Archery in the park
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)
Water and birds
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)
Learn rock climbing
Blue Mounds State Park
9-10:30 a.m., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:30-3 p.m., 3:30-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
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).
Campfire cooking
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)
Picnic hike to the Cascades
Tettegouche State Park
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
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.)
Paddleboard lesson
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)
Flatwater kayaking
Bryant Lake Regional Park
6-9 p.m. Monday
Learn safety skills and proper paddling. Beginners and anyone who has never had formal instruction will benefit. Equipment provided. Cost is $50. Reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700. The program is for ages 14 and older. (threeriversparks.org)
