Night hikes, paddleboard lessons, and work on invasive species fill parks' slates

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park

9-10 p.m. Friday

Bring a flashlight or headlamp and wear good hiking shoes for a milelong walk to learn what goes bump in the night. Meet at the amphitheater. (1-507-352-5111; mndnr.gov/forestville)

Interstate State Park

10-10:30 a.m. Friday

Go to the campground clubhouse and meet a live snake. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (651-465-5711; mndnr.gov/interstate)

Minneopa State Park

Help eliminate this invasive, flowering species that is actually easy to pull from the ground. Prizes awarded. Get a trash bag from the park office. (1-507-384-8890; mndnr.gov/minneopa)

McCarthy Beach State Park

3-7 p.m. Saturday

Bring a chair, blanket or boat and settle in at 3 p.m. for the Northern Lights Music Festival, followed at 6 p.m. by country blues and folk from Jill Burkes and Rob Wheeler. (1-218-274-7200; mndnr.gov/mccarthy)

Itasca State Park

Kids of all ages can meet at the Lake Itasca picnic grounds for a program that introduces children to Minnesota fish species. (1-218-699-7251; mndnr.gov/itasca)

Cleary Lake Regional Park and Baker Park Reserve

2-4 p.m. Saturday

Try this exciting sport at different locations. The activity is rooted in the history of the logging era in the Midwest. Dress to get wet. Drop in anytime. This program is free and open to ages 5 and older. (threeriversparks.org)

Cleary Lake Regional Park and Baker Park Reserve

Try the sport of stand-up paddleboarding. Equipment provided. Reservations required. Cost is $35. Call 763-694-7777. (threeriversparks.org)

Fish Lake Regional Park

5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday