Check out these family-friendly programs at Three Rivers parks:In the south metro:

+ “Raptors in the Yard” takes place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 at Richardson Nature Center in Hyland Park Reserve, Bloomington. See live birds of prey up close: The barred owl, American kestrel and red-tailed hawk each have their own story of why they are now captive. Enjoy their beauty, history and survival skills. Bring your camera. Free, for all ages.

+ “Critters Close Up” is ongoing from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31 at Richardson Nature Center. Watch a snake, turtle and salamander eat. Figure out what makes each of these animals unique. Cameras are welcome and a naturalist will be available to answer questions. Free, for all ages.

In the west metro:

+ “Build A Bird House” runs from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24 at Lowry Nature Center in Carver Park Reserve, Victoria. Build your own backyard birdhouse; all materials and instruction included. This activity is for ages 6 and older and the cost is $10.

+ “Saturday Mornings on the Farm” takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 30 at Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista. Explore the Gale Woods Farm barn where you can meet animals, assist a Gale Woods Farmer with chores and participate in other seasonal farm activities. Every Saturday through October. The cost is $4 and all ages are welcome.

+ “Tag a Monarch!” is offered from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 at Lowry Nature Center. Catch and tag monarch butterflies as they "fuel up" for their 2,000-mile journey. Discover the fascinating life of the monarch. Monarch tagging is a way to track the migration route of monarch butterflies. At this program, you will discover the fascinating life cycle of the monarch and the result of latest research. The cost is $5 and the activity is for all ages.

+ “Grimm Farm Open House” takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at Lowry Nature Center. Step back in time and explore this restored 1870s farmhouse. Try hoop rolling, stilts and marbles, and find out about Wendelin Grimm's famous alfalfa. Wendelin Grimm was a German immigrant farmer who, during the late 1800s, developed North America's first winter-hardy alfalfa, which led to the establishment of the Midwest as the nation's Dairy Belt. Restoration of the Grimm family farmhouse is one way we remember and celebrate his contributions. Free, for all ages.

In the north metro:

+ “Free Family Fundays: Beautiful Butterflies” with Jim Bradley is an ongoing program from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24 at Kroening Interpretive Center in North Mississippi Regional Park, Minneapolis. Go looking for butterflies and caterpillars. Try catching them using nets and examining them with magnifying lenses. All ages welcome.

+ “Dragonfly Collecting” takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 30 at Eastman Nature Center in Elm Creek Park Reserve, Dayton. Join a naturalist to search out and collect dragonflies for the Minnesota Dragonfly Survey Project. This free activity is for ages 5 and older.

+ “Secret Garden” is offered from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 at Kroening Interpretive Center. Make a garden stepping stone and explore the “secret gardens” of the prairie and forest. The cost is $5 and the program is appropriate for ages 5 and older. Reservations are required; call (763) 559-6700 and reference activity 31690137.

+ “Free Family Fundays: Nature Art” is ongoing from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31 at Kroening Interpretive Center. Collect seeds, twigs, small rocks, etc., and make a "natural" work of art. Appropriate for ages 5 and older.

+ “World in a Water Drop” is ongoing from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1 at Kroening Interpretive Center. More than you can see lives in water. Discover these wonderful creatures in our "bucket pond." Free, for all ages.

+ “Animals in My Pocket” takes place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at Kroening Interpretive Center. How many animals can a naturalist fit in her pocket? Find out – meet live animals and receive some "pocket pets" to take home. All ages are welcome; the cost is $5.

+ “Back to School Naturally” is offered from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 6 at Eastman Nature Center. Welcome back to school! Go treasure hunting for pencils, make a snakeskin bookmark, decorate "wild" folders covered in animal footprints and turn old crayons into new ones. The cost is $5 per child 5 and older (adults are free). Reservations are required; call (763) 559-6700 and reference activity 41220102.