Contact:

Tom Knisely

Media Relations Specialist

763/694-7617

tknisely@threeriversparkdistrict.org

CHILDREN CAN EXPLORE NATURE IN THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT

WEEK OF DECEMBER 15-21

IN THE NORTH METRO

My Preschooler & Me: Puppet Escapades: Nature Gifts

Tuesday, December 17, from 10-11 a.m., at Kroening Interpretive Center, in North Mississippi Regional Park, Minneapolis. Animal puppets introduce your child to natures wonders. After the show, stay for a short hike, craft, or activity to celebrate the theme of the day. Adult and child pay. Cost is $4 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #116903-01. There is a 20 percent discount for groups of four or more. This program is for ages 2-6.

My Preschooler & Me: Book Worms Story Hour: Ice Investigations

Wednesday, December 18, from 10-11 a.m., at Eastman Nature Center, in Elm Creek Park Reserve, Dayton. Discover nature on your bookshelf! This active hour starts with nature stations, then a picture book story and rhymes, songs or finger plays. Wrap up with a short hike, craft or other activity. Adult and child pay. Cost is $4 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #112203-04. This program is for ages 2-6.

IN THE WEST METRO

Preschool Drop-Off: Lil Farmhands - A Barnyard Holiday

Monday, December 16, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., at Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista. Drop off your child for fun and learning on the farm! Well explore a new theme through stories, songs, and more. Theyll help with chores and make a farm-fresh snack of their own. Cost is $10 and reservations are required by the Thursday prior to the program. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #137416-02. This program is for ages 4-5.

Preschool Drop-off: Kits & Cubs: Animal Feet

Monday, December 16, from 1-3 p.m., at Lowry Nature Center, in Carver Park Reserve, Victoria. Drop off your preschooler to explore nature in winter. He or she will discover the natural world through hands-on learning, stories, art, songs, play activities, puppet shows, live animals, and hikes. Cost is $10 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #111316-03. This program is for ages 4-5.

IN THE SOUTH METRO

Preschool Drop-Off: Kits & Cubs - Animals in Winter: Squirrels

Tuesday, December 17, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., or 1-3 p.m., at Richardson Nature Center in Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington. Drop off your kids to investigate animals and their winter habits, make a craft and end the day with a snack you bring from home. The morning session will be taught in English with an introduction to the Spanish language. The afternoon session is English only. Cost is $10 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #112916-02 for the morning session or #112916-22 for the afternoon session. This program is for ages 4-5.

My Preschooler & Me: Winter Birds

Wednesday, December 18, from 10-11:30 a.m., at Richardson Nature Center, in Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington. Fun for you and your little one. Discover the natural world through indoor hands-on activities, stories, art, songs, games, and outdoor exploration. Adult and child pay. Cost is $5 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #112903-03. This program is for ages 2+.

My Preschooler & Me: Frozen Fun

Saturday, December 21, from 10-11:30 a.m., at Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake. Fun, outdoor recreational activities for preschoolers and adults to learn and enjoy together! Cost is $5 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #124603-01 This program is for ages 3-6 with paying adult.

About Three Rivers Park District

Three Rivers Park District is a natural resources-based park system that manages park reserves, regional parks, regional trails and special-use facilities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Park District offers facilities for every season, including picnicking, swimming, creative play, boating, fishing, downhill skiing,

snowboarding, golf, camping and sledding; extensive trails for hiking, biking, in-line skating, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as program sites for nature, recreation, historic and farm education.

Three Rivers Park Districts mission is to promote environmental stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources-based park system. The Park District owns and operates more than 27,000 acres and serves more than 9.5 million visitors a year.

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