Dragonfly Collecting, Kayak Rolling: Enjoy The Great Outdoors This Weekend

 (Originally posted by Wendy Erlien)

Family Rafting on the Mississippi River

Spending a morning floating and paddling down the Mississippi River in a large rubber raft. On Saturday, July 13, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Brooklyn Park, experienced naturalists will guide the way, and there will be several stops to explore islands, sandbars and beaches.  No experience is necessary, but paddling and some lifting are required. A shuttle is provided.

Cost is $30 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #315401-02. This program is for ages 8+.

Kayak the Mississippi River for Women

Sunday, July 14, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Brooklyn Park. Discover one of the scenic sides of the Twin Cities while paddling past island chains on the mighty Mississippi. Participants will paddle past old speakeasies from Prohibition while learning about the natural and cultural history of the river. Start at Coon Rapids Dam, stop halfway for a stretch and lunch, then continue to North Mississippi Regional Park. Previous kayak experience is required. Gear and shuttle are provided. Cost is $60 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #325312-00. This program is designed for women ages 14+.

Canoe and Kayak Demos

Sunday, July 14, from 10 a.m.-noon, at Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake. Always wanted to try to canoe or kayak? Come out to our free demo day and try out the sport. This program is free and open to all ages.

Free Family Fun Day: Stump the Naturalist: Bugs

Sunday, July 14, from 1-3 p.m., at Kroening Interpretive Center, in North Mississippi Regional Park, Minneapolis. Use microscopes, see real insects, learn about them and bring in a Minnesota bug to try and stump the naturalist! This program is free and open to all ages.

Feeding Frenzy

Sunday, July 14, from 1-3 p.m., at Eastman Nature Center, in Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove. Different animals will be fed throughout the afternoon. Bring a camera! Drop in anytime. This program is free and open to all ages.

Free Family Fun Day: Pond Exploration

Sunday, July 14, from 3-4 p.m., at Richardson Nature Center, in Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington. Meet a naturalist at the Nature Center’s dock and use a net and bowl to scoop critters out of the pond. Discover the many small animals that live in a pond and make up the aquatic food chain. This program is free and open to all ages.