MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Anoka County Opens July Outdoor Adventures to Beginners With Kayaking, Paddleboarding and Inclusive Recreation

ANOKA COUNTY, MN (July 12, 2026) Anoka County residents can learn kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fat-tire biking, and other outdoor skills through a July recreation schedule designed to accommodate beginners as well as more experienced participants.

Anoka County Parks says equipment is provided for its organized water programs and previous paddling experience is not required.

The county also says activities can be adapted for people with disabilities when accommodations are requested in advance. Participants who need accommodations should call 763-324-3350 before attending.

Programs will be offered at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, Wargo Nature Center, and other county park facilities.

Paddleboarding and Kayaking in Coon Rapids

Two water programs are scheduled Wednesday, July 15, at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park.

A beginner stand-up paddleboarding session will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The program is open to participants 15 and older and costs $25 per person plus tax.

An introduction to kayaking will follow from 3 to 5 p.m. That program is available to participants 16 and older and costs $20 per person plus tax.

A second paddleboarding class at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28.

The sessions begin with instruction from county staff before participants enter the water. Equipment is included, reducing one of the principal barriers for residents who want to try paddling without first purchasing or transporting a kayak or paddleboard.

Rice Creek Programs

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve will host a fat-tire biking program from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16.

The session is open to participants 13 and older and costs $20 per person plus tax.

A stand-up paddleboarding class will follow from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18. Participants must be at least 15. The cost is $25 per person plus tax.

The park reserve will also host a free paddling sampler from 1 to 3 p.m. July 18. The program is available to people 15 and older.

The free sampler offers an opportunity for residents to experience paddling before deciding whether to enroll in a longer instructional program or purchase equipment.

Nature, Restoration and Outdoor Skills

The July schedule extends beyond water recreation.

Wargo Nature Center will hold a volunteer restoration project from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 18. The free activity is open to participants 15 and older.

Forest bathing will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Wargo Nature Center. The activity is open to participants 12 and older and costs $35 per person plus tax.

Despite its name, forest bathing does not involve swimming. The practice generally centers on slowing down, observing the surrounding environment, and experiencing a wooded area through guided sensory attention.

A program titled “Fire Making Through the Ages” will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at Wargo Nature Center. Participants must be at least 13, and the cost is $10 per person plus tax.

The program will examine techniques people have used to create and manage fire across different periods.

Accessibility and Advance Planning

Residents should review age requirements, registration availability, weather policies, and equipment guidance before attending.

Water programs can involve changing conditions, including heat, wind, water temperature, and storms. Participants should follow instructions from county employees and confirm that an activity remains scheduled before traveling.

The county says accommodations are available with advance notice. The specific modification required may depend on the participant, location, equipment, and activity.

Program information and registration are available through Anoka County Parks.

Questions may be directed to Anoka County Parks at 763-324-3300. Accommodation requests should be made at 763-324-3350.

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