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Weekend programs at state and regional parks have families in mind

There are a lot of options at Whitewater to Fort Snelling state parks and points beyond.

October 19, 2017 at 8:25PM

It's a birding weekend. (Robert Timmons/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Wild River State Park, friday-Saturday

Enjoy a full weekend of family activities, from a treasure hunt to programs on snakes, bats and owls. (651-583-2125, ext. 227, mndnr.gov)

Interstate State Park,10-11 a.m. Saturday

Discover the inside tips and tricks that animals use to get ready for the coming cold. (651-465-5711, mndnr.gov)

Whitewater State Park, 1-3 p.m. Saturday

Learn about the unique history of the Elba Fire Tower and be prepared to climb it. (1-507-312-2300, mndnr.gov)

Fort Snelling State Park, 10-11 a.m. Saturday

Join a naturalist for a birding hike. Learn the basics about how to identify birds. To register, call 612-725-2724. The hike is free. (mndnr.gov)

Lake Shetek State Park, 1-4 p.m. Saturday

An annual festival with myriad family activities from games to campfire treats. (1-507-763-3256, mndnr.gov)

Focusing on bats

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

Come learn about bats that are native to Minnesota, how echolocation works, myths, and their benefit to humans. (612-279-3550, mndnr.gov)

Elm Creek Park Reserve, 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday

A series of night mountain bike racing stops at Elm Creek. (763-559-6700, threeriversparks.org)

Lowry Nature Center, 9-noon Saturday

Wild songbirds will be carefully trapped, studied, banded and released. Drop in anytime. (763-694-7650, threeriversparks.org)

Intro to geocaching

Whitewater State Park 10-noon Saturday

Learn the basics. There are park-provided global positioning units if needed. (1-507-312-2308, mndnr.gov)

Spring Lake Park Reserve, 1-3 p.m. Sunday

Search the skies over Schaar's Bluff in Hastings for migrating raptors. Binoculars provided if needed. (952-891-7000, co.dakota.mn.us)