KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: February is Children’s Dental Health Month, which means it's the perfect time to talk about LYING. The first lie my daughter Madison ever attempted was when she was about 3. "Did you brush your teeth?” I asked as she was getting ready for bed. She nodded earnestly, but I had my doubts; a check of the toothbrush revealed it was dry as the Sahara.
"Looks like we need a do-over," I said. "Try again." In a 2025 Delta Dental study of 1000 parents of kids age 12 and under, 67% of respondents reported difficulty in getting their kids to brush their teeth. And in a related but thoroughly unscientific
survey, 100% of the friends I asked told me that their own kids have lied about tooth brushing at least once. See, young children don’t experience truth as adults do; their developing minds blur the line between reality and hope, between what happened and what they would prefer had happened. Brushing is tedious, being done is better. Add a desire to please Mom, and those wires can cross. In those early years, our job is to help kids gradually separate fact from wishful
thinking. You might think that prosecuting dishonesty harshly might scare kids into telling the truth, but that often just scares them into hiding more cleverly. Our goal as parents isn't just to have kids who brush their teeth and do their own homework and someday file tax returns without creative interpretations of “business mileage,” although we do want all those things. But overall, we want kids who are brave enough to be, rather than seem to be. If
they see early that mistakes can be brought into the light and fixed with a do-over, they’re far less likely to build a life around pretending they didn't happen. So my best recommendation for Children's Dental Health Month is to model both scrupulous honesty and scrupulous teeth-brushing yourself. In case you need an immediate solution, though, I hunted down a list of kids' best tooth-brushing songs thoughtfully supplied by the American Dental Association. Grit your teeth and hum along.
—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. |
|
|
Discover the perfect camp for your kids this Saturday at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto! The annual OUR KIDS Camp Expo is this Saturday, February 21, from
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Roy Thomson Hall! This family-friendly event is your one-stop destination to explore the best camp options for your kids. Meet camp directors, ask questions, and discover programs tailored to your child’s interests. Register online for FREE Family admission, otherwise it's $10 at the door as a donation to Kids in Camp. Click here to get your FREE FAMILY PASS and for more information. |
|
|
|
Gather for a family-friendly March Break extravaganza at Colborne Lodge. Enjoy free craft creation sessions, 3D pictures from the past, a free Indigenous-led tour of High Park at 1 pm and free guided tours of the historic home of Jemima and John Howard
through the day. Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
|
|
|
|
Bring history to life at the Mackenzie House Museum printshop during Black History Month. Print a copy of The Provincial Freeman, the newspaper edited by Mary Ann Shadd Cary, the first Black woman publisher in Canada, using an original 1840s printing press.
Take home a printed keepsake while exploring how print media supported 19th century activism, civic engagement, and community organizing through one of the most significant Black newspapers in Canadian history.
|
|
|
|
The vibrant and enchanting Cyclamen Show is returning to the Floral Showhouse on January 10!
The popular winter display promises to captivate visitors with a stunning display of Cyclamen varieties that showcase the beauty and diversity of these unique plants. Stroll between shades of pink, salmon and violet along with lush ferns and other tropical plants. Curly willow arches and decorative trees will accentuate the fresh florals.
|
|
|
|
Making Home in Scarborough is a vibrant pop-up installation celebrating memory, identity, and belonging through cultural traditions and objects we hold dear to our hearts in generations past, present and future. Co-created through conversation and care,
community members were invited to share a meaningful object, rooted in a heartfelt story. All speak to how home is made not only in buildings or borders, but in the places, people, and practices that give life meaning.
|
|
|
|
Get ready to travel through time on a prehistoric adventure scavenger hunt! From the first fierce predators to the mighty giants of the late Cretaceous, you'll uncover dino facts, solve ancient puzzles, and test your paleontology skills. Gather your team of
family and friends, channel your inner explorer, and race through millions of years of history. No time machine required.
|
|
|
|
Join us for another season of Free Public Skating at Evergreen Brick Works! Whether you’re skating with your family, meeting up with a friend or connecting with a stranger, this program is the perfect opportunity to get outside, get active and connect with
community during the winter season. Where else in the city can you skate under the beams of a historic brick factory? It truly is an experience that you won’t want to miss!
|
|
|
|
A Lunar New Year celebration like no other! The Year of the Horse gallops in with fierce energy. Horses charge forward even in the face of a storm, guided by instinct and resilience. Inspired by this noble spirit, LunarFest initiates a call for courage: a
challenge to each of us to move forward through life’s turbulence with grace, conviction, and openness.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate Black History Month with us at our Vendor Market on Saturday, February 22, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This special event highlights and uplifts Black‑owned businesses, showcasing talented entrepreneurs and makers from our local community.
Join us to shop, celebrate, and show your support for Black-owned brands while discovering unique products and stories that inspire.
|
|
|
|
In celebration of Black History Month, enjoy a day of creativity and culture at PAMA in partnership with Blkline. Blkline is a creative collective that empowers BIPOC creators by amplifying their voices and connecting them to opportunities within the
creative industries. They highlight diverse talent, foster collaboration, and advocate for equity. Their platform champions authentic storytelling, challenges systemic barriers, and drives innovation toward a more inclusive creative landscape, while also cultivating a social community where creatives across industries can share ideas, network, and thrive, something not yet established nationwide.
|
|
|
|
Join Ontario Science Centre, Power Kids, the National Film Board and School Visits at Harbourfront Centre and celebrate creativity and community with a series of hands-on activities that change each week. Families can explore a wide range of science
activities, arts and crafts, youth-friendly short films and dance workshops, all inspired by the spirit of KUUMBA. Every activity is designed to spark imagination and fun for all ages. Space is limited — be sure to come early!
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
What's that sound?? It's the chuff of a mighty steam locomotive as it winds through cities and towns—disappearing into mountain tunnels and thundering across bridges overhead! Discover the artistry behind every detail: from hand-crafted scenery to
cutting-edge 3D-printed components. Watch as our steam and diesel trains operate just like the real thing—switching maneuvers, signal systems, and precisely coordinated dispatch of passenger and freight traffic. The best part? It's all controlled digitally over WiFi, bringing 21st-century technology to classic model railroading.
|
|
|
- Sharks at ROM - Royal Ontario Museum, Queens Park,
Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Friday, February 20 to Sunday, February 22, 10 am - 4 pm
- Skate by the Lake - Harbourfront Centre - Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8, Friday, February 20 to Sunday, February 22, Times vary, see website.
- 2026 ILLUMINITE - Downtown Yonge, Old Toronto, Toronto, ON, Friday, February 20 to Sunday, February 22, 10am-10pm
- 2026 Skates & Sounds - Barbara Ann Scott
Ice Trail, Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Friday, February 20, 4PM - 8PM
- Free Public Skating at
Evergreen - Evergreen Brick Works, Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, Saturday, February 21 to Sunday, February 22, Saturdays 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sundays 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Get the Jump on Spring 2026 - Toronto Botanical Garden - Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Avenue
East, North York, Toronto, ON M3C 1P2, Saturday, February 21, 10 am - 4 pm
- Black History Exhibition Tour at the BSM - Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Saturday, February 21, 1 - 2 pm
- El Gigante Egoísta/The Selfish Giant - Tarragon
Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1X3, Saturday, February 21, 11:30AM
- The Sally
Stavro Family Series: El Gigante Egoísta - Tarragon Theatre, Bridgman Avenue, Toronto, ON, Saturday, February 21, 11:30AM
- A Day of Creativity and Culture with Blkline - Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives, 9 Wellington St E, Brampton, ON L6W 1Y1, Saturday, February 21, 12 - 4 pm
- 2026 LunarFest GTA - Brave the Wind - Arts for Canadians Tomorrow Society - Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Main Street Unionville, Unionville, ON, Saturday, February 21 to Sunday, February 22, 11am
- 2026 Lunar Lanterns - Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Main Street Unionville, Unionville, ON, Saturday, February 21 to Sunday, February 22, 12am
- Sunday Snap Circuits at
Toronto Public Library - Agincourt - Toronto Public Library - Agincourt Branch, 155 Bonis Avenue, Scarborough, Toronto, Toronto, ON M1T 3W6, Sunday, February 22, 2 - 3 pm
- Free Sunday at Bata Shoe Museum - Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Sunday, February 22, 12 - 5
pm
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Wishing you and your family health and happiness,
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
