Three Rivers Park District151

The district formerly known as Hennepin Parks comprises 27,000 acres of trails for hiking, in-line skating, biking, horseback riding, dog walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, in parks and reserves throughout the metro area.

In addition, it operates numerous special-use amenities, including The Landing and other historic sites and farms; three nature centers, including Hyland's Richardson; five golf courses; the Coon Rapids Dam; beaches, swimming, boating, and fishing facilities; downhill skiing, tubing, and snowboarding areas; archery; and places for tent and cabin camping. Anywhere you look, there might even be a rock wall: the district has a 25-foot portable climbing structure that makes the rounds.

Activity fees - except maybe the $500 to rent the climbing wall! - are modest. Parking is free. Equipment rental, including bikes, boats, and other gear, is available at many sites.

Classes & Lessons: System-wide recreational and educational programming offers boatloads of family-friendly events, classes, and activities, alongside lessons for preschoolers to adults in virtually all park activities, including canoeing, skiing, boating, sailing, biking, and golf. The seasonal roster of parent/child classes, full moon hikes, weekend getaways, and art classes makes keeping an eye on the schedule worthwhile. And for homeschoolers ages three to 16, nature centers offer specialized programs with art, history, science, and recreational components.

Summer Camps: Three Rivers' Adventure Week program makes good use of the system's nature centers, farms, historic areas, and outdoor offerings to provide genuinely fun and enriching opportunities for ages four and up.

Birthday Parties: Up to 15 kids, ages four and up, can party at Three Rivers nature centers for just $80, which includes an hour of naturalist-led outdoor activities and an hour in a party room. Parties at Hyland's fabulous children's play area, aka Chutes & Ladders, offer food and table space only.

Volunteering: With so much to offer, Three Rivers needs a lot of volunteers. Kids ages 16 and up can volunteer on their own; individual sites may welcome children as young as 10, as long as they're accompanied by a parent, and show maturity and interest. The opportunities - from face painting to bird banding - include something for everyone. Call the Volunteer Office at 763.559.6706 for details.