ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Free – Lunch with a Naturalist SESSIONS
PACK YOUR LUNCH &
LEARN WITH A NATURALIST
RESTORATION DAYS
VOLUNTEER AT WARGO NATURE CENTER
FALL MIGRATION BIRD WALKS
ENJOY THE TRAILS
& OBSERVING BIRDS
ACTIVITIES FOR ALL
-
Select Locations, Days, Times
Bird watching walks allow participants to get outdoors, learn about some of the animals we see every day, and get some exercise. A staff member will be along to point out birds, and other wildlife, that we see and hear along the way. All skill levels are welcome, and no bird knowledge is required.Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve
Bunker Hills Activities Center
-
ALL AGES
Bring your curiosity, questions, and walking shoes for a hike through the park guided by a naturalist. Learn fascinating insights about the park’s wildlife, plant community, and ecosystems along the way.
-
ALL AGES
Saturday, October 24; 1 – 3 pm; Wargo Nature Center
Celebrate fall at Wargo Nature Center! We’ll crank up the cider press, play pioneer games, and have fun self-guided nature activities. -
ALL AGES WITH ADULT
Saturday, December 5; 1 – 3 pm; Wargo Nature Center
Search Wargo's chilly peninsula for the ingredients needed to make a piping cup of hot chocolate. You'll be given a GPS unit to explore Wargo's new GPS Challenge Course. Children must be accompanied by an adult (age 18+). Dress for the weather.
TEEN & ADULT ACTIVITIES
-
AGES 15+
Monday, September 14; 4 – 5:30 pm; Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve
Stand-up paddle boarding is easier than you think and a fun way to be active on the water. After a few minutes of instruction, participants will spend most of their time on a paddle board. No experience required and all equipment is provided. -
AGES 12+
Who has been out and about in the snow? Uncover the journey of an animal by the tracks, trails, and sign they leave behind. Explore the winter landscape of Minnesota with one of Wargo Nature Center’s three certified wildlife trackers (certified by Tracker Certification North America) to learn how to distinguish the numerous tracks and sign of local wildlife. Each session will be a unique experience as the landscape and animal activity change through the winter. Enroll in all four sessions to receive a discounted rate. -
AGES 12+
Monday, December 28; 1 – 3 pm; Bunker Hills Campground
Cross-country skiing is great exercise, easy to do (with good instruction), and a fun way to get outdoors in the winter. All equipment is provided, and no skiing experience is needed. -
AGES 5+
Tuesday, December 29; 1 – 3 pm; Wargo Nature Center
With a little luck we'll have some snow to play in. Participants will have the opportunity to try snowshoeing, kick-sledding, fat tire biking, and play an outdoor winter game or two. This is a family friendly event. -
AGES 12+
Wednesday, December 20; 1 – 3 pm; Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
Let's get out and explore along the beautiful Mississippi River. Snowshoes allow participants to get off trail and experience new parts of the park. All equipment is provided and no experience is needed.
-
AGES 16+
Select Wednesdays; 11:30 am – 1 pm; Wargo Nature Center
Bring your lunch and learn. Listen to a naturalist present on a local natural or cultural history topic and possibly go on a relaxing stroll on the trails.Deer; September 2
Minnesota’s Geologic History; October 7
Owls of Minnesota; November 4
Wildcats of Minnesota; December 2
Snow Birds; January 6
Wildlife Tracking; February 3
-
AGES 15+
Have you always wanted to try fat tire biking and didn’t know how to go about it? With a little instruction participants, and staff, will explore single track trails together. Basic bike riding ability is required. -
Select Days; 10 am – 12 pm; Wargo Nature Center
Help restore and beautify the natural areas at Wargo Nature Center. Projects will vary by time of year and needs of the site, but may include invasive species removal, garbage clean up, or light trail and park maintenance. Projects will occur regardless of weather, unless severe. Large groups are welcome with prior notice and registration is encouraged. -
Anoka County Parks is home to several exceptional areas for bird watching. As birds fly overhead, we’ll be in canoes and kayaks on the water. This leisurely paddle will allow everyone to observe birds, and other wildlife. No birding or paddling experience is required.
-
Wild edibles grow all around us, you just have to know what to look for! Bring your basket and join Maria Wesserle of Four Season Foraging as we hike through forests and fields in search of tasty plants, fruits, and maybe even some mushrooms. We’ll discuss identification, sustainable harvesting methods, and preparation. This class will be held rain or shine, so please dress for the weather.
-
AGES 15+
Kayaking is a great way to spend some time on the water, be active, and relax with friends and family. Participants will learn basic strokes, safety, and kayak maneuvering skills. We’ll have a variety of kayaks for participants to try and no experience is necessary.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
-
AGES 2+ WITH ADULT
Select Tuesday of Each Month; 9 – 10 am; Wargo Nature Center
Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds as our storyteller takes you on nature adventures through stories, songs, and crafts. Registration is encouraged to ensure there are enough craft supplies for all attending. -
AGES 4–6
Wednesdays; Wargo Nature Center; 9:30 – 11:30 am
Preschoolers will spend Wednesday mornings adventuring and learning out on Wargo’s wooded peninsula exploring different nature topics and seasonal changes along the way. In addition to guided activities, each week will include a free-explore time where participants will be encouraged to follow their senses and create their own adventure with new friends.Register for all three sessions and receive $30 off.
-
Wargo Nature Center offers monthly homeschool sessions for first through twelfth grade.
Select Days; October – May
Third Thursday; 10 – 11:30 am & 1 – 2:30 pm & Following Friday; 10 – 11:30 am
A variety nature and recreation focused summer day camps are offered every June through August for ages 4 through 14.
NATURE EXPLORERS | NATURE’s PALETTE | SURVIVAL ADVENTURE | KAYAK & CAMP NIGHT | & MORE DAY CAMPS
Fee assistance is available, please apply online. Share your feedback with us!
Adaptive & Inclusive Activities
Adaptive equipment can be used for free to explore the great outdoors.
PLAN AN ADVENTURE WITH A NATURALIST
Groups or families up to 20 people can enjoy a guided outdoor adventure in the parks. Plan a customizable outing that lets you choose the kind of experience your group wants, on the water or on the land.
If your group prefers to give back, we offer free volunteer opportunities focused on habitat restoration and natural area care. At this time, volunteer experiences are available only at Wargo Nature Center.
All other guided outdoor activities can take place at any other Anoka County Parks operated park, given the location has the necessary infrastructure for your selected activity.
Whatever you choose, our naturalist will lead a memorable, hands-on experience tailored to your group.
Guided Adventure Options:
Adventures are 1.5 to 2 hours in length.
Kayaking
Canoeing
Stand-up Paddle Boarding
Voyageur Canoe Trip
Snowshoeing
Cross-country Skiing
Pricing:
1-10 people $150
11-20 people $275
Staff and necessary equipment included.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
We’ve partnered with local communities, organizations, and cities to offer more activities.