KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When I was a kid, a giant azalea bush stretched across our backyard, exploding into glorious pink blossoms in early May. In summer, it became something even better: a secret hideout that my sister and I named the Humble Abode. We hollowed out the dead branches behind the bush and dragged in little chairs and treasures and our dollhouse family. The Humble Abode barely qualified as
a fort, and it wasn't even secret; I'm sure my parents knew when we were back there. But it was a great kids-only space. A few weeks ago, I wrote about five summer lenses through which to plan summer: music, motion, making, nature, and food. Making—the lens for this week—reminds kids that they are not merely consumers of the world, but contributors to it. They can push value into existence. They can turn sticks, cardboard, fabric, tape, mud, blocks, gears,
sand, and flour into something that wasn’t there before. Especially for younger kids, making with the hands gives the brain evidence. I did that. I made that. I can make things happen. Summer is perfect for this because summer has time and room for mess. Pull out the science kits, the rocket kits, the LEGO bins, the soap-making sets that arrived at Christmas and then sat politely in the closet. "Upcycle" old boxes, fabric, toys, crayons, paint, buttons.
Let your kids build backyard forts, fairy houses, marble runs, cardboard cities, obstacle courses, blanket tents, museum towers, and whatever else the day and their imagination suggest. Of course, glue will drip. Sand will migrate. The kitchen table may briefly disappear under invention. (If the clutter gets overwhelming, consider a trip or two to your local science museum or maker space to save your sanity.) After all, you can’t make omelets without breaking eggs. And
you can’t make a maker without giving a child some space, some tools, some trust, and permission to begin.
—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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Blessed with Laughter. Bursting with Soul. Broadway's Heavenly Hit! When aspiring disco diva Deloris Van Cartier stumbles upon a shooting involving her gangster boyfriend, she’s hastily sent into witness protection at a nearby convent. Under the guise of her new persona as Sister Mary Clarence, Deloris is tasked with taking over the flailing choir. Her infectious spirit and undeniable talent helps turn the choir into a regional sensation – encouraging her sisters to find their inner voices, and ultimately rediscovering the strength of her own. Based on the 1992 hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act is an uplifting celebration of the power of sisterhood, bursting with hilarious hijinks and get-on-your-feet, gospel-inspired musical numbers.
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Contests, prizes, games and crazy staff!! Britannia youth only swim time. Every other Friday!! Be ready to go in the water by 6pm. No swimsuit required...it’s not what you’re thinking, swimsuits, or clean, recently washed clothing can be worn. No shoes allowed.
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Come downtown and experience the energy of the World Cup! From June 11 to July 19, 2026, Granville Street will transform into a vibrant, temporary pedestrian zone. For five exciting weeks—during a period of unprecedented global attention—the Granville Entertainment District will become a people-first public space to welcome visitors and locals. With more space to stroll, gather, dine, and explore, Granville will come alive, welcoming everyone to connect, discover, and celebrate the city together.
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Magic, Mind-Reading, Comedy, and Escape. Step into the captivating world of magic, mind-reading, comedy, and a daring escape with Mind Bender’s electrifying live show — The Experience. Now touring across Canada — including a special stop in British Columbia — The Experience is a high-energy, interactive spectacle that blurs the line between reality and illusion. From impossible feats of mentalism to Mind Bender’s shocking body bag escape, this is a show you have to see to believe. As seen on Canada’s Got Talent — and fresh off a two-month run with Princess Cruise Lines — and following 15 years of sold-out performances, Mind Bender continues to captivate audiences nationwide. You paid for the whole seat… but you’ll only need the edge. Whether you’re out with family, on a date, or simply looking for something unforgettable, The Experience delivers a night of wonder, laughter, and jaw-dropping moments you won’t soon forget. Are you ready to witness the impossible?
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Get ready to soar, spin, and explore Vancouver’s favourite amusement park. Your summer adventure starts here. What’s New? Late‑Night Fun Returns: Make summer nights count this July and August with late-night openings on select Fridays and Saturdays! Playland stays open until 9:00 pm, giving you more time for thrills, rides, and fun—plus Fun and Thrill passes are just $30 after 5:00 pm. Looking for the best value? A Playland Season Pass gives you unlimited access plus exclusive perks just for passholders.
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Kids First is an opportunity for families of all kinds to create an in-house art project, based on the exhibitions being shown in the Gallery. Kids First takes place on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month. The projects are geared towards children ranging in age from 5 to 12 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is by donation.
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The MOV’s monthly Pay What You Can days are extra special this summer! Get a free caricature of you and your friends in the History Galleries with Toe Comics! A rotating lineup of local vendors and artists will be on site so you can discover unique, locally made work while supporting creative communities. Plus, the Museum is air-conditioned—a perfect place to get out of the summer sun! The first Sunday of every month is a Pay What You Can day at the MOV, but this summer, they’re extra special!
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Water Street is turning into a stage, gallery, café patio, dance floor, and open-air playground – every Sunday from July 5 to September 6. Each week features a fresh setlist of DJs, art drops, interactive installations, markets, games, and curated surprises. It’s street-level culture, served up weekly in the heart of Vancouver’s most iconic neighbourhood. This is your new Sunday ritual.
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Join us on a weekend family adventure in the forest! Discovery Days programs are for families with children ages 3-8. You’ll enjoy a forest walk, story, and hands-on activities as you learn about plants and animals. $16 per child, includes 1 adult. Full refunds are available up until 2 weeks before each program. Non-transferable.
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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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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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It's almost time for fruit picking! Fruit picking is a great activity to do together as a family. It helps little ones understand where their food actually comes from, and it's a fun tradition to share every year right through the teens.
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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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