March Break Family Retreat in Ontario
For Children Ages 8–12 + One Parent
Monday March 16 – Friday March 20, 2026
The SEED Lodge | Grey Highlands, Ontario
A screen-free March Break you’ll actually remember
Pack your mitts, leave the devices behind, and join us for five cozy, playful, connection-filled days designed especially for pre-teens and one of their parents.
This retreat is about slowing down, laughing more, and reconnecting—with your child, with yourself, and with a small, warm-hearted community. No planning. No cooking. No rushing. Just show up and play.
Who this retreat is for?
One parent + one child (ages 8–12)
Single parents looking for an easy, supported holiday
Families craving real connection, not more screen time
Parents who want both rest AND quality time with their child
This retreat is intentionally designed so you don’t have to choose between caring for yourself and being present with your child—we help you do both.
What makes this retreat special
In today’s world, genuine connection can feel hard to come by—especially with kids, especially after long workdays. This retreat creates the space for it.
✔ Programming is thoughtfully split between:
Children-only activities
Parent-only sessions
Shared parent–child experiences
✔ All meals and programming are provided
✔ Small group size for safety, ease, and connection
✔ Digital detox: no screens, no buttons, no notifications (It will feel like 1984)
Highlights & Experiences
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OUTDOOR WINTER FUN
Snow fort building
Snowball games & fresh-air play
Guided outdoor adventures (weather permitting)
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ARTS & CRAFTS
Creative projects designed to spark imagination
Space for kids to make new friends and express themselves
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KITCHEN CREATIONS
A hands-on cooking class where kids make their own cookies
Shared meals and cozy kitchen moments
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COZY EVENINGS
Campfire night with s’mores
Board games & laughter
Pajama movie night with a hot chocolate bar
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PARENT WELLNESS & SUPPORT
While children enjoy supervised outdoor or art-based play, parents are invited into:
Gentle yoga & movement
Nervous-system-calming meditation
At therapy and reflection
Parenting conversations, guidance, and shared discussion
These sessions are designed to help parents slow down, reset, and feel supported.
Sample Daily Flow
Parents: yoga, meditation & art-based therapy session
Children: outdoor play or creative activities
Morning
Afternoon
Parent–child games, crafts, and shared adventures
Evening
Family dinners
Campfire, games, or movie night
You don’t have to plan, cook, or organize anything
Kids get freedom, fun, and friendship
Parents get rest, perspective, and support
Everyone leaves feeling closer than when they arrived
This is not a jam-packed, exhausting schedule.
It’s a gentle rhythm—with plenty of space for joy.
Why families love this retreat
This retreat takes place at the SEED Lodge; a warm, welcoming retreat centre tucked into 56+ acres of forest and land in the Grey Highlands.
In winter, the land becomes a quiet playground—perfect for:
Snowshoeing through forest trails
Free outdoor exploration and imaginative play
Fresh air, wide-open space, and room to breathe
Inside, the lodge offers cozy gathering spaces where families can relax, create, and reconnect after a day outdoors. Think woodsy charm, big tables for meals and crafts, and fireside evenings that invite everyone to slow down.
The Setting: The SEED Lodge
Friday is dedicated to an optional group ski day at Blue Mountain Resort.
Families who wish can spend the day skiing together (more details upon registration).
Optional Group Ski Day
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival: Sunday, March 15 at 7:00 PM
Departure: Friday, March 20 at 11:00 AM
This evening arrival allows families to settle in gently, enjoy a welcoming first night together, and ease into the retreat without rushing.
The SEED Lodge isn’t just where we stay—it’s part of the experience.
Nature, land, and space are woven into every day, offering children freedom to explore and parents a rare chance to truly unplug and be present.
A winter retreat rooted in simplicity, connection, and fresh air—we can’t wait to welcome you.
Ready to join us?
If you’re looking for a March Break where sleds, crafts, campfires, and real conversations replace screens and stress—this is it.
Five days of snowy adventures, cozy evenings, and family connection
Memories your child will actually remember
Reserve your spot and join us in the snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This retreat is designed for one parent and one child ages 8–12. It’s especially well suited for single parents or caregivers who want a low-effort, high-connection holiday where everything is taken care of—meals, activities, and daily flow.
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Yes. This is a digital detox retreat. We ask families to leave phones, tablets, and gaming devices at home (or turned off and packed away). There are no screens, no buttons, no notifications—just play, creativity, and connection.
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That’s absolutely okay. All outdoor activities are age-appropriate, optional, and guided, with plenty of flexibility. Children can choose their level of participation, and we always have cozy indoor options available.
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Parents participate in gentle yoga, meditation, and art-therapy-based sessions designed to calm the nervous system and offer space for reflection, parenting conversations, and rest. These sessions are supportive and experiential—no pressure, no sharing beyond what feels comfortable.
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Yes. All meals and snacks are included, from Sunday evening through Friday morning. Meals are wholesome, family-friendly, and designed to be nourishing and comforting. You won’t need to cook or plan anything during your stay.
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Parents and children stay together in shared lodge accommodations. Room details and layouts will be provided upon registration. Bathrooms are shared unless otherwise noted.
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No. The Friday ski day at Blue Mountain Resort is completely optional. Families may choose to participate or remain at the lodge for a quieter day of rest and play.
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A detailed packing list will be sent after registration. Expect to bring:
Warm winter clothing (snowsuits, boots, mitts, hats)
Indoor slippers or cozy socks
Comfortable clothes for yoga and crafts
Pajamas for movie night
Snowshoes and shared outdoor gear will be provided when possible.
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Yes. While each day has a gentle structure, there is plenty of unstructured time for rest, play, and spontaneous connection. This is not an over-scheduled retreat.
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Please let us know during registration. We do our best to accommodate dietary needs and support individual sensitivities. This retreat works best for children who can participate in group activities with gentle supervision.
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This retreat qualifies for psychotherapy coverage in Ontario and Quebec. Parent sessions are facilitated by a licensed therapist and focus on nervous system regulation, reflection, and parenting. Parent/child sessions facilitate connection and reflection upon the relationship.
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Warm. Playful. Cozy. Supportive.
Think snow forts, campfires, laughter, meaningful conversations, and the kind of connection that stays with you long after March Break ends.
If you have additional questions, we’re happy to help—just reach out.
We can’t wait to welcome you and your child to the SEED Lodge.
Esther Kalaba
I’m Esther—psychotherapist, art therapist, Kundalini yoga teacher… and most importantly, a parent.
I have two grown children, and I know just how quickly the years fly by. I also know how hard it can be to actually create meaningful time together, especially when you’re parenting solo, working hard, and running on limited energy. Wanting connection is one thing—having the bandwidth to organize it is another.
One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that parenting can be deeply lonely. Many of us long for community—for our kids to play freely with others, and for ourselves to be around adults who get it. This retreat was created from that very place.
I’ve spent over 20 years working with families, children, and adults, and what I believe most strongly is this: we grow best in connection—with ourselves, with our children, and with a supportive community around us.
I facilitate with playfulness, joy, and care, creating spaces where parents can exhale and kids can simply be kids. Creativity, imagination, and shared experiences are at the heart of everything I offer, because I believe these are the moments that bring us together and also truly stay with us.
This March Break retreat is an invitation to slow down, laugh more, and be together—without planning, cooking, or rushing. Just presence, play, and the kind of memories that last far beyond the week.
I can’t wait to welcome you and your child to the SEED Lodge.
Meet Your Hosts
Marija Djordjevic
Hi! I’m Marija — A creative soul who has dedicated her life to family, cooking comfort, crafting joy and sparking connection. Being a mother of 1 has taught me the beauty of shared moments and has led me on a journey of creating connection through community and nature.
My fondest memories are in kitchens that smell like nostalgia, being with friends and family, laughing so hard our sides ached, feeling the sun on my face and being elbow deep in a colorful mess of creative chaos. Most of these have happened spontaneously but wouldn't it be wonderful to come into a space that was designed specifically for this purpose?
The March Break retreat was developed to create time for being present. A backdrop to lasting memories of playing outdoors, hugs, laughter, comforting food prepared with love and being a part of something bigger.