Family Ties, presented by the Zanewood Recreation Center, is a community-centered initiative focused on strengthening family relationships through connection, conversation, and shared experiences. Through workshops, activities, and intentional spaces, Family Ties brings parents, caregivers, and families together to build understanding, exchange resources, and support one another in navigating the challenges of family life today. Family Ties is a free program and families are free to come all our workshop offerings or select the ones that fit their interests the most.
Who is it for:
Parents, caregivers, guardians, and families of all backgrounds and family structures. Whether you’re parenting young children, teens, or somewhere in between — you belong here.
What you’ll gain:
Practical tools you can use at home
New connections with other families
Shared resources and community support
A space to be heard and understood
Program Details
When: Select Saturdays, March 14 – May 23
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Teen Tech Center Zanewood Recreation Center*
*Two workshops will be at alternate locations as noted below
Most workshops will be held in the Teen Tech Center at the new Zanewood building except if noted below.
Each session focusing on a different aspect of family life, with a focus on family connections. You can sign up for one program date or all seven. We will also host a Family Ties Finale on June 6. Check out our full schedule and workshop descriptions below.
Register
Workshop Series:
Family Ties Kickoff, Parent-to-Parent Connection – Saturday, March 14
Location: Current Zanewood Recreation Center building
A guided check-in for parents and caregivers to share common pain points, exchange information, and access practical resources. While parents connect through facilitated activities, youth will engage in their own activities. The whole family is welcome.
Sibling Connection – Saturday, April 4
Foster healthy sibling relationships by exploring teamwork, empathy, and positive ways siblings support one another within the family unit.
Father-Daughter Connection – Saturday, April 11
Location: Community Activity Center Gardenview Room – 5200 85th Ave N
An intentional space for fathers, caregivers, and daughters to connect through guided, engaging partnership activities that encourage communication, trust, and meaningful bonding. This workshop will feature a cooking component.
Father-Son Connection – Saturday, April 18
An intentional space for fathers, caregivers, and mentors to build trust and emotional awareness with young men. Guided activities support meaningful connection and shared experiences between fathers and sons.
Parenting & Adolescent Mind – Saturday, May 2
Explores how teens think, feel, and process the world. Guided activities strengthen communication, understanding, and connection between parents and adolescents.
Mother-Daughter Connection – Saturday, May 9
An intentional space for mothers, caregivers, and daughters to strengthen communication, confidence, and emotional connection. Guided activities support meaningful bonding and shared experiences between mothers and daughters.
Mother-Son Connection – Saturday, May 23
A guided experience for mothers, caregivers, and sons focused on building understanding, communication, and connection through shared activities and intentional time together.
Family Ties Finale: The Eco-System – Saturday, June 6
A celebration bringing families and community together to honor connection, reflection, and our shared ecosystem of support.
Our Mission:
Strong families build strong communities. Family Ties exists to remind us that connection, care, and shared responsibility matter.
Family Ties has been thoughtfully planned with awareness of today’s social climate, prioritizing a supportive and respectful environment where families can come together.
Get More Connected
Family Photo Submissions:
We are also looking to celebrate the beauty and diversity of families in our community by being the face of Family Ties. Click the link below to to submit photos that capture your family’s everyday moments, traditions, and connections.
Photo Submission
Share your voice:
We are looking for feedback to help guide us as we plan for future workshops, topics, and resources to share with families. Below is a link to our Family Ties Survey where you can share your perspective and help shape our program to reflect the needs and strengths of our families.