10 Kid-Friendly Activities in the Three Rivers Park District

Information provided by Three Rivers Park District.

Welcome Back, Birds!

Sunday, March 3, from 1-4 p.m., at Eastman Nature Center, in Elm Creek Park Reserve, Dayton. Find out which birds are returning from the south, and when to expect them. Get tips on how to attract them to your yard. This program is free and open to all ages.

Free Family Fun Day: City Critters

Sunday, March 3, from 1-3 p.m., at Kroening Interpretive Center, in North Mississippi Regional Park, Brooklyn Center. Learn about our city animal neighbors and how they survive. Check for tracks and hunt for animal clues. Play some games to find your “food.” Drop in anytime. This program is free and open to all ages.

Family GPS

Sunday, March 3, from 3:30-5 p.m., at Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement, in Baker Park Reserve, Medina. Families learn how to use a GPS unit and then head out into the Baker Park Reserve woods to find six hidden geocaches. All equipment is provided. Fee is per person. Children under 2 are admitted free. Cost is $5 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #230311-02. This program is open to all ages.

Gifts of the Maple

Sunday, March 3, from 3-4 p.m., at Richardson Nature Center, in Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington. Discover the maple syruping process. Watch sap boil in the evaporator, hike to see tapped trees, and taste real maple syrup. Trails to the trees can be icy, uneven, and moderately maintained; strollers are not recommended. This program is free and open to all ages.

Junior Afterschool Farmers at Gale Woods Farm

Thursdays March 7 through April 18, from 4-6 p.m. at Gale Woods Farm, Minnestra. Help to prepare the gardens, care for the farm animals, and cook with farm produce. Explore the farm through hikes, wagon rides and games. There is no class on March 21. Cost is $36 and reservations are required. Registration deadline is March 1. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #237427-07. This program is for ages 6-10.

Preschool Drop-off: Doodlebugs

Tuesday, March 12, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., or 1-3 p.m., at Silverwood Park, St. Anthony. Each week’s activities are based on a different children’s book with a nature-inspired art theme. We will spend part of every class exploring the fresh, new world spring brings, then get messy as we cut, paste, paint, or sculpt. Dress for the weather and bring a small snack, water bottle, and a bag to keep all your projects together. Cost is $10 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #237816-02, or #237816-14. This program is for ages 4-5.

Preschool Drop-Off: Outdoor Kids Club: I Can Make Maple Syrup!

Wednesday, March 13, from 1-3 p.m., at French Regional Park, Plymouth. Allow your child to discover outdoor fun by learning a new skill each month.  Each program includes hands-on activities, a theme-related story and outdoor time to experience the featured recreational activity. Take-home letters provide leading questions to help children share all they have learned. Watch their love for the outdoors grow!  Cost is $10 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #225116-00. This program is for ages 4-5.

My Baby, Me and the Mississippi: Getting Dirty

Thursday, March 14, from 10-11 a.m., at Kroening Interpretive Center, in North Mississippi Regional Park, Brooklyn Center. It is never too early to begin exploring the natural world! Increase your knowledge while introducing topics to your child at the same time. Have a fun outing, create a timeless craft and enjoy the company of other parents. Only the child pays. Cost is $5 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #216903-01. This program is for ages 0-2.

Sheep Shearing at Gale Woods Farm

Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for the annual Gale Woods sheep shearing. Meet the sheep and learn how wool is processed from sheep to sweater through skirting, washing, carding, spinning and weaving demonstrations. Make a wool craft project to take home. If you are interested in purchasing a raw fleece from us, there will be an opportunity to purchase one from your sheep of choice during the event. Cost is $5 and this program is open to all ages.

Maple Syrup Festival — Eastman Nature Center

Saturday, March 16, from 1-4 p.m., Eastman Nature Center, Elm Creek Park Reserve. Stroll through the sugar bush and discover the old-time secrets as you collect and taste sap fresh from the tree. Warm up by the steaming cauldron and watch how sap is transformed into syrup. Drill and tap a maple tree and dash through a sap obstacle course. Play Native American and pioneer games. Taste maple syrup and learn how to make maple sugar and candy. Twenty percent discount for groups of four or more. $5. Ages: All. Drop in anytime.