KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
As I write this column, three Americans and one Canadian are hurtling home from a trip around the Moon, inside a machine that had better do exactly what it’s supposed to do. For years, every person involved in the mission obsessed over every detail at every stage until as little as possible was left to chance. “Failure is not an option,” an ethos long associated with our
quest to explore outer space, makes perfect sense when we're talking about Artemis II. But decades ago, the attitude leaked out of the space program and into everyday life, and that was a mixed blessing. When I was a teenager, “failure is not an option” might as well have been tattooed on my brain: For me, not only was failure not an option, but anything below an A grade wasn’t an option, either. I was so afraid of not being perfect that if I felt unprepared for a test, I’d
stay home “sick.” I looked successful from the outside, but because I was working so hard to avoid mistakes, I played it safe. So I didn't actually accomplish much aside from some sharp-looking letters on a report card. It took me years out in the real world to realize that real accomplishment usually looks less like gliding and more like bumping into things until you find the way through. So these days, failure and I are best buddies: I've replaced "failure is not an option"
with "nothing ventured, nothing gained" as I inch toward and away from success each day. Even writing my column each week is an act of resilience: I add and then murder my words until they say what I mean, and I'm always aware in the end that it could be better. One of my goals when I was homeschooling Madison and Ella was to make failure safe and ordinary... cheerful, even... a sign of progress. Kids need chances to try things that might flop: recipes that taste weird,
projects that collapse, math problems they have to redo, conversations they wish they’d handled better. I wanted them to understand that when the stakes are low, failure is not a tragedy, it’s just how learning works. It doesn't usually feel fun, or comfortable. But it's the only way to fly.
—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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Looking for a summer camp in Vancouver that gets kids outside, active, and learning real-life skills? Led by the same trusted team delivering bike education in schools for over 15 years, HUB Cycling’s Everyone Rides Camps for ages 9-12 build independence, problem-solving skills, and confidence as kids learn how to navigate the city safely on two wheels. Camps at three Vancouver locations run Monday to Friday between July 6 and August 21. Registration is open now! Click HERE to learn more.
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Learn to play jazz music in a small combo. If you play brass, woodwinds, bass, guitar, drums or jazz piano and voice. This program has been offered since 2004 and is a wonderful opportunity for students of all ages to learn more about Jazz improvisation while playing with other students in a small combo setting. For ages 12 and up our student combos will run through the workshop and perform along with faculty at our workshop concert. A variety of concepts, jazz styles and repertoire will be covered during the week from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Daily masterclass, concert and opportunities to work with our special guest faculty.
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Join us for our 4th annual Human Library® event and challenge your own prejudices and stereotypes to broaden your understanding. Connect in-person with people who might not normally cross your path. Check out a volunteer book for 20 minutes to hear about their lived experiences and ask questions.
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Welcome to the 2026 Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival! Where Gratitude Blooms. The Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Garry Point Park on Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, bringing the community together to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossom alongside the cultural richness of Japan.
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Looking for something creative to do with the family? Join us for an art-filled afternoon with fun activities for all ages led by talented artists. At this free event, explore our current exhibitions, experiment with art mediums and discover the performing arts. Take home any creations made during the event. Pre-registration is encouraged.
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Sakura Days Japan Fair celebrates all things Japan – from Japanese food, drink and performances, to music and art. Join us and immerse yourself in Japanese culture – participate in a traditional tea ceremony, try Japanese festival food, sample premium sake, learn new Japanese games, and enjoy a range of cultural performances. Discover a wide variety of vendors and exhibitors featuring local Japanese food, crafts, and businesses.
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The Vancouver Canadians are dedicated to providing a family-friendly experience here at Nat Bailey Stadium with post-game Fireworks Nights, Superstar Series Nights with MLB and Blue Jays Alumni signing autographs, Nooners, A&W Family Fun Sundays, and promotions and giveaways all season long. The team itself is comprised of minor leaguers in the Blue Jays system, players we will soon see in the majors playing for Canada's Team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
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Join our arts instructor for family art-making sessions in our studio! We welcome guests of all ages and families of all kinds: parents, kids, aunts, uncles, cousins—everyone is invited! Children must be accompanied by parents/guardians for the duration of the event.
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We are honored to have been named the World’s Most Instagrammable Tulip Farm at the World Tulip Summit in Holland! Our stunning fields, vibrant colours, and carefully curated landscapes make for the most picture-perfect tulip experience in the world. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just capturing memories, you won’t find a better backdrop than our award-winning tulip farm.
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Video Games Unlimited is hosting the FRASER VALLEY RETRO EXPO and SWAP MEET
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Join an upcoming campus tour to learn about our faculties, academic programs, student experiences, and more. You'll be guided by Meadowridge students, who can share their insights as they lead you through a variety of outstanding campus spaces. You will also have an opportunity to connect with Senior Administration and parent volunteers. We can’t wait to meet you!
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Showcasing Surrey’s own athletes and game-changers alongside national icons, this engaging and interactive exhibit explores Canada’s deep-rooted relationship with its national winter sport. This original Museum of Surrey-curated experience celebrates the unifying power of hockey, highlighting its diversity, cultural significance, and impact on local communities. Visitors will also learn about grassroots initiatives, women’s hockey, para hockey, Punjabi broadcasters, and the achievements that shape both local and national hockey culture.
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This is a FREE unstructured lounge drop-in program supervised by our youth staff for ages 11-14. We’ve got a Nintendo Switch, board games, snacks, phone chargers, art supplies and books-the perfect recipe for a chill Friday night! A free citywide pass is required and youth must scan in at the front desk upon arrival (no program registration needed).
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- Our Connection to Hockey - Museum of Surrey, 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S 5H8, Friday, April 10, 2026 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, see website
- Open House at Meadowridge School - Meadowridge School, 12224 240th Street, Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1N1, Friday, April 10, 2026, 9-10:30 am
- Friday Night Youth
Lounge Drop-In - False Creek Community Centre, 1318 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8, Friday, April 10, 2026, 6-9 pm
- Preteen Night- Mount Pleasant Community Centre - Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3H7, Friday, April 10, 2026, 6-8
pm
- Guided Nature Walk - Surrey Nature Centre, Green Timbers Way, Surrey, BC, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 10:00 - 10:45 am
- Family
Storytime - Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- Kwentuhang Pinoy | Filipino Storytime - Surrey Libraries – City Centre Branch, 10350 University Dr, Surrey, BC V3T 4B8, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11 am- 12
pm
- WVAM! Drop-in Family Art Project - Art Museum | West Vancouver, 680 17th Street, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3T2, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 12:30—4:30 pm
- Family Day - Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam, BC V3K 1G2, Sunday, April 12, 2026, 1-3 pm
- Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival - Garry Point Park, Seventh Avenue, Richmond, BC, Sunday, April 12, 2026, 11 am- 4
pm
- Human Library® - Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC, Sunday, April 12, 2026, 1-4 pm
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Vancouver 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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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Vancouver area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the
schools.
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Vancouver area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping
a spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
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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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