Explore our youth programs centered on Nature and the Outdoors, designed to spark curiosity and deepen connection to the natural world. Through hands-on learning and outdoor experiences, participants build practical skills, explore natural spaces, and develop an appreciation for environmental care and stewardship.
Programs in this area fall within three categories: Education, Adventure, and Field Sports. Together, these experiences encourage exploration, outdoor skill development, and meaningful engagement with the natural world.
Participants will:
-
Explore the natural world through outdoor activities
-
Gain knowledge and skills to care for natural resources and spaces
-
Engage with nature through learning and skill-building experiences
Check out the details of our upcoming programs below!
Nature Study
Discover birding with Fargo Parks! Whether you're a beginner eager to learn or a seasoned birder looking to explore new spots, our birding programs are a great way to connect with nature, build community, and enjoy the outdoors. Led by knowledgeable guides, these sessions offer the chance to identify a variety of local and migratory birds while visiting some of the best birding locations in the region. Grab your binoculars and join us for a relaxing and rewarding experience in the natural beauty of the Fargo area. This program is open to participants 13 years of age and older.
Classroom Days - January 11 & 12, 2027 - 6:30-8:00 pm - Fargo Parks Sports Center
Each class provides unique information about the philosophy of birding, places to bird in the Fargo-Moorhead area, tools for bird watching, bird anatomy, field marks, migration patterns, bird songs and more.
Field Days - Saturdays, January 16-February 6, 2027 - 9:00-10:00 am
After two days of classroom learning, participants will put their skills to the test during visits to some of the top birding spots around Fargo. Participants meet at various locations, TBA for these guided outings.
Field Sports
Archery classes are held at the Metro Recreation Center for participants ages 9+ and are led by certified archery instructors. All equipment is provided.
Level 1: Beginner
This course introduces the essential knowledge and skills needed to begin shooting safely and confidently. Participants will learn range safety, equipment basics, eye dominance, proper stance, and the foundational steps of the shooting process before progressing to shooting with a bow and arrow. Emphasis is placed on building safe habits, proper technique, and confidence through guided instruction and hands-on practice.
Each session includes five 50-minute instructional classes held at the Metro Recreation Center and is a prerequisite for Levels 2 and 3. No prior archery experience is required.
Junior Archers (Ages 9-12):
- Fall Session 1A - Thursdays - September 10-Ocober 8, 2026 - 5:30-6:20 pm
- Fall Session 1B - Thursdays - September 10-Ocober 8, 2026 - 6:30-7:20 pm
- Fall Session 2 - Thursdays - November 5-December 10, 2026 - 5:30-6:20 pm - No Class November 26
- Winter Session - Thursdays - January 21 - February 16, 2026 - 5:30-6:20 pm
Teen and Adult Archers (Ages 13+):
- Fall Session 1 - Tuesdays - September 10-October 8, 2026 - 6:30-7:20 pm
- Fall Session 2 - Tuesdays - November 10-December 8, 2026 - 5:30-6:20 pm
- Winter Session - Tuesdays - January 19-February 16, 2027 - 5:30-6:20 pm
Level 2: Intermediate
Designed for participants who have successfully completed Level 1, this intermediate course focuses on developing confident, independent archers. Participants will refine their shooting form while building consistency in their stance, draw, anchor, aim, release, and follow-through. Instruction also introduces target scoring and encourages participants to safely manage range routines with increasing independence while continuing to receive individualized coaching from certified instructors.
Each session includes five 50-minute instructional classes. Participants who demonstrate mastery of the required skills will be eligible to advance to Level 3.
Junior Archers (Ages 9-12):
- Fall Session 2 - Thursdays - November 5-December 10, 2026 - 6:30-7:20 pm - No Class November 26
- Winter Session - Thursdays - January 21 - February 16, 2026 - 6:30-7:20 pm
Teen and Adult Archers (Ages 13+):
- Fall Session 2 - Tuesdays - November 10-December 8, 2026 - 6:30-7:20 pm
- Winter Session - Tuesdays - January 19-February 16, 2027 - 6:30-7:20 pm
Level 3: Advanced
For archers who have mastered the foundational skills taught in Levels 1 and 2 and are ready to continue improving through regular practice. Unlike the instructional format of the previous levels, this course is structured as a series of guided practice sessions. Participants will spend the majority of each class shooting, scoring, and applying the skills they have already learned while building greater consistency, accuracy, and confidence.
Certified instructors are available throughout each session to provide individualized coaching, assist with scoring accuracy, answer questions, and offer technique adjustments as needed, allowing archers to continue refining their skills at their own pace. Participants can choose any eight 50-minute guided practice sessions from the times available.
All Archers (Ages 9+):
- Winter Session - Tuesdays and Thursdays - January 19-February 18, 2027 - 7:30-8:20 pm
Learn the fundamentals of fly casting in this beginner-friendly, hands-on course for participants ages 13+. Participants will become familiar with fly fishing equipment, proper rod handling, casting mechanics, and line control while building confidence through guided practice. You'll learn essential casting techniques, improve accuracy and control, and gain the skills needed to begin fly fishing on your own. No prior experience is required. All equipment is provided.
- Session 1 - Tuesday, April 6, 2027 - 6:00-8:00 pm
- Session 2 - Tuesday, April 20, 2027 - 6:00-8:00 pm
Each class is an individual workshop and will be held at the Fargo Parks Sports Center.
Join us for one of our Fly Fish Tying workshops! All classes are individual workshops for participants ages 13+ and are held at the Fargo Parks Sports Center. All materials and equipment are provided.
Beginner Fly Tying: This beginner-friendly course introduces the essential tools, materials, and techniques used in fly tying. Participants will learn foundational skills such as thread control, material selection, and basic wraps while gaining confidence at the vise. By the end of the class, you’ll tie a classic beginner pattern and leave with a solid understanding of the fundamentals needed to continue tying on your own. No prior experience required.
- Wooly Bugger - Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - 6:00-8:00 pm
- Clauser Minnow - Tuesday, November 17, 2026 - 6:00-8:00 pm
- Parachute Adams - Tuesday, December 1, 2026 - 6:00-8:00 pm
Advanced Fly Tying: This intermediate-level course builds on the essential tools, materials, and techniques learned in Beginner Fly Tying. Participants will refine their thread control, material handling, and finishing techniques while learning more advanced tying methods through a different fly pattern each class. By the end of the course, you'll have expanded your fly-tying skills, added new patterns to your fly box, and gained the confidence to tackle more complex flies on your own. Previous fly-tying experience is recommended.
- Murdich Minnow - Tuesday, December 15, 2026 - 6:00-8:00 pm
- Lily Pad Hopper - Tuesday, January 19, 2027 - 6:00-8:00 pm
- Bulk Head Deceiver - Tuesday, February 2, 2027 - 6:00-8:00 pm
- Weedless Swim Bait - Tuesday, February 16, 2027 - 6:00-8:00 pm
- Double Barrel Popper - Tuesday, March 2, 2027 - 6:00-8:00 pm
- Bang Tail Minnow - Tuesday, March 16, 2027 - 6:00-8:00 pm
