Adventure day at St. Croix Park is part of busy parks weekend

Fort Snelling State Park

3-5 p.m. Friday

Learn about some common Minnesota fish species, how to bait a hook and cast, and other tips. Equipment provided. A license isn't required for state residents. Registration is required. Call 612-725-2724. (mndnr.gov)

Interstate State Park

3-4 p.m. Friday

Discover amazing architects of the animal world through hands-on activities and experiments. The program is for ages 7 to 13, but older and younger siblings are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (651-465-5711, mndnr.gov).

St. Croix State Park

1-3 p.m. Saturday

Celebrate St. Croix State Park's ninth annual adventure skills weekend. Pack for a day at the beach and meet at Lake Clayton Beach picnic area. Play volleyball or horseshoes, take a quick canoe lesson or try archery. Those are just a few of the options.

(1-320-384-6591, mndnr.gov).

Walking like Thoreau

Sibley State Park

4-5 p.m. Saturday

Join the naturalist for a mindfulness hike through the meadow and by the pond. Sketch the sights you see and listen to readings of some of Henry David Thoreau's most influential work. (1-320-354-2055, mndnr.gov)

Fish Lake Regional Park

9-11 a.m. Saturday

Head to Maple Grove and explore the water on a standup paddleboard. Equipment provided. Cost is $35. Call 763-559-6700 to reserve a spot. The program is for ages 14 and older (threerivers­parks.org).

Group paddle

Hidden Falls Regional Park

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday

Join a Wilderness Inquiry-led family paddle trip on the Mississippi River. Head from Hidden Falls Regional Park to Harriet Island. Cost is $45 for adults, $30 for children. (612-676-9400, wildernessinquiry.org)

Fish Lake Regional Park

3-4:30 p.m. Sunday

Rooted in the history of the logging era in the Midwest, log rolling is safe and fun. Improve balance, agility, concentration and core strength. Cost is $10. Reserve a spot by Friday. Call 763-559-6700. This program is open to ages 5 and older. (threeriversparks.org)

Fort Snelling State Park

1-2 p.m. Sunday

Learn about the adaptations of various animals that live in the park by examining their skins and skulls. Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov).