UPDATED March 12, 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:
Birdhouse Workshop
The Birdhouse Workshop is now SOLD OUT
Saturday, April 5, 2025
1:00 p.m.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Affinity Learning Centre)
Cost $5.00/child. Enrolment is limited. Advanced Registration required.
THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW SOLD OUT. REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
Registration requests will be placed on the waitlist in the order they are received.
e-mail saskatoonnaturekids@gmail.com to register
Join the Young Naturalists for this National Wildlife Week program and our 56th year of constructing birdhouses. Spring is just around the corner so it is time to prepare for the bluebirds and Tree swallows return from their winter migration. These cavity-nesting birds will be looking for suitable nesting sites. We can help them out by making your own birdhouse. Space is limited. Advanced Registration is required. E-mail naturekids@saskatoonnature.org to register.
*Note: There is a small fee to cover the cost of materials for this program. $8.00 per child, or $5.00 per child for members of either the Saskatoon Nature Society or the Saskatoon Zoo Society.
Crocus Hike (New Date)
Saturday, April 12 (Date is subject to change)
1:00 p.m.
Northeast Swale
Advanced Registration Required.
Celebrate Spring with the Young Naturalists as we walk on the native prairie and look for Prairie Crocus and other signs of spring. Cost is free, but advanced registration is required. E-mail naturekids@saskatoonnature.org to register or for more information. At least one parent/guardian must accompany your child/children on all Young Naturalists activities.
Please note that the actual date of this hike may change depending upon the arrival of spring weather.
Note: The Pond Dipping scheduled for May 3 has been moved to September 6
Looking ahead: 2025 Programs
Tracks and Scats – January 18, 2025
Chickadee Pishing – Saturday, February 1, 2025
Owl Pellet Dissection – March 8, 2025
Birdhouse Workshop – April 5, 2025
Crocus Hike – Saturday, April 12, 2025 (date subject to change)
Great Horned Owl Field Trip – May 2025 TBA
Mary Houston Bluebird Trail – Various dates throughout June
July Mid-Week Butterflies – July 9, 2025
August Mid-Week Butterflies – August 6, 2025
Pond Dipping -Saturday, September 6, 2025 NEW DATE!
Sandhill Crane Field Trip – late September 2025
Saw-whet Owl Field Trip – October 2025
Bird Feeder Workshop – November 1, 2025
Christmas Bird Count for Kids – December 27, 2025
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.