KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Next week, my husband and I are heading to a Valentine's Evening behind-the-scenes tour of the Darwin Martin House in Buffalo, New York. It’s the same Frank Lloyd Wright museum we’ve
visited several times, but this version is fancily dressed for the holiday: candlelight, champagne, treats, and a fresh perspective on something familiar. That’s the real magic of Valentine’s Day: It’s one of those perfectly made-up holidays, constructed out of paper hearts, glitter, and good intentions... and it manages magically to transform our spaces, our schedules, and our spirits. As publisher, I've had a 25-year front row seat to
communities around the country who turn nothing into something every February. This year, visitors can say "I Love Thee" in a Victorian mansion in Riverside, CA while a re-enactor in a top hat explains the romantic origin of the Hershey’s Kiss. Frying Pan Farm Park in
Virginia will help kids say "I Love MOO!" with farm animal puns. The Oregon Rail Heritage Center invites everyone on a Valentine's Express Steam Train ride that is more light-hearted than steamy. And next Saturday, biologists at the California Academy of Sciences will hand out heart-shaped valentines to their African penguins—who will then present them to their mates to help line
their nests. Not all Valentine’s Day celebrations require you to get out and about, though; just muster some creativity and apply it to stuff you already have lying around the house. Cut hearts from red paper and tape them to the door. Dress in scarlet or rose or salmon pink. Light a candle at dinner while you're eating heart-shaped cheese, toast, bacon, or lasagna (here are 25 fun recipes from Food Network). When you and your kids dress up your world together, you’re not just celebrating love, you’re celebrating creativity. And they're learning the life skill of transforming ordinary stuff around them into something special. It only takes one step beyond the good intention to make it
so. Love can be grand, indeed. But it doesn’t have to be grand to be great.
—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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The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of
entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
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Skates & Sounds is back for its seventh season in February 2026, with a stellar lineup of DJs ready to spin the hottest tracks and warm us up! Every Friday night, the Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail at College Park transforms into an open-air dancefloor,
blending music, skating, and winter vibes in the heart of downtown Toronto.
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Based on the beloved comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, this musical comedy chronicles the adventures of Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang. Through hilarious scenes and toe-tapping songs, they explore life’s great questions–all while playing
baseball, struggling with homework, swooning over crushes, and celebrating the joy of friendship.
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Uncover how insects survive the Toronto's cold Canadian winter in this family-friendly nature hike in High Park.
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Ring in the Year of the Horse with a day of vibrant performances, movement, and creativity at the Bata Shoe Museum. Celebrate Lunar New Year with Lion Dance Toronto as they bring good luck and festive energy to the museum with spectacular performances at
12:30 PM and 2:00 PM, followed by photo opportunities and meet-and-greets with the performers.
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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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Created by Canadian David West Read, the Emmy® Award–winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek”, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & JULIET asks: What would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?
Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.
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Cozy, Family Friendly Movies
Beat the winter blues with a series of FREE indoor movie nights at Evergreen Brick Works. Enjoy cozy, family-friendly films in a warm indoor space on select Saturday evenings throughout January and February.
Gather your friends and family for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, thrills and nostalgia. From timeless classics to family-friendly blockbusters, there’s something for everyone in our lineup of movies which you helped us pick on Instagram!
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A Valentine’s market filled with romantic finds, artisan and handmade gifts. Explore charming vendor booths, discover thoughtful treasures, and enjoy a festive atmosphere designed to celebrate love, friendship, and feel‑good moments all weekend long.
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Directed and scored by Kid Koala and based on his graphic novel, Space Cadet is a poignant animated feature with original songs by Karen O and Digable Planets’ Mariana “Ladybug Mecca” Vieira.
Based on acclaimed Canadian musician and deejay Kid Koala’s award-winning graphic novel of the same name, Space Cadet is a dialogue-free animated film that portrays the tender story of a young girl, Celeste, and the first-generation Guardianbot she loves.
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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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Join us for our 1 day family workshops where children with an adult caregiver will explore artists and artworks in the AGO collection and get inspired to create art together. This Winter we’ll make one-of-a-kind prints and experiment with colour, texture,
and layering.
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Feb 6 & 7, 9am to 6pm, Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto: Team Canada FanFest is coming to Toronto during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games — and you’re invited to join the celebration! The experience includes live competition viewing, Team
Canada athlete appearances, interactive winter sport demonstrations, and immersive activities for the whole family.
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- Sharks at ROM - Royal Ontario Museum, Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10 am - 4 pm
- Game Day @ Trinity Square Park - Trinity Square, Toronto, ON, Friday, February 6, 2026, 10am - 3pm
- Skate by the Lake - Harbourfront Centre - Harbourfront Centre - 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8, Friday to Sunday, February 6-8, 2026, Times vary, see website.
- Black History Exhibition Tour at the
BSM - Bata Shoe Museum - 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Saturday, February 7, 2026, 1 - 2 pm
- Free Public Skating at Evergreen - Evergreen Brick Works - Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, Saturday & Sunday, February 7-8, 2026, Saturdays 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sundays 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Year of the Snake Celebration at the BSM - Bata Shoe Museum - 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 12 - 4
pm
- Sunday Snap Circuits at Toronto Public Library - Agincourt - Toronto Public Library - Agincourt Branch - 155 Bonis Avenue, Scarborough, Toronto, ON M1T 3W6, Sunday, February 8, 2026, 2 - 3 pm
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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.
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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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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Toronto area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping a
spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
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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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