Family Fun this Summer in Saskatoon!
Well, summer is in full swing, so kids are on summer holidays! Many of us take summer holidays to be with the kids, go on adventures, and make memories. Whether you are coming to Saskatoon for a holiday or planning a staycation, here are some fun summer activities for families!
Punch Buggy Express
Okay, we went on the Punch Buggy Express last year, and our kids have been asking to go again this year, so we need to add it to our summer bucket list. If you have yet to hear of the Punch Buggy Express, it is a large pedal bus that cruises around the city. It is a side-by-side tandem bike that is for children and adults to ride around and take in all the views of Saskatoon! Join the wonderful Claire, who is the operator of the Punch Buggy Express, at three different stops along the river- Kinsmen Park (enjoy the rides first!), River Landing and Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink. Learn more here, and be sure to book your family a ride this summer; it is a great way to be along the South Saskatchewan River this time of year!
Photo Credit- Aspen Films
Crickle Creek
Located along Valley Road, Crickle Creek is a hidden gem for kids! It is home to all-family fun with a bouncy castle park (one area being an inflatable water park), mini golf, a concession, and disc golf! We try to make it out there for a yearly visit. This year, we went on a HOT afternoon and threw in the bathing suits in case the kids wanted to try the inflatable water park. I'm happy we did because they loved the water area; it was a great way to cool down! They also have tented sitting areas that provide shade for spectators. I was upset I didn't take my bathing suit because it looked so fun! The kids ran back and forth from the regular bouncers to the spray bouncers; let's just say they went to bed like a dream that night! Pack a picnic or stop by the concession for food, ice cream and treats; you could also drive down the road to The Berry Barn before or after to enjoy a delicious meal, as it is only about a 10-minute drive from Crickle Creek!
The Prairie Lily
I've been fortunate to enjoy The Prairie Lily Riverboat with our Discover Saskatoon team, and my family has been extremely jealous. So, I booked a sightseeing cruise this year, and they were very excited! Enjoy learning and seeing the beautiful city from the river! On the Prairie Lily, they share information about different landmarks you pass on your cruise that you can experience from the upper deck or lower cabin area (both areas are covered and provide shade and protection if it rains!) They also offer different cruises like dinner & brunch, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan packages, and Nutrien Firework festival cruises. Onboard, you can enjoy various types of drinks like local beer, 9-Mile- The Ticket (my favourite beer!), their feature cocktail "The Prairie Lily" (very refreshing) and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. On the sightseeing cruise, they also have a few snacks for sale, like chips, chocolate bars and peanuts! Enjoying a Prairie Lily Cruise is a must-do family activity this summer!
River Landing
Along the beautiful Meewasin Valley Trail lives the vibrant River Landing in Saskatoon! It is a great family location to spend an afternoon in the summer. The kids can enjoy the spray park that features an interactive model of the South Saskatchewan River and while the kids are playing, parents can sit along the grass and enjoy reading a book or people watching (check out a list of our favourite parks to hit up!) Once the kids are done playing and need a snack (which we all know they will be asking for!), stop by the Sugar Shack and indulge in some ice cream, Dole Whip or food (stay tuned for my ice cream blog coming out soon with all our favourite ice cream in Saskatoon!)
If you are a basketball fan like us, be sure to throw in a Basketball, take the short five-minute walk, and check out the new Pawâtêtân Basketball Court, a free, accessible basketball court for people to use. Also, did you know these courts will be home to the local 3X3 tournament at the first-ever YXE Urban Games? And a practice area for the FIBA 3X3 Womens Series is happening that same weekend, and it will be the first stop post-Olympics! Make sure you are following YXE Urban Games on socials for all the latest information.
Saskatoon Berries Game
Now, I know our family takes in a lot of basketball, but the kids also like to learn about and watch new sports, so we took them to a Saskatoon Berries Baseball game! The Saskatoon Berries are Saskatoon's newest sports team, which started their season this year. Playing multiple games this summer, it is a perfect family outing! Games are played at Carins Field, which is located at Gordie Howe Sports Complex. With ample seating, you won't miss out on any action. Check out the concession with all the standard baseball treats (hot dogs, licorice, spitz and more!) However, they also have some delicious, themed food like a Saskatoon Berrie Sunday served in a mini baseball helmet, a Saskatoon Berry Burger and for the adults, enjoy a Saskatoon Berry Beer from 9 Mile; it is so refreshing on a hot summer day! Be sure to bring your glove, watch for those foul balls, and trade them in for a slush at the Saskatoon Co-op! Check out their schedule here and a game day guide for everything about a Berries Game!
Swimming
If you are in the city during a heat wave, be sure to check out one of Saskatoon's outdoor pools! Located across the city, Saskatoon offers four outdoor pools, Mayfair, George Ward, Riversdale and Lathey pool that are open until the end of August. Of the four pools, three have waterslides, diving boards and a couple even have volleyball courts. There is something for everyone. A little tip from a Saskatooner: All outdoor pools offer a Weekday Swim Special, $1.50/person admission from 6 p.m. until close, which is a perfect way to end the day!
Saskatoon has so many wonderful family activities and events; these are just a few of the things I mentioned. On the hot days, you can go for a paddle board or kayak ride on the river with The Local Adventure Co., take a drive to Blackstrap Lake and enjoy a bit to eat, ice cream and drink at Little Kahuna's Beach Cafe and Tiki Bar or stay a night at the Glamping Resort, or if the weather isn't cooperating, check out the Nutrien Wonderhub. You can also check out my Spring Guide for kids, as many of those places I mention are also excellent summer activities! Whatever you do, enjoy your time in Saskatooning with your family. Happy Summer holidays!
Bailie Knowles
Bailie grew up in a small town but was always a "city girl" at heart. Saskatoon is home to her and her family. Her household is full of love and chaos with her husband, four (wild) & wonderful children, and their beloved furry companion. Bailie works as a Marketing & Communications Coordinator with Discover Saskatoon. She loves getting out into the community with her family and taking in all of Saskatoon's events and attractions. Her family loves discovering new parks, trying new restaurants and breweries, hitting up all the events, and attending sporting events like the Saskatchewan Rattlers & Huskies. Follow along with her family adventures @bailie.knowles on Instagram!