Move through state and regional parks by snowshoe or ski

Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2 p.m. Saturday

Winter (officially) is close. As humans put on heavy coats, animals gain weight and grow long fur. Dress for the weather and learn more about thriving through the cold months. Meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center, which is 2 miles from the park entrance. (612-725-2724; mndnr.gov/fortsnelling)

Sibley State Park, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday

Learn to skim the snow in snowshoes. Borrow a pair from the park or bring your own. Only a limited number of children's and extra-large sizes are available. The program will be canceled if there is inclement weather. Check the park website for updates. (1-320-354-2055; mndnr.gov/sibley)

Whitewater State Park, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday

Borrow a global positioning system unit from the park or bring your own (the same applies to snowshoes). You'll learn how to find hidden cache in the park. (1-507-312-2300; mndnr.gov/whitewater)

Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2 p.m. Sunday

Elm Creek Park Reserve, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday

Challenge yourself in a time trial format racing a 10- to 14-mile single-track loop through trees and snow after sundown. Warm up at the trailhead after for awards, door prizes and good times. Cost is $15 for pre-registeration; $20 for same-day. Call 763-559-6700 to preregister. (threeriversparks.org)

Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 1-3 p.m. Saturday

Three Rivers Parks District will host an afternoon to its adapted cross-country skiing option. This is a great opportunity for individuals with any disability to try sit-skiing or guided skiing. Equipment provided. The free program is co-sponsored by Courage Kenny. (763-694-7687, threeriversparks.org)

Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 9:30-11 a.m. Sunday

Hyland Lake Park Reserve

Noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday