KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
For much of the country, it's been the hardest winter in recent memory: cold, monochrome, relentless. The kind of season that reminds us how little control we really have. We do our best to manage routines and moods and expectations, but parents feel it most. February stretches long and flat after the excitement of the holidays, before the lift of spring. You're still packing
lunches, wrangling homework, managing emotions (your kids’ and your own)... all while the cold keeps the family cooped up. This is the season of endurance. Of course, endurance isn’t about being stoic or silent or superhuman; it’s about continuing, even when things are hard. It’s about showing up for your people, your plans, and yourself, day after chilly day. And it’s about knowing that if you’re feeling the drag right now, you’re not alone. Many of us are moving through it
together. Even for those who don't live in Nature's Refrigerator, February can still bring its own version of stuckness: that long stretch between holidays, where kids are restless and routines feel stale. Sometimes, by February, our gray matter feels just as gray as the weather. When that happens, help is allowed! Check out our article and outsource the brainstorming to KidsOutAndAbout: Stuck Inside This Winter? 20 Creative Indoor Activities for Kids is packed with creative, practical, low-effort ways to keep your family engaged (and sane) when outside play isn’t an option. And it shows you how to tap your favorite AI to be your thought partner to personalize it for your
family. February Gray doesn’t need to be conquered; it just needs to be lightened a bit. So whether you're "out and about" or "in and not at all about," we're here to brighten the rest of your winter!
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build
Strong Communities
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
Planning a Family Day week outing? Don’t miss Gateway Theatre’s acclaimed Theatre for Young Audiences presentation of WHERE HAVE ALL THE BUFFALO GONE?—with limited tickets remaining and several performances already sold out. This 50-minute show blends
movement, music, and imaginative storytelling, featuring a captivating life-like buffalo puppet and two journeys through Métis history. Thoughtful, engaging, and accessible for ages 9+, it’s an enriching theatre experience for families and school groups alike. Performances take place February 16–21, 2026 in Richmond. Make it part of your Family Day plans and book soon—this meaningful show is filling up fast.
|
|
|
|
There are moments in life that can shape our perspective, help us find our purpose, and show us how we can impact the world. With proper support and guidance, schools can serve as environments that nurture a child’s development, helping them grow into
confident learners ready to make a difference.
Through Mulgrave’s personalised approach, supported by a comprehensive IB programme that includes the arts, athletics, outdoor education, service and leadership, and entrepreneurship, students are provided with opportunities to pursue their passions, build their confidence, and thrive in their own way. Every journey is unique…discover Mulgrave at https://www.mulgrave.com/
|
|
|
|
Unleash your child’s creativity this summer at Gateway Academy! Whether they are a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time, our Acting and Musical Theatre camps offer a safe, welcoming space for beginners to explore. Taught by
industry professionals inside our professional theatre, students will dive into musical numbers or discover the craft of acting on stage and on camera. It’s the perfect place to build confidence, make new friends, and try something new in a supportive environment. From iconic shows to on-camera techniques, give your child an unforgettable summer in the spotlight. Register today and let the magic begin at Gateway!
|
|
|
|
Sun, Feb 15, 12-5pm: The second annual BIG BANG FESTIVAL is a festive ode to adventurous music and sound art for young audiences. A day of music will take over the Roundhouse on Sunday February 15, where children are invited to discover new sounds and
explore music through interactive performances, creative offerings, and playful experiences! BIG BANG is a place where children don’t have to sit still. Free and ticketed events!
|
|
|
|
Discover caring in nature along the Fraser River through hands-on and self-guided activities. Learn how humans, animals, and plants support one another, Feb 14–16 at Fraser River Discovery Centre.
|
|
|
|
Team Canada FanFest is coming to Vancouver! A free celebration taking place during the Milano Cortina Olympic Games.
|
|
|
|
Join Us Family Day Weekend!
Help us celebrate popular New Year's traditions at the Greater Vancouver Zoo during our Spring Festival this Family Day Weekend, with three days of culture, animals, and family fun, all included with admission.
|
|
|
|
Looking for something to do on the BC Family Day long weekend in February? Join us at Museum of Surrey! Celebrate Family Day with a full day of fun, play, and discovery at your Museum of Surrey! Bring the whole family and enjoy a mix of games, creative
activities, and special experiences across the heritage campus.
Challenge each other with board games, take part in a special scavenger hunt, and don’t miss the chance to strike a pose with everyone’s favourite mascot, Raj the Raccoon.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with LunarFest! Join us on Granville Island for two weekends of all-ages fun. Arts workshops, storytelling sessions, snacks, and an island-wide trivia game. Free admission, full details on lunarfestvancouver.ca.
|
|
|
|
The first ever Family Forward Festival is Carousel’s celebration of family in all its forms and definitions! Be it biological or chosen or otherwise, families of all kinds are invited for a weekend filled with storytelling, drag performances, dance, and
music!
|
|
|
|
Learn how to make beautiful themed origami models! Origami is one of the traditional Japanese folk arts. Over the centuries it was spread from person to person and has become on important of Japanese culture. Origami is mentally stimulating activity for all
ages.
|
|
|
|
Do you love to build? Then it's your lucky day!
Join us for hours of builder's club fun. We'll put out our LEGO® and Duplo and a few other building toys for children of all ages to play with.
May not be suitable for very small children.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate friendship at our Palentine's Day Craft & Chill! Create personalized DIY gifts for all your friends - custom keychains, shrinky dink charms, friendship bracelets, and more! Come craft something sweet for your pals (or yourself!), or just hang
out, listen to music, and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. All supplies provided.
For teens ages 13 to 18.
|
|
|
|
Watch the Olympics at the Library! Drop in to our watch parties to cheer on Team Canada, or any other teams you may love.
|
|
|
|
Richmond Public Library is celebrating Black History Month throughout February!
Test your knowledge of important Black Canadians and historical events by participating in the Family Trivia Challenge. There will be trivia questions posted throughout the month at each library branch.
Answer the question correctly to enter the prize draw. Book prizes will be given away at the end of the month.
Contest is open to all ages. Contest runs February 1 - 28, 2026.
|
|
|
- Open House at Bodwell High School - Bodwell High School, Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, BC, Friday, February 13, 10am-12pm
- Family Funtime - North Vancouver District Public Library (Capilano Branch), 3045 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver, BC, Friday, February 13, 10:30 am
- Kid's Chess Club - Lynn
Valley Library, Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC, Friday, February 13, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Pokémon Trainer's
Gym - Richmond Public Library: Cambie Branch, 11590 Cambie Road, Richmond, BC, Friday, February 13, 4-5 pm
- Valentine’s Day Origami - Ladner Pioneer Library, 51 Street, Delta, BC, Friday, February 13, 3:15 – 4 pm
- Preteen Night- Mount Pleasant Community Centre - Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, Friday,
February 13, 6-8 pm
- Let's Go Lucky LEGO® - Fraser Valley Regional Library, Bevan Avenue,
Abbotsford, BC, Friday, February 13, 12-4 pm
- Wiggle Time - Clearbrook Library, 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC, Friday, February 13, 11:30 am- 12 pm
- Crafternoon: Valentine's Day Cards - Muriel Arnason Library, 65 Avenue, Langley, BC, Friday, February 13, 3-4 pm
- Palentine's Day Craft & Chill - Vancouver Public Library - Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, Friday, February 13, 2-4 pm
- Baby Stay and Play
- Vancouver Public Library - Fraserview Branch, 1950 Argyle Drive, Vancouver, BC, Friday, February 13, 11-11:30 am
- KidsZone: It's Friday, Friday Club - Vancouver Public Library - Terry Salman Branch, 4575 Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver, BC, Friday, February 13, 6:30-7:30 pm
- Lunar New Year Puppet Show - Vancouver Public Library - Terry Salman Branch, 4575
Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver, BC, Friday, February 13, 2-3 pm
- Our Connection to Hockey - Museum of Surrey, 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey, BC, Friday, February 13, see website
- Olympic Winter Games - Coquitlam Public Library, Poirier Branch, 575 Poirier Street, Coquitlam, BC, Friday, February 13, varies
- Black History Month - Family Trivia
Challenge - Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC, Friday, February 13, during regular library hours
- Family Storytime - Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC, Saturday, February 14, 10:30-11 am
- Origami - Valentines - Renfrew Park Community Centre, 2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Saturday, February 14, 3:30-4:30 pm
- Family Day with West Point Grey - West Point Grey Community Centre, 4397 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver,
BC, Saturday, February 14, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
- BC Family Day Celebration - False Creek Community Centre, 1318 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC, Saturday, February 14, 10:30 am-12 pm
- Valentine’s Crafting - Coquitlam Heritage (Mackin House Museum), Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam, BC, Saturday, February 14, 10 AM - 4 PM
- 2026 LunarFest Vancouver - Brave the
Wind - Ocean Artworks Pavilion, Johnston Street, Vancouver, BC, Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, February 15, 11am
- 2026 The Lantern City - Downtown Vancouver, BC, Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, February 15, 12am
- Collaging
Works - Ladner Pioneer Library, 51 Street, Delta, BC, Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, February 15, 11 am- 12 pm
- Family Storytime with DUPLO® - Surrey Libraries – City Centre Branch, 10350 University Dr, Surrey, BC, Saturday, February 14, 11 am - 12 pm
- Family Movie: Shrek - Surrey Libraries – Ocean Park Branch, 12854 17 Ave, Surrey, BC, Saturday, February 14, 2-4 pm
- Family Day at the Museum of Surrey - Museum of Surrey, 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey, BC, Saturday, February 14,
1-4 pm
- Team Canada FanFest - Jack Poole Plaza, Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, Sunday, February 15 to Monday,
February 16, 9am to 5pm
- Lunar New Year: Family Storytime - Vancouver Public Library - Firehall Branch, West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Sunday, February 15, 10:15-10:45 am
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Wishing you and your family health and happiness!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
