ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
SUMMER DAY CAMPS
REGISTER TODAY
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
SATURDAY, APRIL 18 AT WARGO
KIDS FISHING CLINIC
SATURDAY, MAY 2 AT COON RAPIDS DAM
-
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
Bunker Hills Activities Center
Rum River Central Regional Park
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve
-
Saturday, May 9; 10-11:30 am
Enjoy a spring walk around Manomin Park, where the Rice Creek flows into the Mississippi River. Participants will explore seasonal changes in the park and learn about floodplain forest communities.
ACTIVITIES FOR ALL
-
Saturday, May 9; 1 – 2 pm; Bunker Hills Activities Center
Lake Superior agates are Minnesota’s state gemstone. Many folks want to find agates but don’t know where to start. Wonder no longer. This entry-level lesson will teach you what agates are, where to find them, and why they are so neat. A longtime agate hound and field guide editor will tell you how to start, what to avoid, and provide hands-on examples of the real deal versus imposters. Take home samples will be provided to all participants. -
Saturday, June 27; 12 – 1 pm; Bunker Hills Activities Center
Many animal and fungi species exhibit bioluminescence–they can make their own light–or biofluorescence–they glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. Surprisingly, Minnesota is home to several examples including flying squirrels (which glow pink under UV light), fireflies (which make their own light via chemistry), and a number of fungi species (some make their own light; others glow under UV light). This brief talk will introduce you to some common examples found in Minnesota and what you need to find them yourself. -
Saturday, June 27; 11 am – 1 pm: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve
Make lasting memories by the water with a hands-on fishing experience. Learn the basics of casting, baiting, and reeling in the catch. After a quick lesson, you’ll enjoy plenty of time fishing. All equipment is provided. Participants ages 16 to 89 will need a Minnesota fishing license.
-
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
-
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.
-
Saturdays, 1 – 3 pm; Select Locations
Try different types of paddling equipment including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and a MEGA (17-foot) board. -
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.
-
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. -
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.
-
Saturday, May 16; 9-11 am; Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve
Migration is in full effect and it’s a great time to get out and look for songbirds! We’ll tally up birds to add to your life list and year list, and discuss birding apps and locations to help. Binoculars provided. -
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.
-
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.
-
Select Days, Locations, & Times
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.Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
-
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. -
Select Days, Times, & Locations
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. -
Saturday, April 18; 10 am – 12 pm; Wargo Nature Center
Get outside and help benefit and beautify local parks! Choose between trash cleanup at parks around Lino Lakes (all ages) or invasive species removal at Wargo Nature Center (ages 11+). All registered volunteers will meet at Wargo Nature Center for a briefing and supplies and receive lunch after the cleanup. -
Saturday, April 25; 9-11 am; Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
The birds are back! If you’re interested in keeping a year list or life list, or perhaps getting help with identification or useful apps, this class is for you! We’ll keep track of every bird we see and enjoy the wonderful world of birds. Binoculars provided. -
Friday, May 15; 6 – 8 pm; Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
There are many amazing paddling options in Anoka County, but the Mississippi River is at the top of the list. Participants will have the opportunity to kayak or canoe a beautiful stretch of the river above Coon Rapids Dam. All equipment is included, and basic paddling experience is recommended.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
-
Thursdays; 10-11 am: Wargo Nature Center
Experience the wonders of nature with your child through outdoor exploration, play, and stories in this parent-child program. Please be prepared for the weather and ready to play. -
First 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.
-
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.
-
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. -
Wargo Nature Center offers monthly homeschool sessions for kindergarten through twelfth grade.
-
June 15–18; 9 am – 12 pm; Lake George; $125 +tax
Can you find all the colors of a rainbow in nature? Take part in a colorful expedition to search for animals in the forest, fields, and lake. We’ll meet bright birds, tiny insects, camouflaged mammals, and more while exploring.
-
June 22–25; 9 am – 12 pm; Wargo Nature Center; $125 +tax
Do you like exploring outside and learning about the amazing plants and animals around you? Go on a journey through the woods, prairies, and wetlands to find the biggest and littlest things you can uncover.
-
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.
-
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.
-
June 29 – July 2; 9 am – 3 pm; Wargo Nature Center; $220 +tax
Explore the Earth’s rich colors and textures through paint and creativity. A variety of nature-inspired painting projects will encourage you to express yourself and develop your artistic skills. Get ready to mix colors, embrace mess, and adventure through the forest with a paintbrush.
-
July 6–9; 9 am – 3 pm; Wargo Nature Center; $220 +tax
Do you dream of living in a storybook? Dive into the secret lives of animals to discover what it’s like to soar over the forest or hide in the tall grasses. Through hands-on exploration and imagination, we’ll discover the magic of nature and create our own stories along the way.
-
July 13–16; 9 am – 3 pm; Wargo Nature Center; $220 +tax
Discover the amazing world of critters at Wargo Nature Center, from hopping frogs to fluttering butterflies and crawling beetles. We’ll explore their habitats and uncover the unique secrets of these incredible critters through hands-on activities, games, and outdoor adventures.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
June 15–18; 9 am – 4 pm; Coon Rapids Dam & Wargo; $230 +tax
Have you ever seen an interesting bird and wondered what species it was? You’ll learn how to use different books, apps, and intuition to identify some of the unique birds found in Minnesota. Get ready to become a bird nerd through games and nature exploration.
-
June 22–25; 9 am – 4 pm; Wargo
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.
-
July 6–9; 9 am – 4 pm; Wargo Nature Center; $230 +tax
Take root and learn about the incredible plants that call our parks home. You’ll learn how to identify local plant species and the animals that rely on them, explore the habitats where they thrive, and work on plant-y of projects.
-
July 6–9; 9 am – 4 pm; Bunker Hills & Coon Rapids Dam; $230 +tax
Dive into action-packed activities like group paddling on a 17-foot paddleboard, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, biking, swimming, outdoor games, and riding the waves at Bunker Beach Water Park. Do it all while you explore nature, experience new things and places, and make unforgettable summer memories.
-
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.
-
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.
-
July 13–16; 9 am – 4 pm (Ages 9–11); Coon Rapids Dam; $230 +tax
Summertime is all about exploration and appreciating the great outdoors! Explore around the Mississippi River, fish, play on Dunn Island, make campfires to enjoy stick bread, canoe, play group games, make new friends, and more.
-
June 22–25; 9 am – 4 pm; Rice Creek Chain of Lakes; $210 +tax
Get hooked on fishing and learn different techniques to catch fish. We’ll combine our new skills to fish while we float using kayaks, paddle boards, and a 30-foot voyageur canoe. Time will be spent water paddling, swimming, playing water games, and of course fishing.
-
June 29 – July 2; 9 am – 4 pm; Coon Rapids Dam; $230 +tax
Summertime is all about exploration and appreciating the great outdoors! Explore around the Mississippi River, fish, play on Dunn Island, make campfires to enjoy stick bread, canoe, play group games, make new friends, and more.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
We’ve partnered with local communities and cities to offer more activities.
More activities currently offered through: