Birds of the river paddle
North Mississippi Regional Park
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Wilderness Inquiry will supply and lead a paddle on the Mississippi River to Boom Island. Learn about birds of the city from National Park Service ranger and bird expert Sharon Stiteler. No canoeing experience is necessary, and a free shuttle is provided from Boom Island. Cost is $45. Register online at www.wildernessinquiry.org. (612-676-9400)
'The Amazing Park Race'
William O'Brien State Park
1-3 p.m. Saturday
Just like the show, there will be puzzles to solve and activities to complete to get the next clue. Finish the activities first and you could win a prize. Sign up at the main park office, and then meet at the Riverside Amphitheater in the picnic grounds. (651-433-0500 or www.mndnr.gov)
Minnesota River paddle
Minneopa State Park
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Take an 8-mile guided paddle through a forested flood plain. Return shuttle provided. Reservations required. Call 1-507-384-8890 or e-mail scott.kudelka@state.mn.us.
Paddleboard lesson
Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park
1-3 p.m. Saturday
Cost is $35. Call 763-559-6700 and refer to activity number 327711-06. Participants must be 14 or older. (threeriversparks.org) Skins and skulls
Fort Snelling State Park
1-2 p.m. Sunday
Learn about the adaptations of various animals that live in the park by examining their skins and skulls. (612-725-2724, www.mndnr.gov)
Bird banding
Whitewater State Park
12:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
Learn about the practice as a research tool, birds' migratory patterns, and help handle and release banded birds. (507-932-3007, www.mndnr.gov)
Family kayaking
French Regional Park
1-3 p.m. Sunday
Learn kayaking safety and proper paddling techniques while touring local lakes. Equipment provided. Cost is $20, and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700, reference activity number 325011-04. This program is for ages 8 and older. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. (threeriversparks.org)