KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Sat, Jan 3: Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Fri, Jan 9: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert at Orpheum Theatre Thu, Jan 15: Open House at
Bodwell High School
Sat, Jan 17: OPEN HOUSE at Terra Early Learning
Sat, Jan 31: The Great Canadian Family Sing-A-Long at Cloverdale Ice Arena, Surrey
Sat, Feb 21: Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School Open House - Feb 21, 2026
Sat, Feb 28: Coldest Night of the Year at Various locations throughout the Vancouver and Toronto areas
Sat, Feb 28: Silk Road Music: Lunar New Year Celebration at Gateway Theatre |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a teenager, a math teacher I respected told me that there are two kinds of people: Those who make pizza, and those who grab as many slices as they can. "At the end of the day," he said, "you want to be someone who has made more pizza than she eats." He said this to me at the perfect time, when I was just forming my ideas about who I was and was going to
become. I decided I wanted always to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation, so I started thinking about how to use the time I have here on Earth to make as much pizza as I possibly could. Over the years, I found that the key to success in this long-term goal is to tune my mental radar to the very near future, to stay in control of my time rather than giving it away to an algorithm that serves endless empty calories: How best do I use the next five
minutes, the next half hour, the next day? It all adds up. Even young kids can add value to the world, especially if they watch their parents doing it. New Year's resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, especially when they're overly specific. But resolving to be on the positive side of the pizza-making equation is straightforward. For some easy recipes for quick wins, check out my quick-read article 12 Starter Ideas for Pizza on Earth. Then look up from your phone, scan your world, and you'll find all the ingredients you need. Here's to a delicious 2026!
—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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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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This event is a celebration of winter adaptations at the Fraser River, featuring two weeks of activities. First, you can explore animal survival through challenges and games. Then, you will investigate plant adaptations using science experiments and interactive matching games to uncover seasonal secrets.
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We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to explore the rich maritime history and captivating exhibits that our museum offers, regardless of financial means. Our Pay What You Can days invite you, your family, and friends to enjoy admission at a price that fits your budget, ensuring access for all. It’s not just the Vancouver Maritime Museum you can visit, on the same day the Museum of Vancouver also offers a Pay What You Can admission, so you can enjoy two amazing attractions in Vanier Park for a price that suits you. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious learner, or simply looking for an inspiring day out, we welcome everyone with open arms. Mark your calendar and join us in celebrating the spirit of inclusivity and community!
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Celebrating 40 Years of Panto at Metro Theatre! From the team behind last year’s Ovation Award–winning Cinderella! comes Jack and the Beanstalk, Metro’s 40th Holiday Pantomime! A night at the panto might just be the most fun you’ll have at the theatre all year. If you’ve bean-stalking Metro for a while, you know our panto is our silliest-and most beloved-tradition. Boo the villain, cheer the heroes, and laugh ’til the cows come home! That’s RIGHT! There is a cow! And the result is udder nonsense! Follow our hero, fear the giant, love our dancing cow PLUS a talking goose, amazing sets, incredible costumes, terrible jokes and the audience-favourite “The 12 Days of Christmas” it is the perfect side dish for your season of joy! Does any of it make sense? How rude! Who needs sense when your goose can lay a golden egg? Make sure to secure your tickets early as the best seats sell quickly!
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Traditional British Panto at it’s rambunctious best! Sparkling, magical, family fun awaits when you join our wacky cast! Come and sing along with toe-tapping music, groan at corny jokes, cheer the good guys and boo the bad in another hilariously funny show with sparkling sets and colourful costumes. A perfect holiday treat for the whole family!
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Join us at the Brighouse branch in the Kids' Place Program Room for songs, stories, rhymes and more at Family Storytime in the library! This is a drop-in program, no registration required. Caregivers, please remain with your children for the duration of the program.
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This program is for ages 3-12 and their caregivers. Join us for fun winter-themed crafts! All supplies will be provided.
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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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Step into a botanical wonderland this holiday season at VanDusen Festival of Lights. Explore 15 acres adorned with over 1 million twinkling lights, featuring a new interactive mycelium installation, and a display inspired by the Great Bear Rainforest of BC.
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Experience the magic of White Rock this holiday season at Bright Walk in White Rock! From December to early January, Memorial Park transforms into a wonderland of festive lights, right on our picturesque waterfront. Stroll along the beach and immerse yourself in breathtaking light displays, featuring a towering 20-foot Christmas tree, a mesmerizing illuminated tunnel, and nightly lights that cast a glow over the iconic White Rock Pier. This free event is perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to add a little sparkle to the season. Don’t miss out on this enchanting celebration of holiday joy!
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- Lights by the Lake - Harrison Hot Springs - Tourism Harrison - Harrison Hot Springs, Jan 2-4, dusk to 11 pm
- Bright Walk in White Rock - White Rock, Jan 2-4, dusk
- Tsawwassen Springs Festival of Lights - Tsawwassen, Jan 2-4, see website
- Kids Winter Crafts - Surrey Libraries – City Centre Branch - Surrey, Friday, January 2, 2-3:30 pm
- DUPLO Free Play - Richmond Public Library, Ironwood Branch - Richmond, Sunday, January 4, 11-11:30 am
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions in and around the Vancouver area. Here are local organizations that
offer memberships.
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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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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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Wishing you and your family health and happiness!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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