KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: A tumble is not a verdict; it's information. And kids are natural data analysts. That's what a mom half a generation older than me told me when I was getting ready to have kids, and I took it to heart. So I was secretly a little thrilled the summer my daughter Madison was almost 4, when she took her first big splash off a slippery log into a
creek. Here's why: To succeed in life, everyone needs to learn to stretch to the edge of their abilities... to gather courage from their toes, to calculate, to balance, to wobble, to slide... and eventually to succeed. Kids can learn this early if the grownups in their orbit help them see the mud and bruises that come from a tumble as badges to be worn proudly: a fail-until-we-succeed philosophy in action. That's how personal fulfillment happens, and it's how human progress happens,
too. Summer is childhood's best laboratory, where sensory experiences stick as lifelong learning. School has grades and rubrics and consequences; summer has grass stains and do-overs. An amusement park ride can teach the difference between fear and danger. A hands-on museum can teach that when your tower collapses, you simply vow to rebuild it taller. A farm can teach that maybe you don’t like strawberries from the grocery store, but
you do like the ones you picked yourself, still warm from the sun. A climbing gym can teach your muscles that “I can’t” really means “I can’t yet.” And summer camps are entire worlds built around trying something new with no transcript following you home. Last week, the KidsOutAndAbout.com team launched our annual Top 20 Places to Take Kids survey. It's a way to thank the people who make your community a great place to raise kids. Equally important, it’s a giant menu of local opportunities for your kids to stretch their legs, their minds, and their bravery this summer. Use it to create your summer bucket list! Then step back and set your family’s summer dial to “safe to fail.” Watch your kids climb, build, stumble, and try again.
Let them splash.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
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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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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. https://activekidszone.com/birthday-parties
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D&D at Roseneath provides a unique opportunity to adventure with friends, collaborate, practice basic math and creative problem solving. We have 5-day games all summer long! If you're unsure if D&D is a good fit, try it out at one of the June P.A.Days, perfect for first time players. Our tables are divided into JR (ages 8-13) and Teen (13-18) groups with a cap of 6 players per table. We also offer tables with a focus on girls and inclusive space for 2SLGBT+ youth. Games take place in our games room, office kitchen, and rehearsal studio. All skill levels welcome from level 1 first-time players to level 20 dragon slayers!
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Create your own TV shows and Podcasts in professional multi set studios! Learn the basics of anchoring, hosting and reporting. Plus experience the key behind the scenes roles of producer, director and camera operator along the way. Gain confidence in a fun, hands on way and build new skills with a super supportive team. Friday’s Showcase allows families to watch it all happen in person. The program runs Mon-Fri., 9am–3pm, throughout July and August. For ages 12 plus. Send a message to reserve a spot or visit our website to register: https://yourtickettotheshow.com/ Space is limited to 20 spots per week
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May 23: A neighbourhood-wide yard sale with more than 75 households participating, turning the Junction neighbourhood into one massive outdoor marketplace! Toys, books, children's clothing, sports gear and home baking are among the treasures will find browsing all of these yard sales. Check the map on our site for the full details at https://giantjunctionjumblesale.ca
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Join us for an evening to explore a curated selection of model instructions designed to introduce Origami to a new audience or provide something for those seeking a bit of challenge. Each station will be led by an experienced Origami Society of Toronto member intent on sharing their enthusiastic passion with you. Materials are provided, and seating is limited. Though an art form enjoyed throughout the world, the practice of Origami is deeply rooted in Asian cultures. Since the discovery of paper in China around the 2nd century BC, humans have been entranced by the possibilities of folding it into figures which range from simplistic, to symbolic to near-realism. There is no form in nature, science, or fantasy which Origami has not approached and the art constant evolves with imagination (and some patience!) the only limits in the future.
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School may be closed for this holiday but we are open and ready to entertain your child! Join us for a full day of programing for kids ages 5 to 12 years, including sports and games, Fun Zone, Pixel Games and more. Regular hours are 9 am to 4 pm with extended hours available from 8 am to 6 pm.
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The only event of its kind in Canada, a 3-day multi-sport festival created to celebrate, promote and support girls and women in sports! Come and check out the 4 zones - Try It (try one of 15 sports), Learn It (Chalk Talks that go beyond the game), Find It (marketplace) and Amp It (it's all about celebration and community). Let's keep growing the space for HER to play!
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Enjoy a performance of traditional Métis fiddle music in the historic Coach House at Colborne Lodge. Hear music from accomplished Métis fiddler Alicia Blore, accompanied by Jacob Wanuch on guitar and Megan Southwell dancing traditional Métis jigs. Learn about the historical significance of Métis songs as you play along to the rhythms on the wooden spoons.
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Arcadia Earth is a multi-sensory journey that combines creative art installations and exciting technology to inspire visitors to take action towards a more sustainable future. This immersive experience showcases the beauty of our planet and the impact of human actions on the environment. Our goal is to inspire visitors to be part of the solution for creating a better world.
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Enjoy a weekend full of free tours, family activities, live music, and more as Doors Open returns to the Aga Khan Museum, Aga Khan Park, and Ismaili Centre Toronto.
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A powerful one-day summit designed to help girls discover their confidence, express their voice, and step into leadership.
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Come and enjoy cultural food, entertainment, educational displays, interactive activities and more. Your weekend admission passport includes unlimited entry to all 8 locations showcasing 21 cultural pavilions, entertainment on 17 stages, 100s of vendors, free parking & free shuttle service. Kids 12 and under are free.
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Have you made your weekend plans yet? We're FREE every Sunday thanks to our sponsor KPMG! Reserve your tickets now!
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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!
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Journey into the world of bees in a stunning new immersive experience that brings together the beauty of art with the power of science.
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- Free Sunday at Bata Shoe Museum - Bata Shoe Museum - 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Canada - Sunday, May 24, 2026, 12 - 5 pm
- Experience Arrowsmith - Open House - Arrowsmith School - 245 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON, Canada - Saturday, May 23, 2026, 11am to 1pm
- Giant Junction Jumble
Sale - 3179 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada - Saturday, May 23, 2026, 8:30AM - 2:30PM
- Downsview parkrun - Downsview Park - 70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON M3K 2C5, Canada - Saturday, May 23, 2026, 9 am
- Nature Connection - Downsview Park - Downsview Park - 70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON M3K 2C5, Canada - Sunday, May 24, 2026, 2 - 3:30 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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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!
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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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