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Article written by Erika Holter
Navigating life after divorce can bring shifts in family dynamics, sometimes leaving a sense of distance between you and your kids. While adapting to this new reality may feel challenging, it’s important to embrace moments that celebrate your family in it's newest chapter. With Family Day just around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity to focus on quality time, create lasting memories, and reinforce the unique bond you share with your children. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, creative activities, or community events, here are some meaningful ways to make the most of this special day together.
1. Enjoy the Great Outdoors…Winter-Style
Spending time outdoors in the winter can be a magical (and very Canadian) way to reconnect with your child while enjoying the beauty of the season. In Toronto, head to Nathan Phillips Square for a classic ice-skating experience right at the heart of the city, or visit Evergreen Brick Works, where you can explore snowy trails and warm up with a hot chocolate afterward. For a more adventurous outing, head to Snow Valley in Barrie, just outside Toronto, for an exciting day of snow tubing.
For those closer to Ottawa, you can still lace up your skates and glide along the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest outdoor skating rink. If you’re looking for more thrills, take a trip to Le Domaine de L’Ange-Gardien, just outside the city, for an exhilarating afternoon of snow tubing. Whether you prefer a leisurely skate or an adrenaline-filled ride down a snowy hill, embracing winter activities together is a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories.
2. Get Creative Together
Getting creative together is a wonderful way to strengthen your bond while allowing your child to express their emotions through art. Whether it’s painting, scrapbooking, or making DIY gifts for each other, hands-on activities provide a fun and meaningful way to connect. In Toronto, visit The Clay Room, where you and your child can paint your own pottery and create personalized keepsakes. For a more structured experience, check out local community centers that offer family-friendly art classes. For example, Crock A Doodle provides the opportunity to craft unique ceramic pieces together and can be enjoyed at different locations all across Ontario.
If you prefer something more relaxed, set up an at-home art station with canvases, paints, and crafting supplies, and spend the afternoon creating something special side by side. No matter the medium, making art together is a great way to spark conversation, encourage self-expression, and enjoy quality time as a family.
3. Volunteer as a Family
Volunteering as a family is a meaningful way to spend time together while giving back to the community. It fosters a sense of teamwork, empathy, and shared purpose, showing children the importance of helping others. Consider participating in activities like sorting donations at a local food bank, joining a park clean-up, or contributing to a winter toy drive.
In Toronto, organizations like Second Harvest offer family-friendly volunteer opportunities where you can help distribute food to those in need. Similarly, in Ottawa, the Ottawa Food Bank provides hands-on programs that allow families to work together to make a difference. Engaging in acts of kindness not only strengthens your bond but also instills lifelong values in your child.
4. Embark on a Local Adventure
A local adventure can be a fantastic way to break from routine and create lasting memories with your child. In Toronto, bundle up and take a trip to the Toronto Islands, where you can enjoy a peaceful winter walk, snap photos of the city skyline, or even try winter biking on the snow-covered trails. For a more immersive experience, visit the Ontario Science Centre, where interactive exhibits and hands-on activities make learning fun for all ages. Finally, depending on what interests your kids, the Art Gallery of Ontario currently has a popular exhibit on hip hop and contemporary art which would make for a unique bonding experience for the entire family. No matter where you are located, there is so much you and your kids can explore in your own community!
5. Check out Some Family Day-Specific Activities
Family Day is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of special events designed for families to enjoy together. Across Ontario, there are plenty of exciting activities planned just for the occasion. In the Greater Toronto Area, Kidapalooza offers an action-packed festival with interactive games, rides, arts and crafts, and live entertainment, making it a fantastic option for younger children. If you're up for a winter adventure, the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival is a beloved tradition featuring snowmobile races, polar bear dips, and family-friendly games that embrace the spirit of the season. For something sweet, the Maple Syrup Experience provides a hands-on look at how maple syrup is made, complete with tastings, wagon rides, and nature walks.
In Ottawa, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Family Day with local events. Families can visit the Winterlude Festival, where they can admire ice sculptures, enjoy outdoor entertainment, and take part in winter sports. Another great option is the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, which hosts Family Day activities such as hands-on exhibits, baking demonstrations, and opportunities to meet farm animals. Whether you're looking for high-energy festivities or a more educational experience, these Family Day events offer something for everyone while creating cherished memories with your child.
Building Lasting Bonds Through Shared Experiences
Navigating life after divorce is a journey, but quality time spent with your child helps reinforce your connection and builds positive memories. Whether it’s through exploration, creativity, or simple shared moments, making the effort to bond will have a lasting impact on your relationship. From our team at Shulman & Partners, we wish you all the best for a wonderful Family Day!