KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a kid, a giant azalea bush stretched across our backyard, exploding into glorious pink blossoms in early May. In summer, it became something even better: a secret hideout that my sister and I named the Humble Abode. We hollowed out the dead branches behind the bush and dragged in little chairs and treasures and our dollhouse family. The Humble Abode barely qualified as
a fort, and it wasn't even secret; I'm sure my parents knew when we were back there. But it was a great kids-only space. A few weeks ago, I wrote about five summer lenses through which to plan summer: music, motion, making, nature, and food. Making—the lens for this week—reminds kids that they are not merely consumers of the world, but contributors to it. They can push value into existence. They can turn sticks, cardboard, fabric, tape, mud, blocks, gears,
sand, and flour into something that wasn’t there before. Especially for younger kids, making with the hands gives the brain evidence. I did that. I made that. I can make things happen. Summer is perfect for this because summer has time and room for mess. Pull out the science kits, the rocket kits, the LEGO bins, the soap-making sets that arrived at Christmas and then sat politely in the closet. "Upcycle" old boxes, fabric, toys, crayons, paint, buttons.
Let your kids build backyard forts, fairy houses, marble runs, cardboard cities, obstacle courses, blanket tents, museum towers, and whatever else the day and their imagination suggest. Of course, glue will drip. Sand will migrate. The kitchen table may briefly disappear under invention. (If the clutter gets overwhelming, consider a trip or two to your local science museum or maker space to save your sanity.) After all, you can’t make omelets without breaking eggs. And
you can’t make a maker without giving a child some space, some tools, some trust, and permission to begin.
—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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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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Looking for Summer fun? It's not too late! Active Kids Zone's Summer Camp keep kids active and entertained with exciting daily activities including sports and games, crafts and baking, Pixel Games, VR, Fun Zone and so much more! The Summer is packed with even more adventure, featuring weekly field trips every Wednesday, plus swimming and outdoor play every Tuesday and Thursday for the ultimate camp experience! Weekly registration is available as well as 3 and 4 day options.
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TO the Beat is a free outdoor concert series at the Lavazza IncluCity Festival, taking place June 25–July 19, 2026, in Toronto’s Distillery Historic District. Nightly performances begin at 6:30 PM, celebrating Toronto’s vibrant music scene through diverse artists, global sounds, and homegrown talent. Bringing together cultures, rhythms, and stories from across the city, TO the Beat invites audiences to dance, connect, and experience live music in the heart of Toronto.
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The Everlasting Friendship of Billy & Bink: a new TYA musical about what it means to be a friend in the digital age, appearing as a part of the 2026 Toronto Fringe Festival’s KidsFest at Young People’s Theatre from July 2 to July 12. From Toronto actor/singer/award-winning content creator Will Parry, comes PUPPETS AND HUMANS ALIKE, meet Billy & Bink! A puppet and human brother duo who are also BEST FRIENDS! It’s a perfect day until Bink finds out Billy is hiding a secret. Uh-oh! Things just got confusing! Friendship is HARD! With the help of songs, laughs, and YOU, they’ll sort their problem out! Enjoy this brand-new TYA musical for the whole family at KidsFest. Suitable for ages 5–10 (and everybody else!)
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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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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!
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International food, music, and culture festival returns for its 22nd anniversary celebration. Taste of Lawrence returns for its 22nd edition! Join us for three-days of food, music and culture celebration that takes place annually in the Wexford Heights BIA. As Scarborough’s largest street festival, it boasts the most enticing flavours from every cultural community in the GTA, over 170 street vendors, live entertainment on two stages, midway rides, kid workshops and so much more.
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Enjoy free outdoor Yoga in Trillium Park from June 6 to September 27. Held every Saturday and Sunday from 10–11 a.m., these all-level classes blend hatha and vinyasa yoga with a focus on mindfulness, strength, and breath. Throughout the season, special sessions featuring Pilates, meditation, live music, and other unique movement experiences offer fresh ways to connect and recharge.
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We are highlighting the trades in the village. Kids will get an activity book that will challenge them to visit 6 of the trades and achieve level of apprentice by completing an activity in each space. The buildings include the Tailor Shop, Spinning and Weaving Shop, Print Shop, Boot and Harness Shop, Cabinetmaker Shop, and Blacksmith Shop.
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Celebrate the passion and spirit of World Cup Soccer with live screenings daily and special performance by acclaimed Canadian Champion Soccer Freestyler, Jaime "Magnet" Bruno and the Magnet FC team. Canadian Champion Jaime "Magnet" Bruno and the Magnet FC team take the stage with an electrifying shocwcase of ultimate ball control, gravity defying tricks and jaw-dropping skills. Celebrate the passion and spirit of world cup soccer with daily live game coverage on the big screen and a thrilling soccer freestyle performance on July 4th.
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Kick off your Sunday afternoons at the Bata Shoe Museum with Soccer Sundays—a special six-part series celebrating the upcoming World Cup 2026. As the world’s biggest sporting event prepares to take center stage in Toronto, join us for fun, family-friendly programming that explores the global phenomenon of soccer from the laces up. Discover how the game connects cultures, communities, and countries through hands-on activities, live entertainment, and engaging presentations.
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Soccer Fans Unite! Get ready to dribble, dash, and discover! This family-friendly soccer-themed hunt takes you on an exciting journey through ROM, where the sport and your favourite teams are brought to life through art, culture, and nature. Follow clues, score trivia goals, and explore the Museum in a whole new way. Grab your team and start your quest today!
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Award-winning family-friendly magic & storytelling. Chosen Toronto's BEST magician... & he's not even from Toronto!
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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. It's a family-friendly experience designed to foster fun and connection, all while enjoying the great outdoors.
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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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