Setting aside some special one-on-one time with your child is so important because it gives your child an opportunity to have his/her mom or dad all to themselves. Giving your children undivided and positive attention, whether they are three years old or in their teens, is one of the best things that you can do for them. By spending that regular one-on-one time together, you and your child will get to make some beautiful memories and form traditions that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Date nights with your kids don’t always have to be fancy or expensive, they can be as simple as a picnic at your favourite park, sharing a dessert at your favourite restaurant or some fun at their favourite playground. These are some our favourite one-on-one ideas.

1.Picnic at the Legislature grounds

The Alberta Legislature is undoubtedly one of our favourite spots in the city as it is beautiful to visit in every season. The building itself is a majestic and historic site overlooking the beautiful river valley, and the grounds have so much to offer including the Lois Hole Memorial Garden, tree lined pathways, large fountains, child-friendly wading pools to name a few. Moreover, there is ample green space to have a picnic with your child surrounded by the beautiful gardens. Grab a picnic blanket, pack some yummies and maybe a Frisbee or some bubbles and enjoy some special time with your little one. Alternatively, you can take a walk through to the newly renovated Federal Building and enjoy a free 4D movie together.

2. Royal Tea & Tour at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

Afternoon tea dates are me and my 8 year daughter’s favourite things to do. We get to sit and enjoy delicious food and catch up on some girl time. We went on our first high tea date at the Fairmont when she was 5 years old, and we have made it a tradition to go together few times each year ever since. The afternoon tea is followed by an optional tour of the hotel every Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm. I recommend making reservations ahead of time.

3. Ride the High Level Bridge Streetcar

My three year old son loves trains, and getting to hitch a ride aboard one of the streetcars is usually the highlight of his day. My son and I often take the streetcar to visit the Strathcona streetcar barn and museum or the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market. The two way ride takes about 40 minutes, the volunteer conductors on board are very informative as they drive along. My son loves getting to stop in the middle of the high level bridge towering 156 feet above the river. You can board the streetcar at their Jasper Plaza terminal downtown at 100 Avenue and 109 Street or at the Strathcona Terminal at Gateway Boulevard and 84 Street. Check their website for more information: www.edmonton-radial-railway.ab.ca.

4. Devonian Botanic Gardens

This beautiful and relaxing place is located half an hour south of Edmonton outside the town of Devon, Alberta. One of the highlights for kids is the Kurimoto Japanese Garden and the Tropical House with butterflies from around the world! You can make an ice cream stop or sit down and have a picnic together. You can also grab a children’s map from the gift shop on your way into the gardens for some kid friendly suggestions. For more information: http://devonian.ualberta.ca.

Written by Jatinder Kaur
Jatinder Kaur lives in the beautiful city of Edmonton with her husband and their two children, ages 8 and 4. She is passionate about travelling, photography, and the outdoors. She loves to travel and is raising two biracial and bilingual kids with the goal to expose to them to different cultures and raise them to be tolerant and respectful adults.