Independence weekend
St. Croix State Park
8 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday-Sunday
Learn to paddle, navigate with GPS, try fishing, shoot a bow and arrow, and much more. More information: 1-320-384-6615; www.mndnr.gov.
Nature's fireworks
Sibley State Park
8-9:30 p.m. Friday
Discover the science behind the firefly, and submit your firefly observations to the Firefly Watch Project. More information: 1-320-354-2055, www.mndnr.gov.
On the farm
Gale Woods Farm
9:30 a.m.-noon Saturday
Explore the barn. Meet animals. Assist with chores. Participate in other seasonal farm activities. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. In Minnetrista, the program is outside, rain or shine. Closed-toe shoes required. Strollers are not allowed in the barn or in with the animals. Registration not required. More information: 763-694-2001 or www.threeriversparks.org.
Haymaking
The Landing – Minnesota River Heritage Park
Noon-5 p.m. Sunday
The past will come alive with costumed interpreters and interactive demonstrations throughout the park, in Shakopee. Haymaking provided essential livestock feed during Minnesota's long winters. Explore how farmers cut, dried and stored hay before motorized tractors and hay balers. Watch horse-drawn mowers cut and rake a hayfield. The event will be postponed if there is rain. More information: 763-694-7784 or www.threeriversparks.org.
Log rolling
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday
Head to Minnetrista for an evening of log rolling. Improve balance, agility, concentration and core strength. Dress to get wet. Cost is $15, and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 reference activity number 326201-00. There is a 20 percent discount for groups of four or more. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. More information: www.threeriversparks.org.
Paddleboarding
Fish Lake Regional Park
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday
Try the fast-growing sport and get a full-body workout. Equipment provided. The paddleboards for the program have a manufacturer's recommended weight limit of 220 to 250 pounds. Cost is $35, and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number 325911-02. This program is for ages 14 and older. More information: www.three riversparks.org.