Join staff from Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and the Outdoor Recreation School to try two very modifiable activities. You will get to experience the accessible features at Mississippi Gateway while fishing in the Mississippi River and practicing archery. Participants under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Trained staff and volunteers will lead instruction and modify the program for needs. A family, friend or PCA is encouraged to be present at the program to assist with transfers, communication or other personal needs if necessary. $15/person.

Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School while experiencing the thrill of riding a modified handcycle mountain bike on park trails. This is a beginner program that may take place on paved trails and grassy areas with small log or rock type features. Bikes are provided for the program. Participants will need to wear a helmet during the program and are encouraged to also bring personal helmet, eye protection and hand protection. If participants do not have access to these items, they will be provided for use during the class. Participants are also encouraged to bring along a family member or friend to accompany them on foot while they bike and for personal needs. $15/person.

Calling all adventurous kids! Explore, play, create and enjoy some of your favorite camp activities at the end of the summer. Bring your sense of adventure. Extended care available for an additional $75; drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. and pick-up ends at 5 p.m.

Powerful but little known, crayfish can make drastic changes to rivers and lakes. Catch crayfish in the river using nets to find out which ones live here. Learn how to handle these fascinating animals and discover their habits. Bring your own rubber boots or use ours. $6/person.

Make a meal over the campfire and enjoy it with others while the Mississippi River flows as your backdrop. We will be making tacos, corn on the cob, berry cobbler and spiced apple cider. While our food cooks, try your hand at some more advanced fire-starting techniques. Finish the evening with conversation, and if you desire, wine or beer bring from home. $10/person.

Say hello to fall with us here on the Mississippi River; explore how the park and its inhabitants are changing as autumn approaches. Dig into a nature scavenger hunt, leaf art and a micro hike with friends and family. All ages welcome. Free.

Check out animal skulls up close, and learn how teeth and other features can tell us about what an animal eats. All ages welcome. Free.

Smallmouth bass, redhorse, a variety of minnows and even Minnesota’s state fish (the walleye) are all fairly common in this part of the Mississippi River. Learn about the fish of all shapes and sizes that live here and how they play a role in this complex aquatic ecosystem with hands-on experiences and up-close encounters through with live fish. All ages welcome. Free.

Use nets and jars to catch insects and see what six-legged creatures are living in the park. All ages welcome. Free.

Drop in at any time to meet a few of our live animals up close and discover what makes these critters unique! All ages welcome. Free.

Come play outside! Every month we will explore a different area of the park and do seasonal activities. All ages welcome. Free.

Take a self-guided poetry walk near the river. Let the river inspire you to write your own "river of words" using paper and pencil or magnetic words. You can also add your ideas and sketches to our community poem. All ages welcome. Free.

Drop in any time to look for rocks along the banks of the Mississippi. Learn how to identify your finds and bring your best rock related questions to see if you can stump the naturalist! All ages welcome. Free.

Learn tips and tricks for walking on a slackline. Test your balance and enjoy the park at the same time. All ages welcome. Free.

Make your own stomp rocket out of recycled materials and experiment to see what makes it fly the best. All ages welcome. Free.

Join local bird enthusiasts for a leisurely walk along the Mississippi Flyway as we search for migrating birds. Birds use the river corridor as a travel route during migration, offering excellent opportunities to observe a variety of species. On this guided tour we will look and listen for migratory songbirds and waterfowl while visiting the river, forest and marsh. Expect to walk/stroll at a relaxed pace for less than a mile on paved or gravel trails. Binoculars provided or bring your own. Program runs rain or shine unless conditions are severe. All levels of experience are welcome. $6/person.

Learn the basics of fly fishing equipment, casting skills, knot-tying, how to match the hatch, reading the water and fly presentation. Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors while you develop fly fishing skills, explore methods and watch demonstrations by professionals in the industry. Fishing equipment provided. Transportation to specific fishing locations will be provided by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir Take a deep breath and join us for a truly restorative experience in nature. Forest bathing is the English translation of Shinrin-Yoku, a Japanese practice that invites you to slow down and connect with the natural world through all your senses. While rooted in Japanese tradition, it is a relatively new and growing wellness practice here in the U.S. This is a chance to experience something fresh, immersive and deeply restorative. Research shows that mindful time in nature can reduce stress, lift your mood, boost creativity, support your immune system and help restore balance. This exclusive experience will be guided by Leah Manuel, a certified forest bathing guide with Three Rivers Park District. We'll close the evening with time to connect as a group. All ages welcome. Free.

Become an expert in the grossest parts of nature! Eat bugs, cover yourself in mud and find the grossest smells. Learn how to identify different kinds of animal scat and even dissect a squirrel. Extended care available for an additional $60; drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. and pick-up ends at 5 p.m.

Drop off your child for an exploration of the habitats in the park. Hike, play games, do experiments, and discover what lives in the fields, forests and river. Activities are student-led and take place entirely outdoors whenever possible. $155/Student.

Learn the basics of archery and elements of safety. Practice fundamental skills, participate in fun challenges and enjoy the thrill of hitting the target. Compound bow and other equipment provided. $12/person.

Learn the basics of archery and elements of safety. Practice fundamental skills, participate in fun challenges and enjoy the thrill of hitting the target. Compound bow and other equipment provided. $12/person.

Sagittal crests, temporal bulbs and rostrums—there’s a lot you can discover from a single skull! Explore mammal skull anatomy and learn how different skull adaptations reveal insights about the day-to-day lives of animals. Practice identifying common mammal skulls and how to use clues to figure it out on your own. $6/person.

Calling all adventurous kids! Explore, play, create and enjoy two full days of outdoor adventures. Enjoy games, crafts and learning from the land. Pack your curiosity and let’s go. $113/youth.

The Mississippi Muse series explores different aspects of the Mississippi River through a scientific and creative lens. In August, it's all about mussels. Explore different river species, their habitat and their significance in the ecosystem, plus interact with real mussels. Then, get creative with gelli plate printing, making textured prints with mussel shells and other objects found by the river. $20/person.

Join us for a walk along the Mississippi River and through the surrounding park while helping pick up trash along the way. Come when you can and stay as long as you’d like. All cleanup supplies will be provided, and you’re welcome to bring your own gloves.

Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to explore methods for river fishing and learn about unique river fish like gar and drum. Hunt for river critters to use as bait for catfish, carp, bass and other large fish. Drop a line from shore and, while wading, head down river to find secret fishing spots. Watch demonstrations by professionals in the fishing industry. Equipment provided. Reservations required by two weeks prior. Transportation will be provided by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours to specific fishing locations.

Join us for a guided 7.5-mile kayak adventure from Mississippi Gateway Regional Park to Kroening Nature Center. Paddle past several islands and search for birds along the river. Dress for weather conditions with clothing and shoes that are okay to get wet. Kayak, paddle, life vest and shuttle service provided. Previous kayak experience required.

Park Pals is a child, parent/caregiver program for infants, toddlers and adults, where caregivers role models the value of connecting with nature through play. Experience the park through the seasons with other nature-curious families. Through storytelling, craft, and exploratory strolls in the park, we will learn about the plants and animals that live here. $108/pair/9 sessions.

Nature School is an outdoor, inquiry-based preschool program that supports child development through nature play and exploration. Designed for children ages 4 – 6, it helps the next generation foster connections with themselves, each other and the natural world. To enroll children must be 4 or 5 years old by September 15, and fully potty trained. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11:30 AM. September 15, 2026 – May 20, 2027.

Mixed Precipitation’s mission is to create festive theatrical events that inspire social engagement. Since 2009, they have presented their signature events, A Picnic Operetta and Pickup Truck Opera, at community gardens, urban farms, parks, orchards and vineyards throughout Minnesota. The company showcases musicians and theater artists with fun adaptations of operas by Mozart, Handel, Beethoven, Purcell and many others. All ages welcome. Free.

One way to determine water quality in a river is by examining the animals that live there. Drop by anytime to spend some time in the Mississippi River catching invertebrates. You’ll learn how to identify what we catch and use a biotic index to find out how healthy our stretch of the river is. Be prepared to wade in the river. A limited number of boots are available to borrow. All ages welcome. Free.

October is peak spider season. We’ll begin with a short introduction to local species and their fascinating behaviors, then head out on a guided hike to search for spiders and their intricate webs throughout the park. $6/person.

Mussels are a surprising, mysterious animal! Learn about their unique and sometimes strange life cycle. Dissect a mussel to learn about its body parts, try your hand at identifying species of mussels and look for living mussels at the river's edge. $6/person

Enjoy a family-friendly outdoor Halloween program. Learn geocaching basics before searching the park for hidden caches. Discovered caches may contain your ticket to a treat, treasure or the occasional trick! Costumes are encouraged. All ages welcome. Participants ages 11 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. $7/person.

Using views of the Mississippi River as inspiration and the river's water with your paints, create beautiful nature art. Learn a few watercolor tips and tricks while enjoying the sights and sounds of the river. Materials provided. $8/person.