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Do This Now: Geocaching, hunting mushrooms, golfing by moonlight

Geocaching, hunting mushrooms, golfing by moonlight, honing survival skills.

September 17, 2015 at 3:53PM

Geocaching opportunities are abundant throughout various park systems. (Robert Timmons/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Do This Now: Weekend outdoors activities

Geocaching challenge

Interstate State Park

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday

Why are newly fallen acorns like gold for wildlife? Find out as you use clues and geocaching skills to locate special golden acorns hidden in the park. The naturalist will go over geocaching basics and supply GPS units to those who need them. Meet at the park office. (651-465-5711, mndnr.gov)

Mushroom hunt

Rice Lake State Park

10 a.m.-noon Saturday

Discover the good, the bad and the ugly of the mushroom world. Meet at the picnic shelter. (1-507-455-5871, mndnr.gov)

Lost in the woods

Fort Snelling State Park

1-3 p.m. Saturday

Learn basic skills that could help save your life if you ever were to get lost in the woods, including how to make a fire, build a shelter and more. The presentation will be followed by hands-on activities. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)

Moonlight golf

Fort Ridgely State Park

7:30 p.m. Saturday

All ages and abilities on an illuminated course. Meet in the chalet parking lot. Registration begins at 7:30 p.m., with tee-off at 8 p.m. Cost is $13 for adults, $7 for children under age 15. (1-507-426-7840, mndnr.gov.

Family archery

Baker Park Reserve

3-5 p.m. Sunday

Learn the basics of shooting a bow and elements of safety. Cost is $7 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity 430311-03. This program is for ages 8 and older; children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Adaptive sports

French Regional Park

1-4 p.m. Sunday

Try adaptive mountain bikes, kayaks, archery equipment and geocaching. Socialize and make s'mores by the campfire. Cost is $8. Call 763-559-6700 and reference activity 425001-00 to register.

Bird banding demonstration

Whitewater State Park

12:30-2 p.m. Sunday

Find out how bird banding helps wildlife researchers learn more about birds and their natural history, including where they go and how long they live. Participants can handle and release birds after they have been caught in nets, studied and banded with an aluminum tag. (1-507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)