Skeleton investigation
Lowry Nature Center
10-11:30 a.m. Saturday
Investigate skeletons from common animals found here. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (763-694-7650)
Bee houses
Glendalough State Park
9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday
Learn about the wonders of insects like bees. This is a "make-and-take" program, so participants will leave with one or more projects. Projects will follow the pollinator theme — bee houses and others — so there will be something interesting regardless of age. Children must be accompanied by an adult; $5 per person. (218-864-0110)
Survival bracelets
William O'Brien State Park
10-11 a.m. Saturday
Learn some survival basics and then make a survival bracelet. Registration required; call 651-433-0500. (mndnr.gov)
Bird language
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington
9 a.m. -1 p.m. Saturday
Gather in Classroom A at the visitor center. Explore what the birds are telling us about our surroundings. Time will be split between the classroom and outdoors. Bring a notebook, pencils, and something to sit on outdoors. Register at mntracking.org.
Tracking wildlife
Itasca State Park
1-3 p.m. Saturday
Take a 2½-mile hike to explore the tracks of Itasca's critters.
Dress for weather and likely trail conditions, and meet at the North Country Trail trailhead parking lot. (1-218-699-7251, mndnr.gov)
Feed the animals
Richardson Nature Center
3-4 p.m. Sunday
Explore a different topic each week through hands-on activities. Drop in anytime. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Program is free. (763-694-7676, threeriversparks.org)
Winter bird feeding
Fort Snelling State Park
1-2 p.m. Sunday
Learn how you can use a variety of seeds and feeder types and improve the habitat in your yard to increase the number and variety of birds. Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724)
Outside survival
Cleary Lake Regional Park
10 a.m.-noon Wednesday
Practice the lifesaving skills of fire- and shelter-building, signaling and wilderness safety with experienced instructors. Adult leaders are free of charge and required to attend and participate with students ages 11 and younger. Reservations required by Monday. (763-694-7777)