MOOSE JAW — With the cost of living on the rise and a growing push to shop local and explore destinations within the province, families looking for a stay-cation this summer need look no further than Buffalo Pound Provincial Park.
Sask Parks is hosting a full lineup of family-friendly programming at the park throughout the second half of July and early August — building on its summer-long programming with the return of Bison Day on Thursday, July 24, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The evening begins with “Bison in the Grasslands” at 4 p.m., offering an inside look at how bison contribute to grassland conservation efforts and a new GPS tracking program now in use at the park. The event wraps up with a guided hike from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Nicolle Flats Nature Area, where participants will see the park’s resident bison herd up close and learn about their behaviour and impact on the local ecosystem.
It’s one of many activities lined up to help families engage with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and learn something new this summer — all while staying right here in Saskatchewan.
On Friday, July 25, the Playful Explorations program will run from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by Family Game Night: Jeopardy from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., both hosted at the Maple Vale Picnic Shelter.
Saturday, July 26, offers double the fun with Craft Club: Campsite Fun at 10 a.m. and Solar Oven S’mores at 2 p.m., introducing kids to solar energy while satisfying their sweet tooth at the Elmview Day Use Area.
Early risers on Sunday, July 27, can join Coffee Corner: Nature Art from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Visitor Reception Centre, followed by Digging for Dinos at Maple Vale Beach from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The week continues with Skulls, Scat and Tracks, where guests learn what animals eat and where they live on Monday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Elmview, and Cloud Explorers will dive into weather phenomena and what it takes to become a meteorologist on Thursday, July 31, at 2 p.m.
Heading into the August long weekend, the fun ramps up with Lakeside Explorers on Friday, Aug. 1, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Night Caching: Evening Espionage at 9 p.m. — both starting at Maple Vale.
Saturday, Aug. 2, brings a spooky twist with A Very Haunted Saturday, featuring ghostly crafts at Elmview Beach from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and two guided Haunted Hike sessions at the Nicolle Homestead at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Wrapping up the weekend is Craft Club: Amazing Animals on Sunday, Aug. 3, at 11 a.m. and the return of the beloved Teddy Bear Picnic from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Elmview Day Use Area — with even more programming continuing throughout August.
All events are free with park entry and hosted by Sask Parks interpreters. Visitors are encouraged to bring water, wear comfortable walking shoes, and pack their curiosity.
Full details can be found online, including information specific to any provincial park, at SaskParks.com.
