KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: There’s a sign on the New York State Thruway heading west that marks 70 miles to where I live. For Rochesterians driving back to Western New York from the east or southeast, that marker elicits both a sigh of relief and a groan: You’re close, especially relative to where you started. But in that final stretch, each mile is somehow psychologically
longer. Over the years, this became a useful metaphor in my family: You're pushing through to the end of a project, you'd love to see the finish line, but the murky distance between you and that goal is in your way. "Ugh, it's those last 70 miles," one of us will say to the person suffering, and we'll all nod sympathetically. At this time of year, families with kids in school are experiencing those last 70 miles: The end of the school year is in sight, yet
not quite here. The energy reserves are low, and the end point seems stuck in the distance. We feel like we’re sprinting but not getting closer fast enough. As in any journey, that’s precisely when it’s worth keeping in mind that these last miles may feel long, but they’re also the most meaningful: They become the lens through which we look back at the whole experience, so these final steps really count. Remembering this can provide the last surge of energy to press
forward. So whatever final 70 miles you and your kids are facing, remind yourself and the people traveling with you that if you put your best self into it now, the rewards will feel sweeter, and the memories of success will help fuel you next time. You’re on the last leg. You're almost there. And you have lots of company.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
From ballet to bhangra, this high-energy, interactive concert will have everyone dancing in their seats! Your TSO pairs with a phenomenal cast of dancers in a thrilling display of artistry, rhythm, and athleticism. PLUS, enjoy free activities an hour before the show! Try out instruments at the Instrument Discovery Zone, have fun at the Music Playground, and learn some dance moves in a workshop led by the Joy of Dance Centre. Bring the whole family and get ready to boogie along with the music! May 24 at 1:30pm & 4:00pmRoy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St)This concert is recommended for ages 4–10
|
|
|
|
Discover local Theatre Camps! GBTC offers weekly programs during July and August, featuring plays, mime, improvisation, theatre games, musical theatre, and work with simple sets and costumes! Each weekly program culminates in a public performance at week's end. Outdoor activities, games, and sports are also part of the fun. Campers hone their skills and build confidence through engaging, creative games that tap into their vocal, physical, and emotional potential. GBTC's dedicated and compassionate staff foster a nurturing environment where campers feel at ease. They are encouraged to forge new friendships and enhance skills and confidence that will benefit them in all aspects of life. With our low Camper to Staff ratios, every child gets the chance to shine with their age group and the broader camp community.
|
|
|
|
Active Kids Zone is your go-to party headquarters, making celebrations easy, stress-free, and unforgettable. We offer a wide variety of PRIVATE birthday parties to choose from including sports and games, crafts, baking, karaoke, bear stuffing, our exciting Fun Zone, Pixel Games and more. No matter your child’s interests, we have the perfect party experience. Our energetic coaches and friendly hosts handle every detail, ensuring your event runs smoothly from start to finish while keeping guests entertained every step of the way. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the celebration while we create a fun-filled party your child and their friends will remember for years to come.
|
|
|
|
May 9, 10am at Coronation Park: Fun & Fearless 5K is a community run/walk in Toronto that supports youth mental health through physical activity. It is open to all ages and abilities, with participants moving at their own pace. Youth under 18 are free, and everyone is welcome to run, walk, or cheer.
|
|
|
|
Enter Night Mode. Select Friday night home games. When Rogers Centre comes alive. Every Friday, with the exception of Opening Night presented by TD, the Blue Jays will wear the City Connect uniforms on field. On select Fridays, fans can look forward to City Connect Fridays with themed ballpark activities, live music and giveaways. Icons, Energy, Strength and Culture are at the forefront. As we celebrate the things that make OUR city one of a kind. Your weekend starts here!
|
|
|
|
Monet: The Immersive Experience is a 360º digital art exhibition in Toronto that invites you to step into the world of the French painter Claude Monet, one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the nineteenth century. Visitors will be immersed in Van Gogh’s works — from his sunny landscapes and night scenes, to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889). It is astonishing in scale, breathtakingly imaginative, and a completely new look at the Master’s work.
|
|
|
|
Stories of women who transformed Toronto. Did you know that 52% of Torontonians are women? Join Museum of Toronto as we bring their stories to life. The 52 shines a spotlight on change-makers, rebels, and revolutionaries from Toronto’s past and present. In fact, while some of these women’s stories are well known, many others have remained untold – until now. Above all, through this exhibition, we honour their legacies, elevate their voices, and challenge the narratives that have excluded them for too long. By highlighting these stories, we celebrate the impact women have made and continue to make in every facet of life.
|
|
|
|
Get ready to race at this exclusive LEGO® F1® - themed ‘Build the Thrill Event’ only at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Toronto from April 16 - May 25! Grab your drivers briefing and choose your team. Get hands-on with LEGO® bricks to create a minifigure driver and build an ultimate race car, before putting them through their paces! Will you take pole position?
|
|
|
|
The Ambiance Singers invite you to our annual concert, this year held at the Maya Prentice Theatre in Mississauga. Led by our National Jazz Award winning director Brigham Phillips, this year we will celebrate Canada with a selection of songs inspired by our beautiful country. All proceeds from the concert go to supporting our choir's operations so we can continue to gather and sing together and bring our beautiful music to our community.
|
|
|
|
The ultimate farmers market, with the widest offering of local and seasonal food you’ll find in the city. Evergreen started its Saturday Farmers Market in 2007 with 25 local farmers and producers, a great location, and a great community response. At the time, many predicted that it wouldn’t last. But, last, it did. Since then, it has grown into the largest farmers market in Toronto. Find the Saturday Farmers Market outdoors from May to October and indoors from November to April. Every Saturday, 9am – 1pm. The Saturday Farmers Market at Evergreen Brick Works operates during COVID-19 as an essential service. Evergreen has adopted a range of measures to ensure that we can make access to local food a safe and enjoyable experience. In doing so, we hope to demonstrate how resilient local food systems can continue to play an integral role in the food models of cities.
|
|
|
|
On Saturdays at the Second City, it’s the kids’ turn to run the world! In this high-energy and fast-paced sketch and improv show, kids give all the ideas and even get the chance to get onstage!
|
|
|
|
Join us for a vibrant celebration of Spring at the largest tulip festival in the Greater Toronto Area, featuring 1,000,000 stunning blooms, pick-your-own flower bouquets, photo prop stops, live music, farm-to-fork food & drink, wagon rides, & more!
|
|
|
|
Join Curious George, the inquisitive, lovable monkey-star of books, movies and the award-winning PBS television show in a fun musical that's perfect for kids!
|
|
|
|
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon to celebrate the opening of our spring exhibition, Unearthing Vindolanda: Footwear from the Edge of the Roman Empire. Step into the world of ancient Rome as you enjoy guided exhibition tours, hands-on crafts, a museum-wide scavenger hunt, and drop-in activities inspired by life on the Roman frontier.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate with Mom, or that special someone who’s just like a mom to you, on a shared journey through Canada, and create memories rooted in wonder, discovery, and connection.
|
|
|
- Downsview parkrun - Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON M3K 2C5, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9 am
- BikeFest Mississauga 2026 - Mississauga Celebration Square - Mississauga Celebration Square, City Centre Drive, Mississauga, ON, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10 am - 4 pm
- Celebrate Mother's Day - Yorkgate Mall, 1 York Gate Boulevard, North York, ON M3N 3A1, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 12pm - 5pm
- Free Sunday at Bata Shoe Museum - Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 12 - 5 pm
- Nature Connection - Downsview Park - Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON M3K 2C5, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 2 - 3:30 pm
|
|
|
|
The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Toronto area is back! You can search by date, age, or categories like day/overnight, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool, & more. Our
guide puts summer fun right at your fingertips!
|
|
|
|
|
Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Toronto area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the
schools.
|
|
|
Wishing you and your family health and happiness,
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
