Feb 12-18 (Durham)

Good morning, Durham Parents. Good morning, Durham Parents. Long weekend alert! How brilliant is Family Day? A day to fill that long stretch between New Year's and Easter, when winter feels endless. This week brings Olympic watch parties at libraries, Valentine's fun across the region, and the main event—Family Day Monday packed with winterfests, free skating, museum activities, and community events from Ajax to Whitby. Stay cozy!

What Durham is Talking About

New Race-Themed Playground Coming to Durham Region
A brand new race-themed playground is pulling into Durham Region at Volt Raceway! Designed for kids ages 3-12.

Cheer on Team Canada at Your Local Library
Local libraries are celebrating all things Olympics with watch parties and Olympic-themed programming. Check out Whitby Library's full lineup to find events near you.

Scugog Spring/Summer Registration Coming Soon
The Township of Scugog is gearing up to release spring and summer programs, including summer camps, aquatic programs, and recreational activities. Stay tuned for registration dates! [Township of Scugog]

What to Do

Thursday, Feb. 12

• ☕ Lattes & Littles | Parents and babies | Markets Ontario, Bowmanville

• 💝 Valentine's Day Card Decorating | Boston Pizza, Bowmanville

• 🏒 Olympic Watch Party: Men's Hockey | Uxbridge Library

Friday, Feb. 13

• 🎬 Valentine's Day Romcom: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days | Ages 13-18 | Ajax Library, Main Branch

• 👶 Baby Wearing Dance Class | Moms and babies | Step by Step Club & S Town, Pickering

• 🎉 Pre-teen Social: Valentines Vibes | Grades 5-8 | Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, Pickering

• 🏅 Olympic Storytime and Craft | Whitby Library, Main Branch

Saturday, Feb. 14

• 💪 Valentine's Day Couples Workout | Step by Step Club & S Town, Pickering

• 💝 Michaels Kids Club: Valentine's Keychain and Mardi Gras Mask | Michaels, Whitby

• 💝 Valentine's Day Storytime and Craft | Whitby Library, Main Branch

• 🐞 Valentine's Love Bug Craft | Whitby Library, Brooklin Branch

Sunday, Feb. 15

• 🎨 Michaels Sunday Makebreak: Spring Charm Bracelet | Ages 13+ | Michaels, Oshawa

• 🧱 IndigoKids Lego Make & Take | Ages 6+ | Indigo Oshawa Centre

• 🏛️ Family Day at the Oshawa Museum: A Walk in the Park | Oshawa Museum

• 🎭 Seussical the Musical | Hope Fellowship Church, Clarington

• ⛸️ Free Public Skate Sponsored by Brooklin Agricultural Society | Luther Vipond Memorial Arena, Whitby

Monday, Feb. 16 (Family Day)

• ❄️ Winterfest | Audley Recreation Centre, Ajax

• ❄️ The Fair Havens Outdoor Classroom Presents: Winter Family Day | Fair Havens Camp & Conference Centre, Brock

• 🎉 Family Day Fun with Clarington Rec | Various recreational facilities, Clarington

• 📚 Winter WonderLearn | Courtice Library, Clarington

• ⛸️ Free Family Day Skate | Orono Arena, Clarington

• 🚗 Canadian Automotive Museum Family Day | Canadian Automotive Museum, Oshawa

• 🎨 OPG Family Day: Portrait Party | Ages 3+ | The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa

• 🎉 Family Day Fun at CHD Recreation Complex | Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, Pickering

• 🎵 Music & Singing at S Town | Step by Step Club & S Town, Pickering

• ❄️ Family Day Fun | Scugog Community Recreation Centre, Port Perry

• 🎉 Free Family Day Fun | Various venues, Whitby

Traveling with Car Seats: Tips from the Hive

I know a lot of you are escaping this winter for warmer climates, and I've heard tons of questions about traveling with car seats. Here's what fellow parents have shared with me:

Two Ways to Check: You can check your car seat at the ticket counter with your luggage when you first arrive at the airport, or gate check it right before boarding (the popular option since it means less handling and stays with you longer).

Free Protection: Airlines usually provide plastic bags at check-in to protect your car seat during handling.

Where to Pick Up: If you checked at the ticket counter, pick it up at the oversized luggage area at your destination. If you gate checked, you'll pick it up right at the gate or jet bridge when you land.

The Good News: Most airlines include one free checked car seat per child—it doesn't count toward your baggage allowance. This typically applies for kids under 2 or young children using car seats.

The Fine Print: Policies vary by airline. Check with your carrier before you fly—some have age restrictions or specific packaging requirements.

Thanks for reading! See you back here, next Wednesday!

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