As the summer starts to wind down, local and state organizations are encouraging families to get out and enjoy the weather. Take A Day Off On The Mississippi River happens this Saturday, August 13^th from 10-5 p.m. and features a wide variety of activities geared toward families with little or no experience with outdoor recreation. The event will take place at Stearns County Mississippi River Park, seven miles north of Sartell on County Road 1. All of the activities are free and all equipment is provided.

   Activities available:

• Learn to paddle a canoe or kayak down the Mississippi
• Geocaching: a high-tech treasure hunt using GPS units
• Watch the DNR demonstrate electro fishing and netting techniques
• Archery
• See live fish and learn how to catch them from the shore
• Laser shooting range
• See live birds of prey from the U of M’s Raptor Center
• Hike with a naturalist and learn about local plants and animals
• Kids games with take home give-aways
• Frisbee golf
• Building a birdhouse to take home
• Have a family picnic
• Make a puppet, buckthorn walking stick or nature art