Tour the night sky
William O'Brien State Park,
9-10:30 p.m. Saturday
Join amateur astronomer Kenny Bahmer on a tour of the night sky. The program begins indoors. Then, head outside to view some of these evening delights through a telescope. If it is cloudy, there still will be an indoor program. Meet at the visitor center. (651-433-0500, mndnr.gov)
Bird banding
Lowry Nature Center,
9 a.m.-noon Saturday
See birds up close as they are carefully trapped, tagged, studied and released.
This program is free and open to all ages. (763-694-7650, threeriversparks.org)
I Can Fish! trout
Whitewater State Park,
10:30 a.m.-noon Sunday
Meet at the South Picnic Area. The program is designed to introduce trout fishing to inexperienced individual anglers, families and youth groups. Equipment is provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own bait; worms often work best. Fishing licenses and trout stamps are not required for this activity. This program will be offered at the park every Sunday through Sept. 4. (1-507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)
Campfire cooking
Afton State Park,
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday
Cooking over an outdoor campfire is something of an art. From building a fire to cooking with a cast-iron Dutch oven, the program covers it all. Learn some skills, or pass on favorite recipes. There will be food to sample. (651-231-6968, mndnr.gov)
Under a full moon
Silverwood Park,
8-9:30 p.m. Sunday
Discover Minnesota's native prairies on a hike under the full moon. Make an art project inspired by prairie flowers and roast marshmallows at a campfire. Cost is $8; reservations required. Call 763-559-6700, threeriversparks.org)
Father's Day paddle
Wild River State Park
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
Take a nine-mile paddle with the park naturalist. You will hear about the voyageurs and logging crews that made their livelihood on the St. Croix River. Bring a sack lunch along for a sandbar stop. There will be seven free canoes available for the first registrants, or bring a canoe. Meet at the main park boat landing at 9:45 a.m. Registration is required by noon Saturday. (651-583-2125, ext. 227, mndnr.gov)