Do This Now at the parks: archery, art fair, geocaching, SUP lesson for kids
State and regional parks host variety of summer programs.
William O'Brien State Park
1-3 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon Sunday
Try archery under the guidance of certified instructors. Program is for ages 8 and older. Children 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Equipment provided. Visit anytime between the hours noted. (651-433-0500, mndnr.gov).
Art at Afton
Afton State Park
6-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Take in the program of ArtReach St. Croix, a mobile art gallery of works by artists living and working in the St. Croix Valley. The exhibit is in the picnic area. (651-231-6968, mndnr.gov).
Learn to geocache
Fort Snelling State Park
10-11:30 a.m. Saturday
Join a park naturalist for a digital scavenger hunt. Learn how to use a global positioning unit before hunting for some virtual treasures. All equipment is provided. Dress for the weather and meet at the visitor center. Call 612-725-2724 to register. (mndnr.gov).
Family fishing
St. Croix State Park
10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday
Meet the naturalist outside the St. Croix Lodge to sharpen fishing skills. Learn about common fish, tie on a lure and win a prize playing the casting game. Best for ages 8 and older. (1-320-384-6591, mndnr.gov).
Bird banding
Lowry Nature Center
9 a.m.-noon Saturday
See wild songbirds up close as they are carefully trapped, studied, banded and released. Drop in anytime. The program is free and open to all ages. (763-694-7650, threeriversparks.org)
Paddleboard lesson
Bryant Lake Regional Park
9-11 a.m. Saturday
A program, including games, for children ages 8 to 13 to learn the basics of balancing and maneuvering on a stand-up paddleboard. Equipment provided. Cost is $20. To reserve a spot, call 763-559-6700. (threeriversparks.org)
River paddle
Hidden Falls Regional Park
10 a.m. Saturday
Join a Wilderness Inquiry 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)
Mountain bike racing
Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday
A mountain biking race series called the Dirt Cup continues in a time-trial format on a 10-plus-mile single-track loop. Check threeriversparks.org for updates, race changes and weather concerns. Cost is $12 for preregistration, $15 for same day. Call 763-559-6700 to preregister. There are divisions for men, women and riders 17 and younger.
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None of the boat’s occupants, two adults and two juveniles, were wearing life jackets, officials said.