KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
For 25 years, one of my core missions with KidsOutAndAbout has been to make invisible things visible, to celebrate what local communities offer families. Everyone is busy, and local treasures are easy to miss. Our job is to point, spotlight, nudge, and say Look here. Try this. Bring the kids. But there’s another kind of invisibility worth fixing:
The people who create these experiences rarely get to see their full impact. They track tickets sold and kids enrolled, but may never hear that your child talked about their field trip for six months, found courage on their stage, or simply felt welcome exactly when they needed it. That’s why our annual Top 20 Places to Take Kids survey matters. Each summer, we ask readers to vote for their favorite local places to take kids.
The results help families see what other families love. The ranking and comments help local organizations see that their work matters. So your three minutes becomes both a recommendation and a thank-you. The survey is simple: Click on your three favorite local destinations. Then also, optionally, nominate favorites in special categories—like arts, sports, and STEM education—and leave comments that we’ll pass along to the people who make these experiences
happen. So please click here to vote in the 2026 edition of the survey. Help families find the places they’ll love, and help the people behind those places know they’re making a difference. The survey will be open until June 20.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
P.S. If you're interested, check out the 2025 list here to see
who won last year. |
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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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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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The best summers are the ones your child talks about for years. Little Kitchen Academy Point Grey is designed to be exactly that! Summer in Vancouver fills up fast, and families who register early get to relax, knowing their child has something truly worthwhile to look forward to. Your child will build lifelong skills through hands-on cooking experiences that feel engaging and rewarding... and most of all, FUN! “My 6-year-old absolutely LOVED this class. Even better, they made a recipe I would have never thought she would have enjoyed making. It was a great lesson that getting exposed to recipes outside your family regulars can bring so much to your child! Highly recommend joining a class!” — Sara M, LKA Parent Learn more and register today: https://littlekitchenacademy.com/locations/point-grey/
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Discover an unforgettable summer in sunny Tsawwassen at Southpointe Academy. Designed for students entering Grades 1–12, our Summer Programme offers enriching experiences in academics, STEM, and the arts within a caring, engaging community where every learner is encouraged to grow. Whether your child is building new skills, exploring a passion, or discovering something entirely new, Southpointe provides a summer filled with creativity, confidence, and connection. Led by experienced educators and instructors, each programme is thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity and joyful learning through hands-on experiences and meaningful friendships. Spaces are extremely limited and expected to fill quickly. Explore our full range of summer offerings and register early to secure your child’s place in an unforgettable Southpointe summer!
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The Whistler Children’s Festival returns May 15–17, 2026 for a weekend of creativity, play and imagination. Enjoy three days jam-packed with circus performers, jugglers, kids’ comedy shows, hands-on workshops and world-class children’s entertainers throughout Whistler Village and the Maury Young Arts Centre. With interactive activities, roving performers and plenty of free fun, it’s the perfect family-friendly weekend.
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Step into a world where familiar fairy-tale characters cross paths and discover that wishes come with consequences. Into the Woods brings together Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, a Baker and his wife, and a powerful Witch in a story that moves from humour to heartache as each character chases something they believe will change their life. ASIA Sumas is proud to perform this Broadway hit with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, based on the original book by James Lapine. Into the Woods highlights storytelling, music, a pit orchestra all from the creative students of ASIA Sumas. Come for the story, stay for the entertainment.
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IGNITE! is an eclectic festival that celebrates excellence in emerging art and that is programmed and curated entirely by members of the Youth Panel at The Cultch. It features theatre performers, filmmakers, writers, poets, dancers, musicians, drag and visual artists — all aged 13-30 — as well as participants from The Cultch mentorship programs. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the festival also includes the production of two new One Act Plays by local emerging playwrights and a Visual Arts exhibition.
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Over 65,000+ attendees are expected to attend the 135th Cloverdale Country Fair and 78th Cloverdale Rodeo – Will you be there? Over 300 volunteers help make this event one of Western Canada’s biggest and most unique events. Whether you come for the Rodeo, rides, music, attractions, food, or all of the above, make sure you grab your tickets so you don’t miss all the fun and excitement at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds this May Long Weekend.
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Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum, presented in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, makes its North American debut right here in Vancouver. This new exhibition takes visitors behind the scenes of the beautiful game, showing how innovation has shaped its evolution. Visitors will discover the role of technology in soccer today through five distinct zones: Broadcasting and Media, Intelligent Data, Refereeing and Fair Play, Staging the Game, and Innovation Lab. So, whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or simply fascinated by the science, this feature exhibition will shine a spotlight on parts of the game we don’t often see. Score!
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Discover the world of pollinators with River Basin Days at Bear Creek Park! This free family program, part of Surrey’s Environmental Extravaganza, features an hour of guided activities, games, and seed bomb making. Learn how to help local flowering plants thrive and the basics of pollinator gardens. Two sessions are available on Saturday, May 16th. Pre-registration is required, and groups are limited to a maximum of five people to ensure a safe, distanced experience.
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Spring into the Season, brought to you by Fortis BC is back on Saturday May 16th from 10 am-3 pm! Join us and our gal pal Vicki the Cow in celebrating SPRING at EcoFarm! In leu of admission we will be collecting donations in support of our friends from Archway Urban Farm. Look forward to fun kids activities, face-painting, balloon animals, special food features from Seasons Farm Market, the Archway Urban Farm seedling sale and more!
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Join us for a full day of FREE musical delights – 10am to 10pm – spread across multiple stages, including the Orpheum, VSO School of Music, Yaletown, TELUS Garden, Deloitte, and multiple stages in Granville Island. With over 70 performances to enjoy, there’s something for everyone in the family. Cap off the day with a free concert by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at 7:30pm.
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Our annual Engine 374 Celebration returns! Come join us on the turntable for this free, family-friendly event. Sunday, May 17, 12–3 PM. Roundhouse Turntable, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver Enjoy a live performance by The Little Mountain Brass Band, free cake, face painting, and other family activities. Blow the train whistle and visit the Engine 374 Pavilion.
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Join us for a fun soap making workshop and use your creativity to make customized soaps together! Choose from over 40 scents and a wide selection of molds, including animals, flowers, food items and succulents. You will have access to over 60 silicone molds to create your works of art! Only one registration is required for each family/friend group of 3. Take home 6 one-of-a-kind soaps, individually packaged and labelled.
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Every Sunday, kids can get out of the house and score a movie ticket and Snack Pack (popcorn, drink, choice of candy treat) for one great, low price. Every movie, every Sunday. Landmark Cinemas' Kid's Day – turn the average Sunday into a movie-filled Funday. Check your favourite Landmark Cinemas for showtimes.
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Sensory Friendly Sundays offer neurodivergent individuals, their families, and caregivers the ability to visit the museum on the third Sunday of every month. Visitors will enjoy a calm, relaxed, and safe atmosphere. On Sensory Friendly Sundays, adaptations will be made to the exhibits, such as lowered lighting and sound adjustments for a more comfortable visit. A quiet space will also be available for visitors who need a break.
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- Friday Night Youth Lounge Drop-In - False Creek Community Centre, 1318 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC, Friday, May 15, 2026, 6-9 pm
- Family Movie Nights- Killarney Community Centre - Killarney Community Centre, 6260 Killarney St, Vancouver, BC V5S 2X7, Friday, May 15, 2026, 6 pm
- Whistler Children's Festival - Maury Young Arts Centre, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V8E 0X4, Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 17, 2026, see website
- Shipyards Night Market - 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC, Friday, May 15, 2026, 3-10 pm
- Surrey’s Environmental Extravaganza 2026 - May events - Surrey, BC, Friday, May 15, 2026, Times vary
- Family Storytime - Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- West End Farmers Market - West End Farmers Market - Vancouver, 1100 Comox St, Vancouver, BC V6E, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9 am- 2
pm
- Trout Lake Farmers Market - Trout Lake John Hendry Park, Vancouver, BC, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9 am - 2 pm
- Riley Park Farmers Market – Summer - East 30th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 am- 2 pm
- Haney Farmers Market - Memorial Peace Park, 224 Street, Maple Ridge, BC, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9 am- 2 pm
- Fort Langley Village Farmers' Market - 9025 Glover Rd, Langley, BC V1M 2R7, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9 am- 3 pm
- Abbotsford Farm and Country
Market - George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9 am – 1 pm
- Paws 4 Stories - North Vancouver District Public Library (Capilano Branch), 3045 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 2X4, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11:00am
- Lola Market - Frederick Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7K 2Y3, Saturday, May 16 - Sunday, May 17, 2026, 12.30 to 6.30pm
- River Basin Days: Pollinator
Investigators - Surrey, BC V3W 3L1, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 12:30pm-1:30pm 2:00pm-3:30pm
- BMO Day of Music Presented by VSO - Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 am- 10 pm
- Family Storytime with DUPLO® - Surrey Libraries – City Centre Branch, 10350 University Dr, Surrey, BC V3T 4B8, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11 am - 12 pm
- Engine 374
Celebration - Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC, Sunday, May 17, 2026, 12pm-3pm
- White Rock Farmers Market - 15154 Russell Ave, White Rock, BC V4B 2P6, Sunday, May 17, 2026, 10 am - 2 pm
- Mount Pleasant Farmers Market - 2300 Guelph Street, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, BC V5T 3P1, Sunday, May 17, 2026, 10 am- 2 pm
- Kitsilano Farmers Market
- Kitsilano Farmers Market, 2614-2658 Larch St, Vancouver, BC V6K, Sunday, May 17, 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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