Paddle the Mississippi, explore glacial potholes, mushroom-hunt

East River Flats, Minneapolis, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Explore the wonders of nature and civil engineering from the seat of a Voyageur canoe with Wilderness Inquiry. Paddle upstream from the flats with views of downtown Minneapolis. Finish at the sand flats area off W. River Parkway. Cost is $45. Register online and get more information at wildernessinquiry.org.

Interstate State Park, Noon-1 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Discover on a walk how lakes of lava and gushing glacial waters formed the park's unique potholes. (651-465-5711, mndnr.gov)

Wild River State Park, 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday

Join a master herbalist and mushroom enthusiast for tips on identification and safety. Learn about 15 common edible mushrooms that grow in the area; also know the poisonous versions. Then, go look for some. (651-583-2125, ext. 227, mndnr.gov)

Beach party

Celebrate 125 years of Minnesota parks and trails. There will be skill stations and multiple activities set up around the Lake Clayton beach picnic area, from paddle sports to volleyball. (1-320-384-6591, mndnr.gov)

William O'Brien State Park, 1-3 p.m. Saturday

Team up with a partner or your family for a contest like the TV version. There will be puzzles to solve and activities to complete to get the next clue. The faster you go, the better chance you have to win a prize. Sign up at the main park office when you arrive, then meet at the Riverside Amphitheater in the picnic grounds. (651-433-0500, mndnr.gov)

Cleary Lake Regional Park, 9-11 a.m. Saturday

Learn the basics. Cost is $10. Call 763-559-6700 and reference #344545-04 for a spot. (threeriversparks.org)

Children can learn the basics of balancing and maneuvering on a stand-up paddleboard. Play some games to test your new skills. Cost is $20. Call 763-559-6700 and reference activity #323978-01. This program is for ages 8-13.

French Regional Park, 1-3 p.m. Sunday