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OUTDOORS / LEARN TO PADDLE

June 13: Don't know the difference between a paddle and an oar? Head to Paddlefest at Fort Snelling State Park, where staff from REI and local paddling organizations will teach about canoeing and kayaking. Learn different strokes, how to fit a life jacket, how to steer and much more. Then, borrow a boat and paddle on Snelling Lake. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul; free ($5 for state parks vehicle parking permit). 612-725-2389 or 612-725-2724 or dnr.state.mn.us.

HISTORY/ MINNESOTA AND WORLD WAR II

June 13-14: Learn about Minnesota's involvement in World War II during a weekend of activities at Historic Fort Snelling in conjunction with the Greatest Generation exhibit that just opened at the Minnesota History Center. Watch weapon demonstrations, run an obstacle course and see an encampment of reenactors dressed as Allied troops. On June 13 only, there will be hour-long kids craft programs at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Avenue, St. Paul; $10 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17, free for children age 5 and younger; 612-726-1171 or www.mnhs.org.

MUSIC / MINNESOTA SINFONIA

June 14: If your kids can't sit still in an orchestra hall, check out the Minnesota Sinfonia's free classical pops concert outdoors at Caponi Art Park. The

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orchestra's concerts are always casual and kid-friendly. Pack a picnic and explore the sculpture garden beforehand. 6:30 p.m.; Caponi Art Park, 1205 Diffley Road, Eagan; free ($4 suggested donation); 651-454-9412 or caponiartpark.org.

EXHIBIT / WOLVES AT THE BELL MUSEUM

Through Aug. 23: The fate of wolves, recently taken off the federal list of endangered species in Minnesota, is considered in the exhibit 'Wolves and Wild Lands in the 21st Century' opening at the University of Minnesota's Bell Museum of Natural History. The exhibit includes mounted animals, photographs and paintings from the museum collection. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays; 10 Church Street S.E., Minneapolis; $5 adults, $3 students, children ages 3-16 and seniors, free for children younger than 3. 612-624-7083 or www.bellmuseum.org.

MINNESOTA ZOO / AFRICA!

Through Sept. 7: The Minnesota Zoo is letting African animals — zebras, gemsbok, ostriches, giraffes and wildebeest — loose on six acres along the Northern Trail this summer. Opening weekend activities include African stiltwalkers and performances by an African drum and dance group. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Minnesota Zoo, 12000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley; $14 ages 13 and older, $8 children ages 3 to 12; parking $5; 952-431-9500 or mnzoo.com.

AMUSEMENT RIDES / COMO TOWN, CAFESJIAN'S CAROUSEL

Through October: Two attractions, Como Town and Cafesjian's Carousel, are open at Como Park, Midway Parkway and Kaufman Drive, St. Paul.

  • Como Town offers outdoor amusement rides, including the new Tornado! that sweeps riders off their feet and lets them control the spin. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, open until 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 75 cents per ticket (rides cost one to four tickets), unlimited ride wristband $16.95; 651-487-2121 or comotown.com.

  • If you favor a slower pace, mount one of the 68 horses on the antique Cafesjian's Carousel. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, closed most Mondays; $1.50; ourfaircarousel.org..

    HISTORY EXHIBIT / MINNESOTA'S GREATEST GENERATION

    Ongoing: The new exhibit at the Minnesota History Center, "Minnesota's Greatest Generation," uses recorded interviews, photographs, film footage and hundreds of artifacts to document the experiences of an entire generation, from childhood in the 1920s through World War II and into the present. Opening weekend activities include swing dance workshops, retro bingo games, cooking demonstrations, films, short dramas, children's activities and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; $10 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17, free for children age 5 and younger. 651-259-3000 or www.mnhs.org.

    FILM / FREE FAMILY FLICKS

    Ongoing: The Theatres at Mall of America shows free family flicks every Saturday at 10 a.m. Arrive early to get a seat. See www.theatresmoa.com. to find out what's showing.

    NATURE / BIRDING

    Ongoing: See songbirds up close and watch experts band birds as part of an ongoing effort to help scientists learn more about bird migrations and habits. All ages welcome. Carpenter Nature Center has been capturing, banding and releasing birds for 26 years. 9 a.m. to noon every fourth Friday of the month, Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail, Hastings; free; please call ahead to let them know you're coming; 651-437-4359 or CarpenterNatureCenter.org.