KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Fri, Mar 6: Festival du Bois at Mackin Park
Sat, Mar 7: Celtic Fest at Museum of Surrey
Sat, Mar 14: Hastings Centre Rockhounds’ 65th Annual Gem & Jewellery Show
Fri, Mar 20: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at Evergreen Cultural Centre
Wed, Apr 1: Harrison Tulip Festival by Onos Farms
Sat, Apr 4: Egg-Cellent Easter Egg Hunt at Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
Sat, Apr 4: Easter Eggstravaganza at Renfrew Park Community Centre
Sat, Apr 11: Sakura Days Japan Fair at VanDusen Botanical Garden
Thu, Apr 16: Power in Connection at North Shore Women's Centre
Fri, Apr 17: Open House at St. Margaret’s School
Fri, Apr 24: The Paper Bag Princess at Carousel Theatre for Young People
Sat, Apr 25: Party for the Planet at Surrey Civic Plaza |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The February my daughter Ella was 1, she caught a cold that lingered for months. There were short stretches of relief, but mostly there was congestion, disrupted sleep, and a level of crankiness that turned my sunny baby into someone I barely recognized. The clouds around her felt constant, and one day, I caught myself labeling her in my head as “the crabby one.” But of
course, if I had a perpetually runny nose and no way to manage it, I’d be irritable, too! I needed to remember this wasn’t her personality, it was a season. What we needed to get through it was distraction: something fun to do "right now" and also fun things to anticipate. Aside from those who live in paradise pockets like San Diego, most of our readers are in the thick of a particularly dreary winter. The world feels heavy and gray, energy runs
low, and it’s easy to fixate on how dispirited we feel. But we need to remember that this isn't our personality, it's a season. What we need to get through it is distraction in the moment and also something positive we can place on our horizon. My family is counting down to the March 20 release of Project
Hail Mary, which stars Ryan Gosling. The movie is based on the novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian. You don't have to be a science nerd to love Weir's books (although science nerds DO love Weir's
books), because in all of them, the real hero is human ingenuity—curiosity, flexible thinking, doing what needs to be done even in extreme circumstances. When things are going awry, the answer isn’t despair, it’s problem-solving, and I always emerge from a Weir book feeling spiritually lighter. While I immerse myself in Weir and Gosling, you, of course, should do YOU! Let the art or sport that grabs you and your kids be your launch ticket to optimism now, and lift you to fun
in the future. We're glad to provide the fuel!
—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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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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As the wind rises, we draw inspiration from the fearlessness of the Horse. This year’s The Lantern City lights up Vancouver in five locations. 36 lanterns take us through the city with stories about the horse, nature, hope for the future, childhood
memories, and more.
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Bring your little ones for a fun morning of farm life! Each session includes a farm-themed craft, a cozy story time, and a gentle introduction to goat grooming and animal care. Perfect for curious toddlers and parents alike, this hands-on experience helps
little ones learn about animals up close and explore the farm in a safe, friendly setting.
To make new friends and get the full experience we recommend signing up for multiple sessions.
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Join us for a special family storytime in English and Farsi! We will sing songs and read stories in both languages. After the storytime, stay to play with toys and connect with other families.
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This will be an event to celebrate Lunar New Year with the award-winning Silk Road Music! Join us for a celebratory concert, blending the rich traditions of Asian and non-Asian music.
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The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Team up, walk, and fundraise! It’s cold out there... but there’s no place like home.
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Join a Surrey Nature Center program leader for a free story and activity held in the beautiful Green Timbers Park! For ages 0-5; caregiver participation required. Program will be rain or shine.
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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.
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Come and cheer for Vancouver Giants Home Games! Providing "Hockey with Heart" and the best sports entertainment value in the city since 2001.
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Children love our Pro-D Day art camps where they get to explore their creativity through a variety of activities in the visual and performing arts and most of all, have fun!
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No registration required. Just drop in. Seating priority given to school-aged students. Parents must remain in the room with young children.
An all-female gang of criminals forces the Bad Guys to do one last job. Voice acting by Sam Rockwell, Craig Robinson, Awkwafina, Zazie Beetz and Richard Ayoade. (Universal Studios, 2025, 104 mins, rated G)
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Meet other kids and share books, crafts, and fun activities at the library. For Grades K-7. Drop-in.
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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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- Pokémon Trainer's Gym - Richmond Public Library: Cambie Branch, 11590 Cambie Road, Richmond, Friday, 02/27/2026, 4-5 pm
- Pro D Movie Screening: Bad Guys 2 - Coquitlam Public
Library, City Centre Branch, 1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, Friday, 02/27/2026, 1:30-3:15 pm
- Family Funtime - North Vancouver District Public Library (Capilano Branch), 3045 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver, Friday, 02/27/2026, 10:30 am
- Kid's Chess Club - Lynn Valley Library, Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, Friday, 02/27/2026, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Preteen Night- Mount Pleasant Community Centre - Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver,
Friday, 02/27/2026, 6-8 pm
- Black History Month Showcase - Museum of Vancouver, Chestnut Street,
Vancouver, Friday, 02/27/2026, 5-10 pm
- Wiggle Time - Clearbrook Library, 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, Friday, 02/27/2026, 11:30 am- 12 pm
- Switch It Up! - 2470 Mary Hill Road, Port
Coquitlam, Friday, 02/27/2026, 2-4 pm
- Baby Stay and Play - Vancouver Public Library - Fraserview Branch, 1950 Argyle Drive, Vancouver, Friday, 02/27/2026, 11-11:30 am
- KidsZone: It's Friday, Friday Club - Vancouver Public Library - Terry Salman Branch, 4575 Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver, Friday, 02/27/2026, 6:30-7:30 pm
- Our Connection to Hockey - Museum of
Surrey, 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey, Friday, 02/27/2026 to Sunday, 03/01/2026, see website
- 2026 The Lantern
City - Downtown Vancouver, Vancouver, Friday, 02/27/2026 to Sunday, 03/01/2026, 12am
- Black History
Month - Family Trivia Challenge - Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, Minoru Gate, Richmond, Friday, 02/27/2026, during regular library hours
- DUPLO Free Play - Richmond Public Library, Ironwood Branch, 11688 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, Saturday, 02/28/2026, 11-11:30
am
- Family Storytime - Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, Minoru Gate, Richmond,
Saturday, 02/28/2026, 10:30-11 am
- Family Storytime - Richmond Public Library: Cambie Branch, 11590 Cambie Road, Richmond, Saturday, 02/28/2026, 10:30-11 am
- Family Storytime with DUPLO® - Surrey Libraries – City Centre Branch, 10350 University Dr, Surrey, Saturday, 02/28/2026, 11 am - 12 pm
- Family Fun - Surrey Libraries – City Centre Branch, 10350 University Dr, Surrey, Saturday, 02/28/2026, 2-4 pm
- Nature
Storytime at the Surrey Nature Centre - Surrey Nature Centre, Green Timbers Way, Surrey, Saturday, 02/28/2026, 10 - 10:45 am
- Pay What You Can Day @ MONOVA - MONOVA: Museum and Archives of North Vancouver, MONOVA: Museum and Archives of North Vancouver, Sunday, 03/01/2026, 10AM-5PM
- Farsi Storytime - Lynn Valley Library, Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, Sunday, 03/01/2026, 11:00 AM
- Family Fun Time - Lynn Valley Library, Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, Sunday, 03/01/2026, 2-4 pm
- LEGO® Block Party - Vancouver Public Library - Champlain Heights Branch, Kerr Street, Vancouver, Sunday, 03/01/2026, 11 am- 12
pm
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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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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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