KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: I’m a sucker for songs in 6/8 time, no matter the music style. I don’t know why that ONE-two-three-FOUR-five-six swinging rhythm so captures me whether it’s fast or slow, but there’s no denying that it does. And I might not even notice this rhythm, but for one little fact: I’m a thoroughly mediocre cellist. I took cello lessons from age 8 to age 14; during
those years, I graduated from “truly bad” to “moderately acceptable,” at least acceptable enough to play in orchestras where my individual sound would be drowned out by the better kids’ playing. But even as unskilled as I was, I know I am happier as an adult for having played: I can understand music from the inside. I hear patterns and styles and instruments with far different ears than I would have had I not studied music early in life. Understanding what makes your heart sing helps
you be on the lookout for more, and that makes your life better. Summer is the perfect season to help kids grow their ears. Yes, check out the big open-air concerts from your local orchestra, municipal band, or jazz ensemble. But also keep an active ear out for the smaller stuff: free concerts in parks, weekly community series, festivals, buskers, church lawn performances, library gigs, and whatever band happens to be playing near the funnel cakes. When you hear something,
name it: bluegrass, salsa, soul, swing, zydeco, classical, funk, folk, rock, rap, mariachi. Kids don’t have to like everything, but knowing the names of things helps them understand what they do like, and gives them handles for finding more of it later. A couple of tips: If you know you're headed in the direction of something new, play a sample of the style before you leave so kids have a hook on which to hang the experience. While you’re there, help them notice one thing: the
bass line, the drummer, the singer’s breathing, the way people move. That will help the music swirl around in their minds long after the last note fades. Remember, music isn’t only on stages. It’s in carousels, movie scores, worship services, elevators, malls, ballparks, and the ice cream truck coming around the corner. So as tour guide to your kids’ universe, don’t ignore the invisible! Point your ears toward the music, tune everyone's radar, and grow.
—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. |
Please click through to our 2026 survey to vote for your top 3 places to take kids... it will be used to compile our 2026 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the GTA. Voting is live through June 20; believe me, winning a place on the Top 20 list matters to the people who create
amazing family-friendly experiences. Take 3 minutes to choose your favorites as your way of saying thank you... and use the list to build your summer bucket list at the same time! You have my personal and fervent thanks for your participation! —Deb |
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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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10 days as more than 1,500 musicians entertain all across the city. The Festival has become a destination event, not just for music lovers but for some of the greatest jazz celebrities in the world, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in artistic excellence and outstanding production standards.
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Fairbank Summerfest is a summer carnival where, Admission, Rides, Entertainment & more are FREE! We are located at Eglinton Avenue West, West of Dufferin! Summerfest is proudly presented by the Fairbank Village BIA, a Business Improvement Area servicing the local community. In 2025 we had nearly 120,000 attendees! We hope to see you all between Friday, June 19, 2026 5:00 p.m. - 11 p.m. , Saturday, June 20th 12:00 p.m. - 11 p.m. &, Sunday, June 21, 2026 12 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
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Known for its bold curation of Toronto’s people, places, and stories, this iconic summer festival will once again transform the city’s identity through the aptly titled theme of PLAY. This year’s theme asks us to consider how a festival can truly PLAY its city.
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Spend your afternoon at the Bata Shoe Museum on the first Friday of Pride Month enjoying a special storytime presentation with Toronto-based Storyteller Jeffrey Canton. For more than three decades, Jeffrey has shared folk and fairytales as well as original stories that dig deep into the strata of Toronto’s history as well as, with a little soft-shoe and a gay show tune or two, his own queer past. Stick around for a guided tour of our exhibitions to learn about footwear through the ages and around the world. At 1:00 pm, the highlight of the day will be a one-hour Drag Queen Storytelling and dance-party spectacular led by Toronto drag royalty Lucinda Miu and Guy Anabella. Expect big energy, fabulous moves, playful stories, and lots of chances to dance along as they celebrate self-expression, imagination, and being proudly yourself.
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LUZIA is a vibrant journey through an imaginary Mexico, blending breathtaking acrobatics with stunning visuals, from urban sets to deserts and ocean, showcasing Mexico's rich heritage and modern allure. Refreshing and unexpected, LUZIA enchants by artistically incorporating water into the acrobatic presentation – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.
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Join us for Soccer Fest at Ramsden park on June 20th for a free community celebration bringing together soccer, family fun, and live entertainment in the heart of the neighbourhood. Enjoy free soccer programming and kids’ activities, food and beverage vendors, live music, beverage garden and community activations.
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To celebrate the excitement of international soccer this summer, Little Canada has introduced a limited-time Mini Mission featuring 24 moose hidden throughout the attraction. Each moose is decorated with the flag of a participating nation, blending global soccer culture with Canadian storytelling. The experience encourages guests to explore the attraction in a new way while engaging with a major international moment.
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This Father’s Day, trade the predictable gifts for something genuinely memorable and join us on our Father’s Day Food Tour. Treat dad to a culinary adventure through Kensington Market, where every stop brings a new flavour, a new story, and a chance to spend quality time together. From satisfying comfort eats to local favourites, Make this Father’s Day one to remember with good food and even better company.
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Visit the Museum after-hours each month for a summer adventure the whole family will love! This monthly event offers fresh activities, creative crafts, and, of course, delicious s'mores around the campfire.
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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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The Toronto Area's Pick-Your-Own Fruit Listed below are farms in and near Toronto that offer pick your own fruits, berries, and vegetables. And... to make the most of your experience, check out our
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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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