Weekend options: Get Outdoors Days and Father Hennepin Festival

Families can try out canoes, kayaks and other outdoor equipment from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Rd., Eagan, 952-891-7000. www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks. Or if you want to get away from the Twin Cities area, head to a Minnesota State Park for geocaching, birding, children's fishing clinics and camping. All parks will offer free admission, and at most parks you can borrow equipment. No excuses, just get out and get exploring.

Everything from softball to a carnival and a parade will keep folks entertained this weekend. Festival-goers will also be treated to a car show, fireworks (10:15 p.m. Sat. over Mill Pond), powerboat races and a Trailhead bicycle race. 5 p.m.-midnight Fri.; 11 a.m.-midnight Sat.; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. next Sun. Free. Mississippi Point Park, 651 West River Road, Champlin, www.father hennepinfestival.com.