Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors to learn the fundamentals and versatility of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). This program is for people either new to SUP or wanting a refresher. You’ll learn about the equipment, basic paddle strokes and how to navigate the water safely in variable conditions. Practice paddling in multiple positions (laying, sitting, kneeling and standing) and get comfortable getting on and off your board in the water. The physical level is easy to moderate, depending on the options you choose during the program. Flexibility is needed for sitting or kneeling on board. Strength and balance are needed for standing, but standing is optional. $35/person.

Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to help you adapt a boat to your body and abilities before we take to the lake for kayaking! We will start on land as we individualize adaptations to boats and paddles and then prepare to move to the water. Once on the water, we will practice paddle strokes, maneuvering our boats and then enjoy a tour of the lake. This program is designed for paddlers with disabilities. All equipment is provided, including high-back seats with side supports. If you have a seat pad you would like to use and are comfortable with it getting wet, please bring it. One family member, friend or PCA is welcome to join free of charge to assist with communication, transfers and/or personal needs. $25/person.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School and instructor trainer Nancy Uschold, for an immersive weekend of training to experiment and expand your paddle sport teaching skills. The Advanced Communications Workshop (ACW) focuses on methods to promote seamless integration and address the needs of individuals with speech and language impairments, hearing impairments or deafness, and visual impairments or blindness. This hands-on course is designed for (but not limited to) American Canoe Association (ACA) Certified Instructors. It provides a basic understanding of disabilities along with a toolbox of techniques for skill acquisition and risk management. Upon successful completion, current ACA Instructors will earn the Advanced Communications Endorsement. Participants in this course use existing teaching experience with new methods as we consider working with specific individuals or audiences. Participants in the course should be comfortable teaching foundational paddling skills in a kayak. If you have questions about if this course is right for you or other questions about this course, reach out to Grant.Armour@ThreeRiversParks.org. Please note that there will be pre-coursework to do. The meeting on September 9 will be over Zoom from 6–8 p.m. Central time; the rest of the program will be in-person at Fish Lake Regional Park on September 12 and 13 from 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Equipment provided.

Explore some of the best activities in the parks with the Outdoor Recreation School. Try stand-up paddleboarding, archery, log rolling, geocaching, canoeing and more. Enjoy new adventures while making new friends. Equipment provided.

Explore some of the best activities in the parks with the Outdoor Recreation School. Try stand-up paddleboarding, archery, log rolling, geocaching, canoeing and more. Enjoy new adventures while making new friends. Equipment provided.

Watch for birds along the river corridor while floating down the Mississippi and exploring the natural shoreline. Beginners are welcome. Participants will paddle and do some lifting with the team while guided by experienced naturalists. Safety equipment and shuttle provided. $35/person.

Celebrate a Big Year of Rivers Blue Moon, the second full moon of May, out on the water! Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to enjoy an evening of canoeing on Hyland Lake. We will do a brief review of paddle strokes before heading out on the lake, but we recommend participants have some canoeing experience for this program. Equipment provided.

Bring your date or friend for an evening of play. Create memories together as you dip your paddles and test your balance. Outdoor Recreation School instructors will cover the fundamental skills and versatility of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). You’ll learn about the equipment, basic paddle strokes and how to navigate the water safely in variable conditions. Practice paddling in multiple positions (laying, sitting, kneeling and standing) and get comfortable getting on and off your board in the water. Whether you’re brand new to SUP or looking to build skills and confidence, this session is designed to meet you where you’re at. Each person should register and pay. $35/person.

Experience the joy of summer camp and spending family time together in nature. Explore the three major habitats of Richardson Nature Center within Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Hike the oak forest and search for signs of animals. Sweep the tallgrass prairie with nets to catch and identify insects. Paddle a canoe on Turtle Basking Pond for a closer look at wildlife. Spend the day outside together exploring all parts of this beautiful park. $36/person.

Experience the joy of summer camp and spending family time together in nature. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the park and learning wilderness skills. Discover wild edibles, try building a campfire, roast a hot dog, create a campfire dessert and paddle a canoe at dusk. $40/person.

Get your family out on the water with instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School. We’ll learn canoeing basics, including safety and paddle strokes, and then enjoy exploring the lake together. Equipment provided. $12/person.

Get your family out on the water with instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School. We’ll learn canoeing basics including safety and paddle strokes, and then enjoy exploring the lake together. Equipment provided.

Get your family out on the water with instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School. We will help you improve your paddle strokes to be more effective and efficient while having fun and making safe paddling decisions. Enjoy learning and exploring the lake together. Each person must register and pay. $12/person.

Pack your boat with snacks and watch a movie on the water. Float or paddle up for a film projected on a large inflatable screen on the shore of Silver Lake. Limited space on the shore will also be available with viewing options in front of or behind the rear-projected screen for those who prefer to bring a chair. One night only. In the event of inclement weather, the movie will be rescheduled for Friday, July 24.

Together with Club Prior, we invite grandparents and their grandchildren to picnic, play lawn games & paddleboat at Cleary Lake Regional Park. Spending time outdoors enhances wellness by enhancing physical & mental health and social connections. Please bring your own food & drink. Paddleboats will be available first come, first served for 30 minute increments.

Summer camp for adults? Yes! Explore different parks and activities under the guidance of skilled instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School. Be part of a community focused on health and wellness in nature. Activities include canoeing, log rolling, disc golf, archery, stand-up paddleboarding and more! Park locations will vary each week of club. You will be emailed a schedule from your Lead Instructor prior to the first week of club. $120/person.

Step into the past to experience early Minnesota as we explore the historic lifeways of the Dakota people. Paddle a canoe across the water, practice archery skills and help raise a traditional style tipi. Try your hand at fire-starting and traditional Dakota games. Learn Dakota words connected to the natural world and discover the cultural significance of many plants and animals. This camp is based out of Lowry Nature Center but includes an off-site visit with bus transportation to Shakopee to visit The Landing (Three Rivers Park District) and Hocokata Ti Cultural Center (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.) Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. and pick-up ends at 5 p.m.

Get ready for a summer of paddling with an introduction to canoeing! Instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School will cover safety, equipment and paddle strokes. Then we’ll get out on the water to practice our skills. This is a great class for beginners or those looking to brush up on skills.

Hone your paddling technique, learn the basics of reading and navigating river currents, and get familiar with the Mississippi River Paddle Share program while enjoying the beauty of kayaking. In Celebration of the Big Year of Rivers, join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School and Mississippi Gateway Regional Park for an educational and fun, two-part kayak series. The flatwater lake session will focus on refining our paddle technique while exploring key concepts for kayaking on moving water. The session includes time on the water as well as on-land instruction. The river session starts just below the Coon Rapids Dam and will put our skills into practice. The 7.5-mile route includes occasional mild rapids, fun riffles and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Some endurance and strength is needed for 2-2.5 hours of active paddling. Return shuttle transportation is provided. This series is geared towards people with prior paddling experience who are looking to learn more. Participants must be comfortable on and in the water. Flexibility and balance are needed for getting in and out of the kayak with a reasonable amount of assistance. NOTE: This is not a whitewater kayaking class. July 1 session at Fish Lake Regional Park; July 8 session at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. $85/person.

Leave the adults at home and join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for a splash-filled introduction to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) made just for kids. You’ll learn the basics of SUP equipment, simple paddle strokes and how to stay safe on the water in changing conditions. Try paddling in different positions—laying down, sitting, kneeling and standing—and build confidence getting on and off your board in the water. We’ll mix in fun challenges and water games so you can test your new skills, practice your balance and make a splash with friends. $20/person.

Leave the adults at home and join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for a splash-filled introduction to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). You’ll learn the basics of SUP equipment, simple paddle strokes and how to stay safe on the water in changing conditions. Try paddling in different positions—laying down, sitting, kneeling and standing—and build confidence getting on and off your board in the water. We’ll mix in fun challenges and water games so you can test your new skills, practice your balance and make a splash with friends. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $20/person.

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.

The Outdoor Recreation School is excited to host the Minnesota Orienteering Club for this exciting suburban adventure race including paddle/bike/trekking activities and some unique special “challenges”. This event will include a three-hour short course and an eight-hour long course option for solo racers or teams of two, three or four. Solo racers must be 18 years old with demonstrated experience. Racers younger than 18 must be part of a team with their legal guardian. Registration is taken through MNOC.

Learn about native mussels and their role in the river ecosystem while floating down the Mississippi and exploring the natural shoreline. Beginners are welcome. Participants will paddle and do some lifting with the team while guided by experienced naturalists. Safety equipment and shuttle provided. We will get wet during this experience, mostly just feet to knees. Bring water, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure. $35/person.

Celebrate the Big Year of Rivers with a creek adventure. Join us for a parent-child event with a local author of the children's book "Me and You in the Big Green Canoe." Design your own mini canoe paddle and sit in a canoe for a photo opp. Listen to the story as it's read and acted out by the author. Hike to the creek to make a nature boat and watch it float down the creek. Ages 4-8 with an adult only, no younger siblings. $6/person.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School for a summer of paddling and celebrating our Big Year of Rivers! Learn new skills, refine your paddling technique and explore parks by watercraft. Some paddling experience recommended. Paddle sports alternate between kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard. Locations vary by week. The final day of club will meet for an extended program time of 5:30–8:30 p.m. to paddle on the Mississippi River. Please note that the Outdoor Recreation School is offering two Paddle Clubs this summer. Please limit your registration to just one Paddle Club so that more folks have an opportunity to join. Park locations will vary each week of club. You will be emailed a schedule from your Lead Instructor prior to the first week of club. $190/person.

Spend your days on and in the water! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing. No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that weather conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities.

Spend your days on and in the water! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing. No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that weather conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities.

Spend your days on and in the water with other teens! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing. No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that weather conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities.

Float first, flex second! This unique on-the-water experience blends paddleboarding and pilates for the ultimate balance challenge. Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to learn the basics of getting on and off your board, efficient paddling strokes, turning and staying steady on the water. Using the gentle movement of the lake to engage your core, you’ll stretch, strengthen and maybe even splash as you test your balance in a whole new way with the guidance of a pilates instructor. It’s part workout, part adventure and all about having fun on the water. Prior paddling experience encouraged though not required. No prior pilates experience needed; just come ready to try something new and enjoy a refreshing twist on your workout routine. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $45/person.

Float down the Mississippi and explore the natural shoreline. Discover birds, minnows, mussels and more! Beginners are welcome. Participants will paddle and do some lifting with the team while guided by experienced naturalists. Safety equipment and shuttle provided. $35/person.