KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
I'm in Phoenix this week for a meeting of the American Astronomical Society, where I'm giving a talk about my new book, The Eclipse Effect. One of the best parts of being here is getting to attend the other presentations, too, which is how I found myself Monday night inside under the Dorrance Planetarium Dome at the Arizona Science Center, gazing up at a sky unlike any I’ve ever seen. Thanks to cutting-edge LED projection technology and the first imagery from the nearly-complete Rubin Observatory in Chile, the dome became a portal into the depths of our galaxy and beyond, rendered in light so vivid and
detailed it felt like we could fall in. The room was full of astronomers, researchers, educators—professionals who have dedicated their careers to explaining the universe. These were the very people who helped build the tools, who'd worked the math, who’d waited decades to see the science take shape... and even they were astonished: Their faces were lit up with the kind of awe you usually only see in children. It was a reminder that at its heart, science is about
connection. Connecting those points of light above my head, yes; connecting the dots, sure... but also connecting people—to each other, to wonder, and to what’s possible. If you want your kids to connect deeply with science—or history, or nature, or culture, or space—you don’t need a telescope on a mountain, you just need a person. So go to the museum, walk the trail, step into the planetarium. But don’t stop at the exhibit signs: Find the people! Ask them
questions. They want to talk to you! These docents, tour guides, librarians, explainers, and educators are the ones who turn information into illumination. They are the lens your kids can look through to see what their future might be. So seek the sky painters. Then stand next to your kids, look up, and be amazed together.
—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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Is your teen on a clear path to their university of choice? Bodwell High School is opening their doors on January 15th (7-9pm) and February 13th (10am-12pm) to welcome families to their beautiful waterfront campus for an Open House. During your visit, you’ll discover how Bodwell supports students through their most important years of growth, and assess whether their approach to university-prep aligns with your family’s goals. Learn how their Real-World Academies, IB-MYP and AP courses, and University Pathways support strong post-secondary outcomes -- their graduating class of 2025 was offered 4.7 million in confirmed university scholarships. Tour their world-class facility, and discover options for day-students, weekday and full boarders.
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Are you curious to see what the FIRST LEGO League Challenge competitions are like? On Sunday, January 11th, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM, Steamoji Richmond Central will showcase their Innovation competition team as they showcase their project to the community. Steamoji warmly invites you to join the students! This is a great opportunity to learn more about LEGO competitions. The theme for the 2025-2026 First Lego League Challenge is focused on archeology! The student team will also be collecting feedback to refine their research, improve their project, and prepare for the official competition. If you are able to join and share some valuable feedback with the students on their presentation and project, they would be truly grateful. This is a drop in program, no registration required!
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Learn how to make beautiful origami models! Origami is one of the traditional Japanese folk arts and is a mentally stimulating activity for all ages. Supplies included in course fee.
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Parent and Tot drop-in gym is a perfect time for your toddler to socialize and play. Your child will have the opportunity to explore various play mats, sports equipment and other toys. Also a great opportunity to meet other parents! Child must be supervised at all times by a parent and/or caregiver. Sessions will continue to run on stat holidays.*
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We’re baaaackkk!! Who’s ready for TAKEOFF and some JETS Junior Hockey action??
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Join us for Elio. Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.. Bring your own snack. Parents must stay with children who need supervision.
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Save the date & come get to know your friendly neighbourhood community centre! All Ages. We’re opening our doors and inviting you to explore everything that makes False Creek such a special place. Join us for: FREE class trials, FREE parent & tot play gym, FREE coffee & snacks, FREE fitness centre orientation sign ups and more!
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River Basin Days is a family outdoor workshop held on January 10th at Derby Reach Regional Park, focused on winter weather and biodiversity. Tickets cost $5–$20 and include the guided session plus future admission to the Fraser River Discovery Centre.
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Sensory-Friendly Mornings are inclusive events for individuals and families with neurodiverse or accessibility needs. Guests can explore our exhibits and galleries in a comfortable, welcoming and less crowded environment. Wherever possible, exhibits will have adjusted operations and lowered volume levels from 8 – 11 AM. Volume levels and exhibit operations will return to their usual settings at 11 AM. Guests are welcome to stay and explore Science World as long as they wish. Please note, as this is a special event, Community Access Passes are not valid for admission.
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Looking for somewhere to train your Pokemon for battle? Bring your Pokemon cards and games to the Cambie Branch for the Trainers' Gym and battle other Pokemon Connoisseurs to hone your skills. Must have your own cards and games. This is a weekly drop-in program at Cambie Branch.
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Cars fly, trees fight back, and monsters are on the loose in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! This concert features the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in high-definition, on a giant screen, while a live orchestra performs John Williams’ unforgettable score. Relive every magical moment as the music brings life to a story that has enchanted the world.
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Join us for a screening of the movie The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. The classic tale of the Nutcracker, retold with signature Disney flair. Based on the book by E. T. A. Hoffman, most famously adapted by Alexander Dumas and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
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Join us in the games room Friday nights for our preteen night program full of fun, games and snacks! Every week from 6-8pm staff have planned fun, social activities such as gym games, jeopardy nights, movie nights and more! No class Apr 3. Please register for the program. Drop-ins are allowed if space is available.
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- Pokémon Trainer's Gym - Richmond Public Library: Cambie Branch, 11590 Cambie Road, Richmond, BC, Friday, January 9, 2026, 4-5 pm
- Family Film Fridays: The Nutcracker and the
Four Realms - Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC, Friday, January 9, 2026, 6-8:45 pm
- Preteen Night- Mount Pleasant Community Centre - Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, Friday,
January 9, 2026, 6-8 pm
- Family Funtime - North Vancouver District Public Library (Capilano Branch), 3045 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver, BC, Friday, January 9, 2026, 10:30 am
- DUPLO Free Play - Richmond Public Library, Ironwood Branch, 11688 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC, Saturday, January 10, 2026 - Sunday, January 11, 2026, 11-11:30 am
- Family Movie: Elio
- Surrey Libraries – Fleetwood Branch, 15996 84 Ave, Surrey, BC, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 1-3 pm
- False Creek Open House - False Creek Community Centre, 1318 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:30 am- 3 pm
- First LEGO League Challenge Presentation with Steamoji - Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, Minoru Gate,
Richmond, BC, Sunday, January 11, 2026, 2:30-4 pm
- Lights by the Lake - Harrison Hot Springs - Tourism Harrison, 499 Hot Springs Road, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, Friday, January 9, 2026 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, dusk to 11 pm
- Bright Walk in White Rock - Memorial Park, Marine Drive, White Rock, BC, Friday, January 9, 2026 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, dusk
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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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