This article was written by Emily Bowers, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Naturalist at North Mississippi Regional Park
Autumn is settling in, which means that change is quite literally in the air. Cues from the sun and temperature are signaling plants and animals to prepare for winter. The most noticeable feature of fall is certainly the display of beautiful colors. Although the air temperature is cooling, the outside world becomes filled with the warm yellows, oranges, reds and browns of fall. It’s an inspirational palette for art and exploration in the park. Take a tree hike with a naturalist or check out an identification kit to discover more about trees during this exciting time of year. Join us on Halloween, Sunday, October 31 from 1-3 p.m., for an Animal Masquerade Party! Come dressed as your favorite animal to enjoy an afternoon of nature games and fun, plus make a mask to complete your costume and bring home.
Visit the Kroening Interpretive Center to borrow free outdoor exploration activities and materials through the Adventure Hub! There are a variety of items available for check-out including outdoor art kits that help you make autumn nature art to take home! Materials must stay within park boundaries and are only available for same day checkout and return. Adventure Hub operates during our regular business hours Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays noon-4 p.m. Select Recreation Centers also have materials to borrow; available hours and activities vary depending on the site.
Get outside and into Nearby Nature, with self-directed, nature-based activities designed to enhance the experience of park goers of all ages while exploring parks. All Nearby Nature activities are free and no materials or registration is necessary. Share experiences and photos through #NearbyNatureMpls or send feedback to our email nearbynature@minneapolisparks.org.
School just started, but MEA break is right around the corner. Kids who like the creepy, the crawly and the slimy, can sign up for some gross, spooky fun. We’ll explore outdoors, play games and make art. Nature is full of freaky things that will make your skin crawl, if you dare to find them! This program runs Wednesday, October 20 to Friday, October 22 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Let kids enjoy the outdoors while activating bodies and minds in discovery while on break!
The Kroening Interpretive Center is open, now featuring “Nature in the City,” an exhibit that entices visitors to explore the natural worlds within North Mississippi Regional Park and other urban areas. Grab a nature quest from the front desk then get outside and into an outdoor adventure to discover the wonders of the woods, prairie, and riverfront.
Kroening Interpretive Center October Programs
- Nature Nuts: Nature Playtime – Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. $2. Ages 2-7 with an adult.
- Trail Treasures – Saturday Oct. 2 Adults: 10-11 a.m., Families: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free.
- Nature Nuts: Tots Grasshoppers & Crickets – Sunday Oct. 3 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $2. Ages 2-6 with an adult.
- Bird Watching: Beginner Basics – Saturday Oct. 9 from 9-10:30 a.m. Free for ages 6+.
- Homeschool Day: Soil Significance – Thursday Oct. 14 from 1-3 p.m. $5. Ages 5-15.
- Nature Art: Gourd Time – Saturday Oct. 16 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $3. All ages.
- Nature Nuts: Tots Falling Leaves – Sunday Oct. 17 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $2. Ages 2-6 with an adult.
- Bonfire Bunch – Tuesday Oct. 19 from 6:30-8 p.m. $5. All Ages.
- Release Days: Creepy, Crawly, Creatures W-F Oct. 20-22 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $90. Ages 6-12.
- Wild Nature Challenge – Thursday Oct. 21 from 5-7 p.m. Free for ages 6+.
- Outdoors: Fall Tree Identification – Saturday Oct. 23 from 2-3:30 p.m. Free for ages 8+.
- Family Funday: Animal Masquerade Party – Sunday Oct. 31 from 1-3 p.m. Free for all Ages.
Registration is required, sign up for programs at minneapolisparks.org/register.
Do you have a question about nature in your own backyard? Then send it our way by emailing northmississippi@minneapolisparks.org and it could appear in a future article.