UPDATED December 1, 2025
Welcome to the Saskatoon Young Naturalists. 2025 is our 57th year of hands-on conservation education.
The Young Naturalists program is a collection of nature-based activities designed for kids aged 5 to 11 years and their families.
TO REGISTER for any of the activities listed below, please send an e-mail to naturekids@saskatoonnature.org (or saskatoonnaturekids@gmail.com) (Both e-mail addresses go to the same location. I usually respond within 24 hours.) Registration is taken on a first-come basis and space is limited on most activities. At least one adult must accompany your child on each Young Naturalists activity. You can register for any Young Naturalists program at any time. Each Young Naturalist activity is an individual activity, separate from the other activities. You must register for each activity separately (however you can register for more than one activity at one time).
Young Naturalists’ activities are open to all ages and offer nature-based activities designed for families. Content is geared towards the 5 to 11 year old range. We operate on the belief that children’s (and parents’) learning is enhanced when the parents/guardians are present. Parent/Guardian supervision is required on all Young Naturalists’ Programs.
The Saskatoon Young Naturalists’ began in 1968. The Young Naturalists is a joint program with the Saskatoon Nature Society and the Saskatoon Zoo Society. Thanks to these organizations most programs are free of charge unless otherwise noted.
Upcoming Programs:
Christmas Bird Count for Kids
Saturday, December 27, 2025
10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
(Multiple bird count walks throughout the day at the top of each hour)
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Affinity Learning Centre)
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this FREE come-and-go program that is open to EVERYONE of all ages.
The Young Naturalists are hosting our 11th annual CBC4Kids – A Christmas Bird Count for Kids.
Meet at the Affinity Learning Centre. Between 10:30 and 3:00 we will be doing bird count walks through the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo at the top of each hour. (11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.) Stay for one round of bird counting or come for the whole day! Warm up with cookies and hot chocolate between bird walks.
Dress warmly and bring your binoculars. We have lots of spare sets of binoculars to loan out if you don’t have any. You don’t need to be an expert on birds. This is a great way to learn about winter birds and bird watching. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. No Admission fees and no registration required.
E-mail naturekids@saskatoonnature.org for more information. At least one parent/guardian must accompany your child/children on all Young Naturalists activities.
Tracks and Scats
Sunday, January 25, 2026
1:00 p.m.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Affinity Learning Centre)
We’ll look at the basic animal track patterns for some of the common animals found around Saskatoon. If weather permits we’ll do a little exploring for animal tracks in the snow. And we’ll also make a plaster track craft you can take home.
Enrolment is limited. E-mail naturekids@saskatoonnature.org to enrol or for more information.
At least one parent/guardian must accompany your child/children on all Young Naturalists activities.
Chickadee Pishing
Saturday, February 7, 2026
1:00 p.m.
Beaver Creek Conservation Area
Enrolment is limited. Advanced Registration Required
e-mail saskatoonnaturekids@gmail.com to register
Cost: Free
It is a birding field trip to the Beaver Creek Conservation Area. We’ll check out the different birds on our hike to the bird blind and feeding station. But the stars of the show are the Black-capped Chickadees! Pishing is the time-honoured technique of attracting birds for a closer look. The chickadees at Beaver Creek are well accustomed to pishers, so it is a great place to practice the technique. Dress warmly and give it a try. Cost is free. Bird snacks are provided (feel tree to bring one for yourself). Bring your binoculars if you have some. E-mail naturekids@saskatoonnature.org for more information or to sign up for this field trip. At least one parent/guardian must accompany your child/children on all Young Naturalists activities.
Looking ahead: 2026 Programs
Sunday, January 25 Tracks and Scats (Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo – SFFP&Z)
Saturday, February 7 Chickadee Pishing
Saturday, March 14 Owl Ecology/Owl Pellets (SFFP&Z)
Saturday, April 18 Birdhouse Workshop (SFFP&Z)
Saturday, April 26 Crocus Hike
May (TBD) Great Horned Owl Field Trip
May 28 to July 7 Mary Houston Bluebird Trail
Wednesday, July 8 July Mid-week Butterflies
Wednesday, August 5 August Mid-week Butterflies
Saturday, Sept 12 Pond Dipping (Date subject to change)
Saturday, October 3 Sandhill Cranes
October (TBD) Northern Saw-whet Owl Field Trip
Saturday, Nov 14 Bird Feeder Workshop (SFFP&Z)
Sunday, Dec 27 Christmas Bird Count for Kids (SFFP&Z)
Young Naturalists Programs for Groups:
Due to enrolment restrictions, the Young Naturalists’ Program is normally unable to accommodate groups (the program is designed for families). If you have a special interest group (such as Scouts, 4-H, school group, etc.) please email saskatoonnaturekids@gmail.com to arrange a special program for your group. There may be a charge for this programming.