Archery, picnic hikes, rock-climbing lessons fill slate at state parks

Afton State Park

9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Saturday

Learn the activity from certified instructors. Designed for beginners, ages 8 and older. Children age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Stop by the picnic area any time during the two sessions. (651-436-5391, mndnr.gov)

North Mississippi Regional Park

9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturday

Join a Wilderness Inquiry paddle trip. Hear from National Park Service ranger and bird expert Sharon Stiteler. Head toward Boom Island. Cost is $45 for adults, $30 for children. (612-676-9400, wildernessinquiry.org)

Blue Mounds State Park

Experience rock climbing as a family as you take turns scaling the colorful Sioux quartzite cliffs that rise above the surrounding tallgrass prairie at the park in southwestern Minnesota. Designed for first-time climbers, the program includes instruction with trained professionals from Vertical Endeavors Guided Adventures. Helmet, harness and shoes provided. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children 5 to 18. Adults do not have to climb. Reservations required; visit mndnr.gov/reservations or call 866-857-2757. (1-507-283-6050, mndnr.gov).

Whitewater State Park

1-3 p.m. Sunday

Women can learn how to cook over a campfire using a Dutch oven at this Becoming an Outdoors Woman course. Cost is $5 per person. Registration required. E-mail sara.holger@state.mn.us or call 1-507-932-3007, ext. 226. (mndnr.gov)

Tettegouche State Park

Bring a picnic lunch and join a naturalist on a guided 1½-mile hike. The trails may be a bit muddy, so be prepared with good hiking shoes or boots, water, and a rain jacket if necessary. The terrain is moderate to difficult. (1-218-353-8815, mndnr.gov.)

Carver Park Reserve

2-4 p.m. Sunday

Equipment is provided in this lesson for ages 14 and older. Cost is $35. Reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700. The paddleboards have a manufacturer's recommended weight limit of 220-250 pounds. (threeriversparks.org)

Bryant Lake Regional Park