KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: There’s a sign on the New York State Thruway heading west that marks 70 miles to where I live. For Rochesterians driving back to Western New York from the east or southeast, that marker elicits both a sigh of relief and a groan: You’re close, especially relative to where you started. But in that final stretch, each mile is somehow psychologically
longer. Over the years, this became a useful metaphor in my family: You're pushing through to the end of a project, you'd love to see the finish line, but the murky distance between you and that goal is in your way. "Ugh, it's those last 70 miles," one of us will say to the person suffering, and we'll all nod sympathetically. At this time of year, families with kids in school are experiencing those last 70 miles: The end of the school year is in sight, yet
not quite here. The energy reserves are low, and the end point seems stuck in the distance. We feel like we’re sprinting but not getting closer fast enough. As in any journey, that’s precisely when it’s worth keeping in mind that these last miles may feel long, but they’re also the most meaningful: They become the lens through which we look back at the whole experience, so these final steps really count. Remembering this can provide the last surge of energy to press
forward. So whatever final 70 miles you and your kids are facing, remind yourself and the people traveling with you that if you put your best self into it now, the rewards will feel sweeter, and the memories of success will help fuel you next time. You’re on the last leg. You're almost there. And you have lots of company.
—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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Knight Camp is an award-winning 5-day camp for ages 8–14 in downtown Vancouver, where kids train in swordplay, sword & shield, and archery, play medieval games, explore history, and practice knightly virtues in a safe, structured environment. Hosted by Academie Duello, the world’s largest centre for historical swordplay, it’s an especially great fit for active, imaginative kids who want more than a standard sports camp. The week ends with a Friday Grand Tournament for family and friends. Use coupon code OUTANDABOUT60 for $60 off.
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Beginner Summer Camps at The Happening Dance Company are the perfect introduction to dance in a fun, welcoming, and energetic environment. These week-long camps run throughout July and are designed for ages 4–7 and 8–14. Dancers will explore a wide range of styles—including Acro, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Popping, Waacking, Contemporary, Breaking, and more—while building confidence and discovering what they love. With guidance from experienced instructors, dancers will develop foundational skills, make new friends, and experience all our studio has to offer. Dance with us this summer: www.thehappeningdance.com/camps
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Splash into the best summer break ever at Vancouver Aquarium! AquaCamps are the ultimate adventure for ocean explorers aged 5–12. From hands-on activities and up-close animal observations to science-based crafts and outdoor play, every day is overflowing with fun and discovery. Led by experienced aquarium staff, campers will meet amazing animals, make new friends (both human and animal), and dive into topics like food webs, life cycles, adaptations, ecosystems and ocean conservation. Learning happens naturally when the adventure is this fun! Spots fill up quickly—register today.
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While the parents enjoy a well-deserved night out, the children get to come to play, watch a movie, and spend time with us!
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Homework Helpers is a one-on-one session where we match up kids with teen volunteers who will help with their homework for 30 minutes each week.
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We are honoured to be providing space for the Mother’s Day Traditional Pow Wow. This three-day event from May 8 to May 10, 2026 will be hosted at Trout Lake again. This event takes place on the traditional and unceded Coast Salish territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and sə̓ lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It is free for all ages, no registration required.
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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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Get ready for community spirit and excitement as downtown Port Coquitlam comes alive for May Days. Join thousands of visitors from across Metro Vancouver for free family fun, vibrant local culture, exciting live entertainment, and the annual May Day Parade.
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Spring on the farm brings new calves, kid goats, lambs, baby bunnies and kittens!! Of course the older horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, dogs, cats and cows are here too! During your visit check out our massive cat tree wall and R2D2 the milking robot! Enjoy a scenic tractor pulled hayride around the Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch fields! Clear days show off our beautiful view of the Golden Ears Mountain and surrounding forests. Enjoy a hand scooped ice cream cone on the lawn while watching the sheep, goats and your kids play!
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Explore, discover and connect with nature at Surrey’s Environmental Extravaganza, April 22–June 8. Bring your family and get ready for free fun—go on guided walks, enjoy storytimes, try hands-on activities and join exciting community events. There’s something for everyone! Don’t forget to play nature-themed Bingo for a chance to win. Come experience the joy of nature with us this spring!
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Every year since Southridge opened its doors in 1995, we’ve held our Country Fair on a Saturday in early May. On that day, we estimate that up to 5,000 people from our greater community attend our fair and enjoy a fun-filled family day at our school. For many, this is their first introduction to the Southridge community.
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Celebrate Mother's Day at the nature house with live music, puppet shows, crafts, and fun activities for the whole family. See a live raptor and learn how wild animal mothers take care of their families. Venture on a self-guided forest stroll. Pack a picnic to make it a full day.
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Join Us for Run for Mom! Celebrate Mother’s Day with us on May 10th, 2026, for a special 5km run that gives back to the community. Run for Mom is a fun and meaningful way to honor all mothers while supporting the maternity department at Chilliwack General Hospital. Whether you’re a runner, walker, or simply looking to show your support, this event is for you! All proceeds will go towards enhancing the hospital’s maternity care and services, helping ensure the best care for new and expecting mothers.
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The SuperMom Walk/Run offers a perfect opportunity to come together for a fun and meaningful day. Participants can enjoy breakfast, snacks, prizes, and complete the 5km Walk/Run, all while raising vital funds for Parkinson Canada. The Parkinson Canada SuperMom supports women with Parkinson’s, and we are committed to raising awareness, empowering women to reclaim control of their lives, and celebrating their courage, love, and strength. Through the support of our sponsors, partners, and the Parkinson’s community, we fund essential programs, services, and research dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of women with Parkinson’s across Canada, while continuing to advocate for better healthcare outcomes for all people affected.
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Start your Sunday with an awe-inspiring view as the backdrop to a Hatha yoga session. This gentle, slower-paced style of yoga focuses on physical postures and breathing—which will be all the more restorative with a stunning view of Vanier Park, English Bay and the North Shore Mountains. This will be the ultimate way to reset before the week begins. Please bring your yoga mat. Mats will not be provided. Admission to the MOV is included with your ticket!
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- Friday Night Youth Lounge Drop-In - False Creek Community Centre, 1318 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC, Friday, May 8, 2026, 6-9 pm
- Make Music with Makey Makey! - Parkgate Library, North Vancouver, BC, Friday, May 8, 2026, 4:00-5:00pm
- Mother’s Day Traditional Pow Wow -
Trout Lake Community Centre, Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10, 2026, see website
- Family Storytime - Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- Guided Nature Walk - Surrey Nature Centre, Green Timbers Way, Surrey, BC, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10:00 - 10:45 am
- May Days in Port Coquitlam - 2580 Shaughnessy
Street, Port Coquitlam, BC, Saturday, May 9, 2026, see website
- Southridge Country Fair - Southridge School, 160 Street, Surrey, BC, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9 am- 4 pm
- West End Farmers Market - West End Farmers Market - Vancouver, 1100 Comox St, Vancouver, BC, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9 am- 2 pm
- Trout Lake Farmers Market - Trout Lake Farmers Market, Trout Lake John Hendry Park, Vancouver, BC,
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9 am - 2 pm
- Riley Park Farmers Market – Summer - Riley Park Farmers Market - Winter, East 30th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10 am- 2 pm
- Haney Farmers Market - Memorial Peace Park, 224 Street, Maple Ridge, BC, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9 am- 2 pm
- Fort Langley Village Farmers' Market -
Fort Langley Village Farmers' Market, 9025 Glover Rd, Langley, BC, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9 am- 3 pm
- Abbotsford Farm and Country Market - George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9 am – 1 pm
- Paws 4 Stories - North Vancouver District Public Library (Capilano Branch), 3045 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver, BC, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 11:00am
- Wild Moms - Campbell Valley
Regional Park, 8 Avenue, Langley Township, BC, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 2-5 pm
- White Rock Farmers Market - White Rock Farmers' Market, 15154 Russell Ave, White Rock, BC, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 10 am - 2 pm
- Mount Pleasant Farmers Market - 2300 Guelph Street, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, BC, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 10 am- 2 pm
- Kitsilano Farmers Market -
Kitsilano Farmers Market, 2614-2658 Larch St, Vancouver, BC, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 10 am- 2 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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Wishing you and your family health and happiness!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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