No Section

Do This Now: Family archery, astronomy show, mountain biking

Parks are gearing up with programs around Perseid meteor shower.

August 11, 2016 at 5:43PM

Observe the night sky this weekend. (Robert Timmons/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Family archery

Baker Park Reserve, 3-5 p.m. Sunday

Head to Medina and learn the basics of shooting safely and accurately with skilled instructors. The program is for ages 8 and older; children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. Cost is $10, and equipment is provided. Call 763-559-6700 and reference activity #330341-02 to reserve a spot. (threeriversparks.org)

Universe in the park

Lake Maria State Park, 8:30-10 p.m. Friday

Astronomy program will include telescopes if the night is clear. Flashlights and insect repellent are recommended. (1-763-878-2325, mndnr.gov)

Meteor shower doings

William O'Brien State Park, 7-10 p.m. Saturday

Storyteller Dwight Wilcox will start with constellation stories around the campfire. Following a short indoor program on the Perseid meteor shower, the program moves outdoors with telescopes. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and meet at the visitor center. (651-433-0500, mndnr.gov)

• Whitewater State Park also hosts a program 8:30-10 p.m. Saturday. Members of the Hiawatha Valley Astronomical Society will provide telescopes, expertise and slides introducing our solar system, galaxy and beyond. There will be a program rain or shine. (1-507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)

Parks celebration

Wild River State Park, 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday

Join singer/songwriter Pierre Jacques Pleau at the amphitheater for fiddle tunes and stories that celebrate our natural treasures: national and state parks. Rain date is 4 p.m. Sunday. (651-583-2125, ext. 227, mndnr.gov)

Picnic in a park

Glendalough State Park, noon-3 p.m. Sunday

Come celebrate one of the newest state parks, which is marking its 25th anniversary. Pack a lunch and head down to the historic lodge. There will be music and games, with a special program at 2 p.m. Paddle, swim, hike, bike. (1-218-864-0110, mndnr.gov)

Fire and food

Lowry Nature Center, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday

Learn how to start a campfire and keep it going. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Reserve a spot by Friday; call 763-694-7650. Cost is $5.

Mountain biking

Murphy-Hanrehan Reserve, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday

Test your speed and skill by competing in a time trial on a 10.5-mile single-track loop. This race is part of a race series, but same-day riders are welcome. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Races start at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $12. The series alternates between district parks. Races are for ages 14 and older, and helmets are required.