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It’s Saturday!  This is it the day you all have been waiting for.  Today’s the day you spend with your kids, actually having fun.  There will be no whining, no complaining, and most of all no boredom involved.   In fact, you will thoroughly enjoy this day as much as your kids.   Even as an adult, the adventure is just as exciting.  

As your family pulls past the large iron gates, the outdoors seemingly hits you between the eyes.  The rolling grass in the open fields and cooling breeze tells you the day is going to be great!   With a quick park in the field, your family is met by a tractor drawn wagon that slowly tugs you all up to the ticket booth.   You stop to pay your entry fee and are in amazement as you drop a total of $10 for your family of 6 to get in.    With your jaw still hanging, you all jump onto a horse drawn wagon which winds through a grove of beautiful trees and past a pond singing nature’s songs in the back ground.

A quick stop at the information booth provides a map and a schedule for the day.   So much to do, but no one feels the need to hurry.    You start your journey down a wood chip covered path into the shaded woods.  First stop is to see a beautiful owl held by the Wildlife Science Center.  They tell your family how this animal hunts its prey and about the meaning behind their calls at night.   Moving on, you stop to shoot the paintball range.   You bow to your fourteen year old who “rubs it in” as she has out-shot you.   As you round the bend and cross the walking bridge you stop to shoot wrist rockets with the Boy Scouts, then on to visit Pheasants Forever where the kids play the Predator & Prey game to learn about safe hunting.   It’s time to participate in a mock hunt with the Guides of Wild Wings.   They take you with them as you experience a waterfowl hunt with real dogs, birds and guns.   After the hunt, you head to the 4H area where you watch kids and their talented dogs run through a complex agility course.  

As the morning continues, you wander through the grounds shooting archery, shooting some hoops, admiring animals and learning about MN Wildlife through microscopes.  You all practice your shooting skills with the DNR and the Wild Turkey Federation.  Then a stop at the lake to watch the Dock Dogs sail through the air and into the water for a retrieve.  After, the kids jump into a kayak to see the lake at its best view.   Moving on, your teens for the first time, are able to try their hand at shooting clay targets.   They are supervised closely and taught firearm safety, something you don’t have the experience with.  You’re amazed as they hit the target on the second try. 

The smell of a campfire draws you all to a camp site designed by Joe’s Sporting Goods.  The thought of spending the night crosses your mind.   A stop at the Girl Scouts booth shows you how to use a compass, a skill you will use shortly as you learn how to Geocach later that day.

Lunch calls and you stop at one of the great food vendors for a bite and to watch the model boats race across the lake.    The afternoon is already upon you, but there is still much more to do and see.  Off to learn about ATV safety, climb a rock wall, and spend time with many types of animals.   All the while, your kids are gaining a better understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting nature.  

As the day comes to a close, you all share stories about your experiences on your journey home:   How you learned about Wolves & Wildlife, how excited your eleven year old is to attend that perfect outdoor camp you found, how Mom called a turkey.     As you reflect on the day, you know it will go into that special memory file.  And best of all…you didn’t spend a small fortune!   The kids are exhausted and are ready for early bed.  However, you know they’ll ask to go again on Sunday.   Although you make it sound as if you’re doing them a favor, you agree to head out to the MN Outdoor Youth Expo for another great adventure!

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