Do This Now: Editor-selected events at state, regional and local parks

1 Rafting the river

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, June 21, 9 a.m.-noon

Celebrate the summer solstice with this guided paddle on the Mississippi River. Paddling experience preferred. Participants must be prepared for some lifting. Equipment and shuttle provided. Ages 16-plus. $30. Reservation required; 763-559-6700. More info: www.threeriversparks.org.

2 Paddle with Ranger Judy

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, June 23, 4:30-8:15 p.m.

Explore the Refuge by water. Meet at Thompson Ferry Landing (in Jordan) for a 7-mile guided paddle on the Minnesota River to Chaska Riverside Park. Bring your own canoe or kayak, paddle and life jacket. Shuttle provided. Participants must be prepared to portage around Carver Rapids. More info: 952-858-0731 or www.fws.gov/refuge/minnesota_valley/events.html.

3 Women's bike ride

Meet at the Gateway State Trail parking lot near 55th Street and Hadley Avenue (in Oakdale) for a 12-mile ride. A park naturalist from Afton State Park will guide the group. Registration required; 651-231-6968. More information: www.mndnr.gov/ptcalendar.

4 Sea kayaking lesson

Lebanon Hills Regional Park, June 26, 6-9 p.m.

Meet at Schulze Lake Beach for a lesson on sea kayaking basics including strokes, wet exits and rescues. Ages 16-plus. $50. Registration required. More info: www.dakotacounty.us/parks.

5 Cooking in the park: Raspberry leaf tea