KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
It's often said that parenting is a "thankless" job. In one sense, that's undeniably true, because it will likely be many years before the young humans you're raising—the ones who actually have a stake in the outcome of the excellent job you're doing—are in a position to thank you. So you don't hear that phrase often during the first couple of decades of parenthood.
My fervent wish
for the future is to live in a world filled with engaged, culturally literate, productive, happy people. This means that what I said above isn't precisely accurate: It's not only your kids who have a stake in your parenting success, we ALL do, because the path to that future starts NOW for the young people in your orbit. So I'm grateful that you care about getting them "out and about" to the wide variety of experiences available in your community: It will make all
the difference.
Our job here at KidsOutAndAbout.com is to help you do that as easily as possible. In 2001, I created the original version of this web platform that now connects 15 million people each year with their area's activities and resources. My team gets to see it all up-close and personal as local businesses post to KidsOutAndAbout through their free listings, and then we get to turn around and shout about them to y'all, bringing your community closer to you.
So I want to
step in for the rest of the world that's not (yet) thanking you, and say it to you today: Thank you so much for what you're doing. Raising kids is hard in any era, but no one could have anticipated all the roadblocks that a pandemic would toss onto our path.
As anyone who knows me knows, I'm endlessly looking for reasons to celebrate. So today, I'm celebrating YOU with my digital megaphone and pom-poms. You're doing a great job. Future Deb sends her thanks,
too.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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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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One final ask: Just a minute of your time could make a big impact! KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence. We're asking all parents, grandparents,
and caregivers-whether you're tech-savvy or…
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The private schools in the Vancouver area cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools. If your school is not on our list but should be, please email us at [email protected]. |
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Private Schools in the Vancouver area: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences. If your school should have a video on this page, please send a link to the school's video on YouTube or Vimeo to [email protected]. |
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Rapunzel, let down your hair! Evil Mother Gothel (Booo!) is keeping Princess Rapunzel locked in a tower to use her magic hair to keep her looking young. Join our rag-tag bunch of heroes; Prince Ryder, Fairy Dandruff, Pascal, King Bouffant, and Dame Fanny Follicle, in a silly slapstick attempt to find her. Will our heroes find and rescue the princess? Will Fairy Dandruff get her wings? Will there be a ridiculous over-the-top slow-motion battle involving a frying pan and a pair of scissors? Come find out! Boo the bad guys and cheer the good in this Hair-larious Panto.
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Mickey and his pals are rocking the DJ table and you’re on the guest list! Feel the electric atmosphere as they remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds.
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Experience the magic of The Nutcracker this holiday season with RCYB’s annual full-length ballet. Featuring a cast of 100+ dedicated and enthusiastic dancers, The Nutcracker is under the direction of Artistic Director Keitha Campeau and Associate Artistic Director Sarah Sankovic. Performing to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music, this traditional ballet has beautiful sets and extravagant, colourful costumes. There are magical soldiers, mice, a Sugar Plum fairy, and a growing Christmas tree, all danced to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker score. This much-loved holiday classic also includes snowflakes, the Snow King and Queen, Waltz of the Flowers, Arabian, Spanish and other favourites.
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Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of artmaking and performance. Everybody and every body is welcome to wiggle and join the fun during an interactive performance by All Bodies Dance Project, an inclusive dance company whose practice aims to dismantle biases around contemporary dance and the dancing body. Turn movement into making in our artist led workshops engaging energy and gesture as well.
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He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Vancouver in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. It’s thrilling sold out crowds on Broadway, in cities across North America, London’s West End, and Hamburg, Germany…and now MJ is startin’ somethin’ in Vancouver as it makes its premiere at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in November.
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Celebrate the season at this free family friendly event. Inside Edmond’s Community Centre, enjoy a visit with Santa, and have fun making holiday crafts with your kids.
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Get ready for a sugar-rush of laughter, music, and magical mayhem! When two clever teens find themselves lost in the woods, they stumble upon a cottage made of candy—and a witch with a wicked sweet tooth! Full of catchy songs, outrageous characters, and classic panto fun, this hilarious twist on the beloved fairy tale is perfect for the whole family. Will Hansel and Gretel outwit the witch and find their way home? There’s only one way to find out — join us for a deliciously delightful adventure!
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Come experience Festive Village with presenting partner Concord Pacific at Burnaby Village Museum. Enjoy the special atmosphere of festive lights and the traditional decorations. Wander the museum’s 10 acre open air site and take in all the seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities. Gate admission is free. Enjoy a meal or treat at Mai's Cafe, formerly the Ice Cream Parlour, or other offerings from food trucks.
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Set in 19th-century New England, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women follows the four March sisters—independent Jo, traditional Meg, shy Beth, and vivacious Amy —as they navigate love, loss, and the difficulties of young adulthood during the Civil War. Guided by their wise and nurturing mother, Marmee, the March sisters find the strength to forge their own paths. Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is an enduring story of friendship, romance, and personal discovery that has charmed generations.
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Experience the magic of the beloved animated movie and revel in showstopping favourites such as “Let It Go,” “For the First Time in Forever,” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and delight in enchanting new ones.
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Lights of Hope is one of St. Paul's Foundation's largest community fundraising campaigns. This year’s lights will shine bright from November 27, 2025, to January 02, 2026. Over 27 years, you’ve donated more than $57.4 million to support Lights of Hope, making a difference to hundreds of thousands of patients and residents from across BC. Your gift to Lights of Hope helps close the gaps where exceptional care isn’t fully funded through traditional channels. And whether large or small, your gift adds up to a big impact.
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Start a new family tradition beneath the waves! This holiday season, dive into a festive feast at Vancouver Aquarium’s Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy a delicious buffet spread surrounded by twinkling lights and aquatic wonders, as Santa himself makes a special appearance before diving in for a splashy underwater spectacle with his ocean friends. It’s a holiday experience that blends mouth-watering flavours, ocean charm, and unforgettable family fun. Soak up heartwarming memories that will last long after your last bite. Tickets are limited—reserve your table today!
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- St. Paul’s Lights of Hope - St. Paul's Foundation - 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, November 28-30, 2025, Dusk 'til Dawn
- Tsawwassen Springs Festival of
Lights - - Springs Boulevard, Tsawwassen, BC, November 28-30, 2025, see website for times
- Youth Dance
Drop-In - - 1318 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8, November 28, 2025, 4:30-6:30 pm
- Bright Walk in White Rock - - Memorial Park, Marine Drive, White Rock, BC, November 29-30, 2025, dusk
- Fort Langley Village Farmers' Market - - 9025 Glover Rd, Langley, BC V1M, November 29, 2025, 9 am-3 pm
- Edmonds Festival of Lights - - 7433 Edmonds St, Burnaby, BC V3N 1B2, November 29, 2025, 2:30-5:30 pm
- Community Holiday Tree Lighting - - 6260 Killarney St, Vancouver, BC V5S 2X7, November 29, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pm
- Chilliwack Rotary Christmas Parade - - PO Box 1128 Vedder Crossing, Chilliwack, BC V2R 3N7, November 29, 2025, 5:30 pm
- Dundarave Festival - - Dundarave Beach, West Vancouver, BC, November 29, 2025, see website for details
- Spirit of the Season Festival - - The Shipyards, Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC, November 29, 2025, 4-8 pm
- Christmas in the Square- Port Coquitlam - - Wilson Avenue, Port Coquitlam, BC, November 29, 2025, 10 am-6
pm
- Festive Village - Burnaby Village Museum - 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 3T6, November
28-30, 2025, see website for times
- WinterFest at MOS - Museum of Surrey - 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S
5H8, November 28-30, 2025, varies, see website
- Family Art Party: Movers and Makers - - 88 Avenue, Surrey, BC, November 30, 2025, 12-4 pm
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Vancouver 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 and around Vancouver, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. There is LOTS more to do in and around Vancouver even beyond the Top 20...Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com! What is listed below are just
the starting point: Browse through our site and calendar to find lots more, and be sure to click on Everything That's Free.
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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