June 28, 2025 - Kids Ride Free!

Calling all aspiring Little Sailors! It's time to report for duty and learn the ropes of working on a Great Lakes vessel and the all-important keys to water safety. Join us at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours on Saturday, June 28th, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a day filled with fun and educational activities perfect for kids ages 5 and older. Children up to 17 years of age enjoy free lock tours (2 children per adult)

 

Friday, June 27th is US Army Corps Engineers Day, celebrating those who built and maintain the Soo Locks. The public can tour the Soo Locks facility, walk across the MacArthur Lock, and see the MacArthur and Poe Locks in action. Visitors can also explore the historic Administration Building and enjoy various activities. Portage Avenue will be partially closed for downtown merchants and vendors, along with a Family Fun Fair Arts & Crafts at City Hall grounds.

On Saturday, June 28th, the International Bridge Walk takes an easy pace and provides spectacular views of the twin Saults, the St. Mary’s River rapids, and the Soo Locks. Young and old, physically fit and fitness challenged, all enjoy the fantastic views and the resulting pictures that will last a lifetime. Next is Little Sailors Day, making this a family fun-filled weekend here in Sault Michigan.

What to Expect at Little Sailors Day

Fun, lots of fun! Last year, young sailors joined us in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, for a day of fun and learning. Kids enjoyed activities like throwing life rings, handling lines, and designing fleet flags. Check out the photo gallery to see the smiles and excitement from this memorable event! This year we have grown, reaching out to the community and making this family fun event even bigger! Come join us for an amazing maritime adventure. Here is a list of activities we have now. I hope to see you down here at the #1 dock in Sault Michigan. Check out the photo gallery from last year's event 2024 Little Sailors Day.

Activities at Little Sailors Day:

• Free Boat Rides for kids: On our scheduled tours & with the National Guard
• Games: Make flags, face painting, etc.
• Prizes & Giveaways: From local establishments
• Make water safety fun: Learn basic water safety skills
• Interactive Learning: Learn the ropes, knot tying, line handling, etc.
• Demonstrations: Real live boats and sailboats
• Ice Cream Bar: Kids can select their own toppings

Come meet our crew! This maritime adventure also includes opportunities to meet our captains and crew members and take home some cute Little Sailor souvenirs (while supplies last).

 

 

Special Guests and Partners

We are thrilled to have the following participants joining us for this fun-filled community event:

• Chrissy Kadleck of Interlake Steamship: Great Lakes cargo and gifts from freighters
• Soo Locks Children Museum: Games and face painting
• Zac & Mac’s: Sundae bar where kids can select their own toppings
• Roger LeLievre: Know Your Ships books & signing
• Andrea Guerriero DRE Designs - Great Lakes Marine Products: Merchandise with proceeds going to ISMA Scholarship Fund
• Auxiliary Coast Guard: Interactive displays and demonstrations on water safety
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers: Leading water safety activities and handing out goody bags
• Sault Tribe Law Enforcement: Boat on display and demonstrations
• West Pier, Lock View & other local restaurants: Prizes & giveaways for Sailor's Meals provided by our local dining establishments
• A Sailboat on Display: Learn the ropes to sailing with a fun interactive display with a real live sailboat
• Bayliss Library - Storytime three times a day 10:30, 12:30, & 2:30. Maritime Crafts take or make here. Bookmarks and Information for the library. 
• Bob's Food Trailer: Keeping everyone energized and happy

National Guard Participation

Free rides with the National Guard. We are excited to have the National Guard 14th 37th 1437MRBC joining us for Little Sailors Day. They will be showcasing their heavy equipment and offering free boat rides for kids. The National Guard uses various types of boats, including the Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM-8) and the newer Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) (MSV(L)). These boats are designed for cargo operations and can carry significant loads, making them essential for military logistics. Kids will have the unique opportunity to experience these boats firsthand.

Join Us for a Day of Fun and Learning

Don't miss this free event, which promises fun for the whole family! Whether your child dreams of becoming a sailor or just loves the water, Little Sailors Day at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours is the perfect way to spend a summer day.

Buy tickets now online for your convenience—Kids Ride Free (2 kids per adult)! Please note that seating during this event is on a first-come, first-served basis. Our two 150-passenger vessels each have three departure times throughout the day during this special event! Tickets are valid anytime throughout the season. Tickets Sold Here:   Buy Tickets  

Location: #1 Dock, 1157 E. Portage Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Phone: (906) 632-6301

We love watching our little sailors having fun! 

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