Saskatoon Summer Family Bucket List 2023
UPDATED AUG 2023 As far as Saskatoon city guides go, I’ve got a few that get referenced often: a list of indoor activities for kids, birthday party ideas A-Z, summer camps, and group dining options just to name a few… but the one thing I’ve been meaning to update is my summer activity bucket list. So it’s with a sunny disposition that I can finally say it’s complete! As always, these lists stay complete with your help so please let me know if there are outdoor activities that deserve to be on The List & I’ll add.
Before we dive in, are you following me on Instagram yet? My city guides are 100% volunteer hours & I appreciate your support on social media where I’ve built a small business as an influencer. I often share local suggestions, reviews, and giveaways so if you appreciate this list, my Insta will be your jam. Please hop over to @sneaksandlipstick and give me a follow!
Done? Thanks! Now, for the Saskatoon family and kids’ activity bucket list for summer 2023. I hope you’ll put it to good use with your family:
Beaches The water seemed too high the other day to make Spadina beach a great option (correct me if I’m wrong, maybe I missed a good part on my walk?) but we found a stretch at River Heights/Lawson’s Meewasin Park and the lil beach at Gabriel Dumont Park is never busy so it’s enough for my kiddos. But the drives are short to Fred Heal, Paradise Beach, Chief Whitecap, Pike Lake, or Cranberry Flats (warning: that last one’s a hike from the parking lot—don’t take a stroller). So pack a picnic, load up the sand toys, and enjoy the sun. Few things beat a day of R&R along our beautiful South Saskatchewan River.
Beaver Creek Lace up your sneakers and get the whole family moving along our stunning riverside Meewasin Trails whether you start downtown, at the University, by the weir, or head out toward the classic paths of Beaver Creek where you can (and should!) feed the chickadees. Seed is available on site.
Berry Picking There are plenty of options for Saskatoons, blueberries, chokecherries, strawberries, and apples depending on the time of summer. You can google for locations or, join the Facebook page built for fruit sharing. Yes, if you have a yard, you can offer to let someone pick from your fruit tree and if you’d like to pick fruit, you might find a yard to pick in at no cost.
Berry Barn Yes, you can pick berries and eat lunch here but the Berry Barn also offers weather-permitting activities of pedal go-carts, the Berry Barn train, a little beach, and a playground. An ice cream shack is also on site.
Car races. If your kiddo has the need for speed, check out SIR or Sutherland Automotive Speedway.
City programming for 12-16 years Drop-in for sports, games, music or just to hang out with friends. Program leaders, together with the participants, plan daily activities to meet the unique interests and needs of the local youth. Click through for locations and times.
Champetre County Cuddle the farm animals, play on old tractors, run the wooden maze, go camping, or play some lawn games. Champetre is a place out of time and my kids love it!
Crickle Creek Inflatable bouncers for a variety of ages, ice cream, and mini golf make Crickle Creek worth the few min out of town on Valley Road.
Farmers’ Markets. Gather Market runs 9-2 at the 19th and Ave A River Landing site, pop up locations in parking lots, or The Saskatoon Farmers’ Market on Koyl Ave are all great places to support local farmers and get kids thinking about where their food comes from.
Flower picking. Greenhouses are okay but my kids love picking flowers themselves. There are several U-pick options near Saskatoon, Black Fox and Boondock being two.
Fuddruckers Family Fun Centre Mini golf at Putt n’ Bounce, climb the Rock, or get in the Grand Slam batting cages. It’s a sunny day well spent!
LaLa’s Little Farm Whether it’s a farm tour or a full day of camp, LaLa is so wonderful with kids and has very sweet animals to cuddle with and care for.
Little Libraries These are so cute! Go for a walk in your own neighborhood or get out and explore the city to borrow a book from one of Saskatoon’s many little libraries. Or, make your own!
Merrill Dunes Yes, Merrill Dunes has paintball and airsoft… but they also have laser tag, something my 7 year old was VERY into. It’s a cool setup with abandoned busses, lots of places to hide, and area to run.
Notice Nature is a Saskatchewan community program created to encourage outdoor play through fun, nature-loving learning activities while winning some awesome prizes! Everyone of all ages is welcome to participate, and intergenerational participation is encouraged. Pick up your free passport with bingo cards at participating library locations.
Nutrien Playland Soar high above the city on the 20 metre high Ferris wheel or have a twirl on a bright and cheery carousel animal. Hop aboard for a whistle-stop tour on the Canpotex Train - a park favourite. This replica modern-day freight train rolls along a 626 metre loop through the park. Tickets are $2.90 each or a playpack of 12 for $29. There is also a playground, it’s always open and there are no admission fees.
Observatory The 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month is open for public viewing with an attendant on site, free of charge. Look through the giant telescope and marvel at how small we are in this big world.
Outdoor art exploration. Explore the U of S Sculpture Garden, the DTNYXE alley gallery, or consult this list of public artworks throughout the city and play some photo op BINGO.
Picnic This list of Saskatoon parks with washroom facilities may be helpful in planning your lunching plans!
Playgrounds The city has so many great ones (click here for the list) or head to Wanuskewin for a real treat.
Prairie Fire Alpacas 10-3 every Saturday, you’re invited to meet the alpacas. Admission is by donation. Call for appointment before visiting 306-237-4442.
Punch Buggy Express I blogged about this awesome children’s pedal bus, have a read for our full experience!
Saskatchewan Railway Museum Climb aboard trains and learn about the history of rail in Saskatchewan. This is a must-visit!
Saskatoon Public Library Stories in the Park Enjoy a walk out in the sunshine while reading a book page by page on little billboards along the way. And be sure to have your kids join the TD Summer Reading Program— i't’s free and an easy way to encourage literacy through the summer!
Saskatoon Zoo The train is running! Plus, new rescue zebras, meerkats, Goeldi's monkeys, majestic grizzly bears and many other species at Saskatchewan’s only CAZA accredited zoo. And be sure to plan enough time for one or both of the playgrounds there. You can even go fishing at the pond (license required).
Skateboard Right to Skate offers lessons throughout the summer with considerations for families that would find cost a barrier. There are also lots of skate parks to practice on.
Shop local. Visit a cool area of town like Broadway, 33rd, Riversdale, or Downtown and browse the shops like a tourist, enjoying a locally-made meal or treat.
Soccer, free drop in. Kids in the Park is an initiative that aims to get kids active and foster a love for soccer. Click through for locations and times.
Spray parks & padding pools, drop-in programming available Plan some cool-off time OR drop in for free waterplay, sports, crafts, games, music and more! The summer play program operates at splash pads and paddling pools around the city, click through the title for locations and hours of operation. Note that we especially loved River Landing spray park when my kids were toddling & found big spray parks overwhelming. Bonus that River Landing Snacks serves Dole Whip right beside it.
Sunnyside Dairy Farm Take a drive out to this creamery for some fresh milk, cow petting, and visit the shop.
Swimming pools One of my family's favourite ways to cool off!
The Prairie Lily This special way to see the city runs all summer long. Departs beside Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan.
Wander’s Tiny Farm Play outside and visit with the farm animals.
Wanuskewin Have you been to Wanuskewin lately? It offers both majestic hiking and an opportunity to learn about the sacred bond between this land and the First Nations people.
And don’t forget festivals! Saskatoon and area hosts a multitude of family-friendly festivals, and though this year, we’ve already lived the Nutrien Children’s Festival of Saskatchewan, Pride, SUM Theatre dates, Taste of Saskatchewan, Word on the Street Festival, BID street fairs, SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, YXE Street Eats, Food Truck Wars, and Back to Batoche but still to come is:
Fringe Theatre Festival Aug 3-12
Folk Fest Aug 17, 18, 19
Rock 102’s Show & Shine Aug 18-20
Rock the River Aug 18-20
Ukrainian Day in the Park Aug 25
WEGO at Remai Modern Aug 27
