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Nancy Yang

Finding Nemo (a new home) and adults only at the zoo: Your weekend planning guide

Dumping fish hurting Minnesota's lakes, rivers
Dumping aquarium fish and plants into Minnesota's lakes can be harmful to the state's aquatic wildlife. "These fish can become invasive in certain environments and reproduce quickly," said Marte Kitson, extension educator at the University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program. "They root up plants to find food, which can destroy habitat for native species."
Kevin Kapuscinski | Lake Superior State University.

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Find aquarium fish new homes and explore a grown-up version of the Minnesota Zoo, minus the strollers.

From free events to family fun to adults only, here's a roundup of events to get you out of the house — or not.

Free: Finding Nemo a new home

Tired of caring for Dory and Nemo? You're not doing them — or Minnesota — any favors if you dump them into the state's lakes and rivers.

"Releasing fish and aquarium plants into Minnesota's waters is potentially harmful to the environment and native species," said Marte Kitson, extension educator at the University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program.

"Goldfish the size of dinner plates have been found in our rivers and lakes. These fish can become invasive in certain environments and reproduce quickly. They root up plants to find food, which can destroy habitat for native species."

Instead, surrender your unwanted aquarium fish and plants at Saturday's Habitattitude Aquarium Fish and Plant Surrender and Auction in Bloomington, hosted by Minnesota Sea Grant and the Minnesota Aquarium Society.

Surrendered fish and plants can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to noon, no questions asked. An auction will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For families: Book time with a bunny

Margaret Mahy books
Children can read to therapy bunnies on Saturday at the Stillwater library.
Simon Watts | Getty Images 2012

Reading + soft, cuddly animals? Sounds like a winning combination.

Children can practice their literacy skills by reading to therapy bunnies this Saturday morning at the Stillwater Public Library. Kids can sign up for a time slot at the information desk.

The bunnies typically visit the library on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.

Bunnies not your kid's thing? Therapy dogs also make the rounds around Minnesota. Check with your local library for more details.

For adults: Cocktails and keeper talks

Minnesota Zoo logo
The Minnesota Zoo logo
Courtesy the Minnesota Zoo

Who says zoos are just for kids? Explore a grown-up version of the Minnesota Zoo (with cocktails) after hours this Saturday at the first of its new series for grownups, Adult Nights Out.

This weekend's event will be followed by a free World Speaker Series talk featuring writer Jeremy Hance on the effect of palm oil on rainforests and wildlife.

Admission is $10 per person; free for members.

Indoors: The cool cats

A few months ago we learned that our cats don't really want to kill us — whew!

Except, maybe when we dress them up? Find out at the 40th annual Saintly City Cat Club championship cat show this weekend at St. Paul's Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for children and seniors.

Outdoors: Snowshoeing 101

Learn the basics of snowshoeing this weekend at several of Minnesota's state parks.

Several — like Jay Cooke, Lake Bronson and Sibley state parks — are hosting moonlight snowshoe hikes. Whitewater State Park is highlighting the hidden history you can find while snowshoeing.