A new year means a new family challenge from Urban Parent! Join us each month for a fun and engaging activity for your family to do. Get out and enjoy the city, explore new places and most importantly – have fun together!
January – Go for a Skate: Even if you spend your weekends at the rink, this month we’re all about going skating as a family. The lakes and ponds are starting to freeze, neighbourhood rinks are in the works and the Oval is in full swing with lots of public and family skating times on the schedule – so strap on your skates, grab your helmet and hit the ice!
February – Toboggan Time: It wouldn’t be winter in Atlantic Canada without some sledding. Fill a thermos with hot chocolate and hit the hill for a day of squeals, laughs and rosy cheeks. Don’t have a sled? Check out this DIY duct tape sled that is too cool not to try.
March – Stay-cation: Whether you’re heading out of town for March break or don’t even have school age children, we challenge you to pick a weekend this month for a “stay-cation”. Be tourists in your own city: visit an area of town you’ve never been to before, check out some local shops, go to a library and more!
April – Get Growing: Green thumb or not, planting seeds is such a fun and easy activity that we couldn’t help but include it in our family challenge. Not only is it a great chance for some family time but it offers great learning for the kids. You don’t even need a lot of supplies – check out this blog from our archives to help get you started.
May – Be a Bluenoser: Get our and give ‘er this month by being a part of the annual Bluenose Marathon. Register the kids for the youth run, sign-up to volunteer or simply come out and cheer on the runners. This is such a fun weekend event that’s not to be missed.
June – Take a Hike: There are so many amazing hiking trails across the whole of HRM that we’re sure there are some you have yet to visit. Go ahead – pick one (or two) that’s suitable for your family, pack some snacks and water and head to the trails for a fun afternoon of hiking and exploring.
July – Walk the Plank!: Ok, not like a pirate would make you do! We’re talking about the boardwalks along our lovely waterfronts. Dartmouth, Bedford, Halifax or even some of towns along the south shore; they are all awesome and visiting one is a great way to spend some family time together this month. Now you just have to figure out which one?
August – Go Camping: There’s something so fun about pitching a tent and enjoying some time in the great outdoors – even if it’s in your own backyard. Whatever way you choose to camp, we challenge you to do so this month. Star-gazing, marshmallow roasting, campfire songs and maybe even some ghost stories by flashlight. What memories you’ll be making!
September – 3 Playgrounds in 1 Day: This has been on many a summer/fall bucket lists in our house over the years and it’s something the kids always enjoy. Try some you have never been to before or stick with your favourites – just be sure to visit 3 different playgrounds in 1 day!
October – A Pile of Leaves: Grab the rakes and get the whole family involved in making the biggest leaf pile you can….then let the fun begin! Run through them, jump over them, hide in them, or throw them. There’s no end to the fun you can have!
November – Visit a Historic Site: There are so many amazing historic sites across HRM that we want you to check one out this month. Citadel Hill, York Redoubt, The Dingle, Dartmouth Heritage Museum are just a few to consider. Choose one that you haven’t been to before and go explore!
December – Give: It’s the final month of our family challenge and probably the most important one of all. Give. Just give. Donate to the food bank or toy drive, have the whole family volunteer at a soup kitchen, send Christmas cards to a seniors home, bring lunch or baked goodies to an elderly neighbor or store some granola bars and mitts in your car to give to the homeless. These are just a few examples of the great ways your family can give this month. So what are you waiting for…go give!
