five senses!
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- Window Wonderland - The Junction - 396 Pacific Ave suite 205, Old Toronto, Toronto, Fri Jan 6 - Sun Jan 8, 2026 (and more dates), All day
- Union Holiday Presented by TD at Union Staion - TD - Union Food Court, Toronto, Fri Jan 6 - Sun Jan 8, 2026 (and more dates), Tines vary
- Sharks at ROM - Queens Park, Toronto, Fri Jan 6 - Sun Jan 8, 2026 (and more dates), 10 am - 4 pm
- Family Time at Toronto Public Library - Albert
Campbell - Toronto Public Library - Albert Campbell Branch, Scarborough, Toronto, Sat Jan 10, 2026, 10:30 - 11:30 am
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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions in and around the GTA. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
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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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Wishing you and your family health and happiness,
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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