Family kayaking
Cleary Lake Regional Park
5-7 p.m. Friday
Create family memories of fun on the water. Learn kayaking safety and proper paddling techniques while touring local lakes. Equipment provided. Cost is $20, and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 and reference activity number 324511-08. The program is for ages 8 and older. Children under 17 must be accompanied by a registered adult. (threeriversparks.org)
Critter catch
Hidden Falls Regional Park
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Learn the connection between the Mississippi River and its critters and explore the ecosystem health of the river on a half-day paddle led by Wilderness Inquiry guides. The trip ends at Harriet Island. Head to the park's north gate for the start of the trip. Cost is $45, and a shuttle is provided. Online registration only at wildernessinquiry.org. (612-676-9400)
Paddleboarding
Bryant Lake Regional Park
9-11 a.m. Saturday
An outing for children ages 8 to 13 to learn the basics of balancing and maneuvering on a stand-up paddleboard. There also are games planned. Equipment provided. Cost is $20, and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 reference activity number 323911-09. (threeriversparks.org)
Perseid meteor shower party
William O'Brien State Park
7 p.m. Saturday
Learn about this astronomical event, make a constellation chart to take home, discover how dark skies are a benefit, listen to some constellation stories around the fire, and find some constellations using telescopes provided by the University of Minnesota. Bring a camp chair and a blanket. Meet at the visitor center. (651-433-0500, mndnr.gov)
Plants by canoe
Ft. Snelling State Park
1-3 p.m. Sunday
Take a closer look at the common plants and "weeds" that grow in Snelling Lake. Equipment provided. Registration required. Call 612-725-2724. (mndnr.gov)
Mineral mix-up
Interstate State Park
3-4 p.m. Sunday
What makes up a rock? How many minerals are out there? Simple experiments will reveal these answers. Meet near the visitor center. (651-465-5711, mndnr.gov)