No need to go far or break the bank for great family outings. Saguenay is full of fun ideas to spend quality time with the kids. Here are 10 tested, spotted, or approved suggestions, perfect for a weekend or a day that the little ones will remember.
Located in Chicoutimi Nord and open in summer, this theme park is specially designed for the youngest. There are water games, a natural cedar maze, a race track with small cars, and even costumed characters. Between activities, you can enjoy shaded areas and picnic spots. Several activities are also organized throughout the summer.
See schedules and activities: Website
For a privileged contact with animals, head to Ferme 5 étoiles in Sacré-Cœur (a bit farther, but very complete) or Zoo Saint-David-de-Falardeau (or Saint-Félicien, of course, but a bit farther and more expensive). Special mention for the nursery, you'll definitely come out with stars in your eyes. The kind of family outings that dazzle the young ones, but also greatly please parents, let's be honest.
Ferme 5 étoilesZoo Saint-David-de-FalardeauPerfect for rainy days or long winters if your children are 12 and under, Savana offers a large indoor play space with large structures, slides, and areas for toddlers. Children can run, climb, play for hours, one thing is for sure, they shouldn't be difficult to put to bed after this day. A little less playful for parents, but you can watch them have fun from the refreshment center. Reservation required on the
SPK (Saguenay Paintball Karting) is not just for adults, it's a universe at least as attractive for children and for a nice family moment! Glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, indoor karting, maze, arcade games... and much more!
Discover the diversity of activities offered by SPK Saguenay
Since we're going to give the children a good time, we might as well have a good time together, right? That's what we've found from the various parent-child workshops featured on SOCIA this year. Candle making, soap making, an art hive... so many good moments to share as a family.
There are many Parent-Child activities, and our goal is to centralize them on the SOCIA activities page
The Saguenay libraries offer a multitude of workshops for children or parent-child throughout the year. Reading club, LEGO club, animal therapy session, workshops related to science or robotics, there's something for everyone! It's free and it's a change from the ordinary, for a beautiful experience to share.
See the activities and families programThe Café ludique in Chicoutimi is a real hideout, including for families. Reserve a table, choose from hundreds of games, even order food and drinks... and play for as long as you want. Several themed evenings are also offered, stay informed on their
Facebook pageOur favorite! Librairie Le Kiosque in Arvida district is a faithful organizer on @SOCIA and offers various activities every month for adults, but also for little ones! The activities offered by the bookstore are varied: storytelling, themed workshops (Halloween, special Christmas creations, etc.), Steam 4M workshops and even workshops during spring break!
Follow the bookstore's activities on SOCIA
Ok, it's in Lac-Saint-Jean, I'll grant you that, but I couldn't write this article without talking about this unique and original activity. In summer, experience an immersion in the mineral universe! Mine excursion, pearl extraction, gold panning and more are offered at Cristal du Lac. Some activities are seasonal, so don't forget to check availability on
With young people, climbing in nature might not be the simplest or safest. Betacrux is a great alternative to introduce them to climbing in a beautiful environment: a former church renovated into a climbing hall. Even the youngest can start, they just need to be accompanied by an adult for those under 13.
If you prefer to go for a walk not too far away, you can read my article on trails, you can definitely do them as a family!
Have the SOCIA reflex, where you'll find one-off workshops, local outing ideas, and events for the whole family. Remember to check it regularly!
Alexandra Fons,
Co-founder of SOCIA