KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Sat, Feb 7: Lunar New Year at Renfrew Park Community Centre
Sat, Feb 7: Black History Month Celebration at Fraser Valley Regional Library - Clearbrook
Sat, Feb 14: The Family Forward Festival at Carousel Theatre for Young People
Sun, Feb 15: The Big Bang Festival at Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre Mon, Feb 16: Gateway Theatre presents Where Have All The Buffalo Gone?
Mon, Feb 16: Family Day Hike & Campfire at təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park - Picnic Area
Sat, Feb 28: Coldest Night of the Year at Various locations throughout the Vancouver and Toronto areas
Fri, Mar 6: Festival du Bois at Mackin Park
Sat, Mar 14: Where the Wild Things Are at Carousel Theatre for Young People
Fri, Mar 27: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at Anvil Centre Theatre |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
My first job out of college was as the managing editor at a small medical publishing company in New York City. I worked alongside Steve, our associate editor. My strength was structure and rhythm; his was medical accuracy and detail. We made a good team. One day, Steve walked into my office waving some printed pages. “Deb, can you do that thing
you do, so I can check out the science?” “What thing?” I asked. “You know,” he said, “that magic you work where the writing comes in muddy and you turn it into something clear, logical, and even fun to read.” I’ve never forgotten that moment. Not just because it felt great to be seen, but because of what it taught me about leadership. We’re surrounded by people with unique strengths. As parents, friends, or leaders, one of the most powerful
things we can do is notice those strengths and say them out loud. When we do, people rise. Kids rise. They lean into what they’re good at, and their futures get brighter. It’s not magic—it’s just the natural result of being seen and valued—but it feels like it. Over the years, as I raised kids, built a business team, and worked within various communities, I kept returning to that lesson: Leadership isn’t about having a title, it’s about paying
attention. You can’t run a family or a business unless you know who you’re with and what makes them shine. And once you start validating others (“You know that thing you do? Please do that!”) you become a leader. Even if you're just leading someone to be more themselves. So today, find a reason to start a conversation: “You know that thing you do?...” You won't see it right away, but trust me: Their horizon will glow.
—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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The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of
entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
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Is your child ready for a changing world? With a 35-year history of competitive university preparation, Bodwell High School proudly serves both local BC and international students from over 40 countries, nurturing the next generation of global thinkers and
leaders. Their results speak for themselves. Bodwell’s Class of 2025 earned 522 university offers and over $4.7 million in confirmed scholarships, placing it among the strongest university-preparatory schools in the Lower Mainland.
Explore admissions options for day students, weekday boarding, and full boarding at Bodwell’s Open House on February 13 (10am–12pm). Or book a personalized tour at a time that works for your family. Plan your campus visit today.
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Step into an unforgettable live theatre experience this Family Day at Gateway Theatre! WHERE HAVE ALL THE BUFFALO GONE? is a vibrant Theatre for Young Audiences production that follows two souls through pivotal moments in Métis history, weaving together
storytelling, music, and a life-like buffalo puppet for a compelling and educational journey. Recommended for ages 9 and up, this 50-minute performance offers families a meaningful way to explore culture, resilience, and connection together. With multiple showtimes from February 16–21, 2026, it’s perfect for a fun family outing. Don’t miss this engaging celebration of history and heart on stage in Richmond!
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Unleash your creativity by turning simple chenille stems (pipe cleaners) into colorful flowers! This hands-on course teaches basic twisting, coiling, and shaping techniques to craft stunning petals, stems, and leaves. From classic daisies to imaginative
fantasy blooms, you’ll explore color blending and floral design. Perfect for all ages, this fun and relaxing activity explores a playful art form. You will get to take home your final flower arrangement. No experience needed, just bring your imagination and enjoy creating!
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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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Celebrate Valentine’s Day with joy and creativity! Each participant will create a unique work of art made with love and clay! (Projects will be ready for pick up 2 weeks later)
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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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Join us to celebrate Family Literacy with activities for all ages!
Experience a showcase of the many things Surrey Libraries has to offer.
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Don’t just watch the performance BE the show! Join Piano Heist duo Patrick Courtin and Nico Rhodes—your Great Canadian Singalong hosts as they guide you through the family edition of this entertaining event. Bring the whole family and they’ll teach you how
to sing the harmonies and melodies of those Canadian songs that you know and love.
Sing off-key? No problem! Everyone sounds incredible in the Great Canadian Singalong Choir. Sing to your heart’s content to family-friendly favourites from Shania Twain, Joni Mitchell, The Weeknd, Barenaked Ladies, Fred Penner, and so many more.
This show is perfect for all music lovers including choir fans, karaoke buffs, and the rest of us who sing in the shower. This is a feel good and uplifting experience you will want to be a part of!
All ages!
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Book Buddies is a one-on-one reading program to help young readers get more comfortable and confident with reading. In this series, we're providing a bilingual option to practice reading in both English and French!
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Come and meet new friends as you play at the Ironwood Library! We will have DUPLO available for you to build and create with.
No registration needed.
Ideal for children ages 2-5 with a caregiver.
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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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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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Blast Off to the Moon—One LEGO® Brick at a Time!
Prepare… for… liftoff! Artemis Space Adventure with LEGO® Bricks, presented by White Spot Restaurants, turns the science of space travel—from Moon missions to future journeys to Mars—into hands-on challenges powered by LEGO® bricks.
This interactive exhibition is inspired by none other than NASA’s groundbreaking Artemis Missions, a series of ambitious programs designed to return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972. Visitors will take on the roles of Artemis space explorers (engineers, scientists, and astronauts) using LEGO® bricks to imagine, design, and build their way through the challenges of deep space.
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Come join for some self-guided, free play at the Capilano Library with toys and books. Connect with other families while you have fun!
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- Pokémon Trainer's Gym - Richmond Public Library: Cambie Branch, 11590 Cambie Road, Richmond, Friday, January 30, 2026, 4-5 pm
- DUPLO Free Play - Richmond Public Library, Ironwood Branch, 11688 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, Friday, January 30, 2026, 11-11:30 am
- Family
Storytime - Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, Minoru Gate, Richmond, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- Family Funtime - North Vancouver District Public Library (Capilano Branch), 3045 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver, Friday, January 30, 2026, 10:30 am
- Kid's Chess Club - Lynn Valley Library, Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, Friday, January 30, 2026, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Our Connection to Hockey - Museum of Surrey, 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey, Friday, January 30, 2026 to Sunday,
February 1, 2026, see website
- Surrey Libraries Expo: Spark Your Curiosity - Surrey Libraries, 13795 70 Ave, Surrey, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10 am- 3 pm
- Nature Storytime at the Surrey Nature Centre - Surrey Nature Centre, Green Timbers Way, Surrey, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10 - 10:45 am
- The Great Canadian Family Sing-A-Long - Surrey Art Gallery & Surrey
Civic Theatres at Surrey Arts Centre, 88 Avenue, Surrey, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 2-6 pm
- Preteen Night- Mount Pleasant Community Centre - Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver, Friday, January 30, 2026, 6-8 pm
- Wiggle Time - Clearbrook Library, 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, Friday, January 30, 2026, 11:30 am- 12
pm
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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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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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