 July 2024
Nature and children are natural playmates;
they're both wild and messy, unpredictable and beautiful.
—M. Hoelterhoff
Let nature be your teacher
Every day, the average American child spends 5-8 hours in front of a screen. In contrast, those same children only spend an average of 4-7 minutes per day outside playing in an unstructured way (Outward Bound, 2020). This summer, join us in reclaiming the joy of the outdoors with your family at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.
Minnesota state parks are the perfect playgrounds where nature becomes the best teacher, offering lessons in patience, creativity, and perseverance. Whether it's hiking, paddling, or simply exploring the wonders of the wilderness, state parks provide countless opportunities for children (and adults!) to engage with the natural world. Pack up the family and head to a Minnesota state park today – adventure awaits!
 Big adventures start with little steps
Five fun ways to keep learning
 📷: Andrea Tassi, Scenic State Park
Schoooooools out for summer! 😎 The lessons continue at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. Here’s the top five ways you can keep your kiddos entertained and learning while also enjoying nature this summer:
Kids explore Minnesota state parks and learn about awesome plant and animal adaptations—just like superpowers! To begin, you’ll print or pick up an activity booklet. Complete booklet activities to earn your Junior Ranger patch—so cute! Plus you get to reuse your activity booklet for coloring. The activities are designed for children ages 6-10, but anyone is welcome to participate (including all young at heart!). Learn more about the Junior Ranger program.
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Come learn about fossils, pond critters, and even touch feathers, furs, and animal skulls! Naturalist events are held inside state parks and recreation areas and are free to visitors. Head to our events calendar to find an event near you. Our knowledgeable naturalists have events for every interest!
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Explore an interpretive display🖐️🧩
Many Minnesota state parks have physical displays that allow for self-guided exploration and learning. Touch textured replicas, place your hand in a wolf paw print, listen to an owl hoot, peer into tanks of native fish…state park displays are hands-on fun!
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Try out one of 96 free, hands-on activities about trees, forestry, and natural resources. From learning about trees and poetry ('Poet-Tree') to ecosystems and nature sounds, each lesson plan has handouts and supplemental information to guide kids though nature-based learning. While you can do these lessons anywhere, state park picnic areas are a great place for a summertime outdoor class.
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 New family favorites
Turn learning together into core memories
Are you curious about trying a new outdoor activity, but don't know where to start? Or maybe you have something specific in mind but want to try it before buying the equipment. I Can! programs are perfect for beginners young and young at heart to try a new outdoor skill. Check out our programs below or on the I Can! website:
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Let our experienced guides take the stress out of your first overnight in the wilderness. Whether your comfort level is parking next to your campsite, or you're ready to backpack a mile into nature before setting up camp—we would love to help you break into the camping scene! Friendly guides will walk you through how to set up camp, start a campfire, camp cooking, and more. Each program also offers unique activies like geocaching, fishing, and hiking that are sure to entertain both children and adults. The only equipment you need to bring is your own sleeping bag, we'll supply the rest! Learn more and register. |
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Mountain biking is an amazing way to spend time in nature by yourself or with family and friends along for the ride. Work your way through miles of twisting trails and over stomach swooping dips. Ready to get in on the action? Join us at an I Can Mountain Bike! program to learn shifting, braking, body position, basic safety and trail etiquette on a closed skills course, and then hit the trails for a group ride. Prior mountain biking experience isn't necessary, as long as you know how to ride a bike on pavement. We'll supply the bike and see you there! Learn more and register. |
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Get ready to explore Minnesota's 10,000 lakes like never before. If you've dreamed of sea kayaking on Lake Superior or gliding along a sparkling lake in a canoe, now is the time! In small class sizes, you'll learn paddling basics on land and then head out on the water to practice your new skills. Toying with the idea of a canoe camping trip to the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota? Join us on an I Can! Canoe Camping trip first. Under skilled guidance you'll experience rustic camping and portaging, with the opportunity to ask lots of questions as you go! Learn more and register. |
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Go beyond video games and aim for a real adventure with Archery in the Park! Kids will love the challenge of archery, and it's a great way for the whole family to bond over a new skill. Join us for a safe and supportive environment where you can learn the art of shooting a bow and arrow and create lasting memories together. With hands-on instruction from certified instructors and all equipment provided, it's a bullseye for a good time! Learn more and register. |
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You're never too old to learn how to fish! All equipment is provided during our hands-on I Can Fish! programs. Friendly instructors will give you an introduction to native fish species and show you how to cast and reel. This program is perfect for families wanting to learn a new skill together. No fishing experience is needed, plus you don't need a fishing license to participate in the program. What a catch! Learn more and register. |
From raging rains to clean-up projects
 📷: Flood waters at Fort Snelling State Park, 7/1/24
Between June 15 and 22, southern Minnesota received 4-11 inches of rain and northeast Minnesota received 4-7 inches. The highest rainfall total was 11.69 inches, recorded by a National Weather Service cooperative observer in Windom. In total, over those nine days, over 50% of the state received three or more inches of rain. Normal monthly precipitation for June ranges from about 3.25 inches in the far northwest part of the state to over five inches in the southeast.
As a result of the heavy, sudden rainfall, some state parks and trails have seen increased flooding, damage, or closures. Fort Snelling State Park fully closed to the public on June 22, 2024 due to rising flood waters and remains closed as of July 1. Underground Mine tours at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park have also been temporarily suspended due to water in the mine shaft.
Meanwhile, some state parks were able to avoid any significant impacts. How can you know if the park you plan to visit has any flooding closures? Check the visitor alerts! Head to the park's webpage and look for a notice at the top of the page. You can also call the park office for an update or specific information. Stay safe and happy trails!
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