ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
FREE DROP-IN NATURE INVESTIGATIONS
LEARN ABOUT THE NATURAL WORLD WITH A NATURALIST
RESTORATION DAYS
VOLUNTEER AT WARGO NATURE CENTER
SUMMER DAY CAMPS
MAKE SUMMER MEMORIES OUTDOORS
ACTIVITIES FOR ALL
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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.Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve
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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.
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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.
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Select Saturdays; Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campground; 7-8 pm
Enjoy a naturalist-led presentation around a roaring campfire at the Rice Creek or Bunker Hills Campgrounds to learn about a new topic. -
Select Saturdays; Bunker Hills Campground; 7-8 pm
Enjoy a naturalist-led presentation around a roaring campfire at the Rice Creek or Bunker Hills Campgrounds to learn about a new topic.
TEEN & ADULT ACTIVITIES
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AGES 12+
Saturday, October 10; 12 – 2 pm; Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
We'll be using our 30-foot voyageur canoe to experience fall colors and paddle the beautiful Mississippi River. Space is limited, so don’t miss out on this unique program. -
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.
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Saturdays, 1 – 3 pm; Select Locations
Try different types of paddling equipment including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and a MEGA (17-foot) board. -
Awaken your senses and connect deeply to nature around and within you. Experience an immersive, meditative session of the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” with certified ANFT guide Kirsten Welge.
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Thursday, July 30; 6:30 – 8:30 pm; Wargo Nature Center
Starting and controlling fire is one of the most significant achievements in human history. Take a walk through the ages and explore modern and time-honored fire-starting methods, including matches, ferro rods, bow drills, and flint and steel. Campfire snack provided. -
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.Frogs & Toads; August 5
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
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Thursday, August 13; 1 – 4 pm; Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve
The beautiful Rice Creek is waiting for you to go on an adventure. Kayak or canoe down the Rice Creek, navigate many meanders, and experience remote areas. Basic paddling experience is recommended. All equipment is included or you can bring your own.
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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.
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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.
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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. -
AGES 15+
Stand-up paddle boarding is still the coolest and most fun way to be on the water. After a short introduction and instruction, we’ll be ready to paddle out and explore. No experience is required and all equipment is provided. -
AGES 15+
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.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
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Select Saturdays; 2 – 4 pm; Wargo Nature Center
Investigate the natural world up close with a naturalist in this drop-in program. Stop by at any time during the session to explore more about a nature topic through hands-on activities and nature artifacts. -
Select Saturdays; 2 – 4 pm; Bunker Hills Campground
Investigate the natural world up close with a naturalist in this drop-in program. Stop by at any time during the session to explore more about a nature topic through hands-on activities and nature artifacts.
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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.
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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.
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Wargo Nature Center offers monthly homeschool sessions for kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Select Days; October – May
Third Thursday; 10 – 11:30 am & 1 – 2:30 pm & Following Friday; 10 – 11:30 am
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July 20–23; 9 am – 12 pm; Wargo Nature Center; $125 +tax
Ready, set, explore! Go on a quest to discover more about the animals around you from the birds in the sky to the bugs beneath your feet. Explore the woods and wetlands and experience what it takes to be a true nature explorer.
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August 17–20; 9 am – 12 pm; Wargo Nature Center; $125 +tax
Hop along for an adventure into the wondrous world of frogs. As a little nature enthusiast, you’ll delight in catching frogs, exploring their habitat, and learning what makes amphibians so special.
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July 27–30; 9 am – 3 pm; Wargo Nature Center; $220 +tax
Get out and get dirty! We’ll build shelters, catch bugs, and splash in the mud. Explore the woods of Wargo and find fun along the trails each day. Bring your boots and be ready to go!
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July 27–30; 9 am – 3 pm; Lake George; $220 +tax
Flying is an important survival strategy for many animals, but humans only recently figured out ways to fly. Learn to appreciate different winged critters through hands-on experiences. Also, have fun with group games, nature exploration, and arts and crafts.
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August 3–6; 9 am – 3 pm; Wargo Nature Center; $220 +tax
Explore the prairies, woods, and wetlands of Wargo Nature Center. We’ll spend time learning how to figure out what happens in the wild when people aren’t around. Then, search for clues and follow leads to unlock nature’s mysteries.
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August 10–13; 9 am – 3 pm; Lake George; $220 +tax
Bring your creativity to build and explore using natural elements that you find. Shelters, crafts, and more await as you’ll build it all! In addition, to your own shelter, learn about some of the best animal builders and how they build nests, lodges, and other structures to survive.
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August 24–27; 9 am – 3 pm; Wargo & Centennial Library; $220 +tax
Travel back to the 1800s for a week of old-fashioned fun. Read stories about children living in 19th-century Minnesota and bring their adventures to life through crafts, cooking, games, music, and pretend play.
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July 20–23; 9 am – 4 pm; Martin-Island-Linwood Lakes (Camp Salie)
August 3–6; 9 am – 4 pm; Lake George $230 +tax per week
Ever dreamed of living out in the woods with nothing but a stick shelter and a fire? We’ll learn and practice the essential skills needed to feel confident and capable in the forest. Make shelters, practice safe fire-making, learn about wildlife, build teamwork skills, and more in a fun outdoor setting.
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August 17–20; 9 am – 4 pm; Wargo Nature Center; $230 +tax
Become part of the nature center team, help with the care of our animal ambassadors, and use your detective skills to discover the wild animals living around the nature center. We’ll also roll up our sleeves for habitat restoration projects and work as a team to protect the prairie, forest, and wetlands. This is your chance to go off trail and learn new skills to benefit the wild areas near you.
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August 24–27; 9 am – 4 pm; Wargo Nature Center & Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Preserve; $230 +tax
Get outside and learn how to help nature! We’ll tackle different ways to protect Minnesota’s flora and fauna while getting our hands dirty. Be ready for habitat restoration projects and special guests who will share about their work in the natural resources field. We’ll also meet up off-site on the last day for a tour to learn about local research and restoration work.
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July 21, 22, & 23; 9 am – 4 pm; Rice Creek Chain of Lakes; $210 +tax
Are you ready for an outdoor summer adventure? Enjoy kayaking, camping overnight on the second day, games, cooking over an open fire, and more. You’ll learn kayaking skills, go on a sunset kayak trip, and practice camping skills like how to set up a tent, start a campfire, and relax in the great outdoors.
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August 3–6; 9 am – 4 pm; Bunker Hills & Coon Rapids Dam; $210 +tax
Step into the matrix—the recreational matrix. Getting outdoors and being active is so important for your mental and physical health. Learn how to paddle a kayak or paddle board, try archery, and fat tire bike. All are a great first step towards a lifetime of outdoor activity.
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August 10–13; 9 am – 4 pm; Wargo Nature Center; $230 +tax
The natural world has long stirred the imaginations of writers, musicians, and visual artists alike. Explore the outdoors and experiment with a mix of art forms, allowing nature to provide inspiration and materials for our projects. At the end, we’ll share our work in an artists’ showcase for our families to enjoy.
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.