The 2021 Saskatoon Winter Activity Guide for Kids
Should I start this post the way every post has begun for the last 10 months? Or shall I just jump into what’s open in Saskatoon for kids and how the hours, process, and rules at each place has changed? Because we all know what’s up: COVID has shaped the way we operate. And although the safest place to stay is home, there are guidelines in place for a reason and they allow us to continue supporting local businesses with precautions in place. 🙌 I know my kids, who used to tag along EVERYWHERE with me, are always grateful when they’re treated to an outing! Here is what’s open for kids in Saskatoon, and what you should know before visiting each.
Please let me know if I’ve missed a place and I will add!
Outdoor activities:
Skating rinks. There are plenty of rinks around, from local ponds and school rinks to classics like the Bes and Innovation Place. I’ve also heard good things about the Clarence Downey speed skating oval. Distance is key and although some rinks require masking, it’s a kindness to wear one regardless.
Saskatoon Zoo. Admission is free all winter, feel free to make a donation online. Masks must be worn when entering buildings such as the washrooms. Otherwise, bring a sled, maintain distance from other visitors, and enjoy the animals!
Optimist Hill. Lessons must be pre-booked but in general, it’s best to buy tickets online and bring waivers already signed for rentals or tubes. Physical distancing is in place, tubes are sanitized between use, and you must wear face coverings at all times. Chalet is only available for vending machines and coffee/hot chocolate with no seating and purchases must be consumed outdoors. Expect longer wait times for rentals but also, expect big fun!
Sledding on the many hills in the city! Find them by schools or head to Archibald Park AKA Pest Hill for a classic run.
Beaver Creek. Go for a hike and maybe spot some wildlife. Trails are open 10-5 Thursday-Sunday and the interpretive centre is open for washroom use only.
Indoor activities
(all require masks for children 2+ as per health regulations— bring water bottles or buy on premises where possible as fountains are closed):
Mar’s Mini Golf Give a quick call to be sure it’s a good time to pop in to play a round. A group up to 4 people is allowed at each hole, which means if your group is bigger, some of you will play ahead a bit.
Nutrien Wonderhub Sticking in your family group and keeping distance from others is key at our children’s museum. I used to let my kids run wild but now with a bit of planning, they still hit their faves and we stay out of the way of other families. The climbing net and ball-return are closed and every section closes now and then for sanitation, but there’s still tons to do. Find the quietest times around lunch, mid-week.
The Park YXE This bright and active play space has walk-in spots available but also, private rentals for up to 10 people. Capacity is limited at this time and hours are subject to change so click through their title for updates.
Flynn’s Forest Limited to 30 guests/2 hour play window, Flynn’s encourages online booking.
We Move Although you might think of We Move’s sessions, they also offer drop-in classes for kids like hip hop, tumbling, and Music Together. Registration must be done online with a waiver filled out.
Kidz Castle Limited to 30 guests.
DJ’s Adventureland Featuring new bumper cars and a ball pit that’s spray sanitized regularly, DJ’s accepts walk-ins and private bookings.
Stoked Centre Consult the site for sanitation closure times and to fill their waiver out online. Bouncy castles, ziplining, and go carts are available. Capacity is limited to 30 people per space in a two hour window, with sanitation done after each.
Remai Modern Explore new exhibitions with easy-to-maintain distance and zero touch. On Saturday and Sunday, the creative studio is open with a maximum 20 people at a time. There’s no sharing of supplies outside of your family bubble and sanitation happens after each session. Learn more at the check-in table.
Apex Trampoline This 18,000 square foot facility has implemented new administration, sanitation, and engineering protocols to exceed current health standards and the staff is well-trained in the regulations. Book and fill out your waiver online.
Western Development Museum Although some things are closed (you can’t climb on the train, cram into the sod house, or go through the house of mirrors), there is still so much to see that requires no touching. Number of visitors is limited.
My kids get left home when I grocery shop as not to crowd the aisles (single parents, keep doing your thing, I’ve just got the option to streamline!), but they do LOVE to get out. Any of the activities above would thrill them and, these local businesses need our support. So although we go out 90% less than we used to, I do treat them now and then after a pep talk about distancing. The guidelines in place make things different than “normal” but honestly, my kids don’t think anything but “YAY!” when I say I’ve got something special planned.
xo
