Fantasy worlds, racecar driving, even secret agent missions - with ever-increasing video game technology, it can be tough for parents to drag the kids away from the television screen. But this weekend, local youngsters can get back the great outdoors in a fishing derby and a hunting event.

The National Wild Turkey Federation is sponsoring JAKES Day - Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship - to teach the kids safety and etiquette of hunting on Sunday, June 8, noon-3 p.m. at the Genesee Conservation League, 1570 Penfield Road. Youngsters will be able to try their hand at a laser-shooting booth and archery range, and get tips from experts on turkey hunting, fishing, and even taxidermy.

In addition to the knowledge they take away from the event, the first 40 kids to register will be given Turkey Federation hats. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required for the event. To sign up, contact Dick Habes at 586-0111 or 370-6578.

The Monroe County Conservation Council will be luring kids ages 15 or older to Powder Mill Park Saturday, June 7, at 8 a.m. for its annual Trout Fishing Derby. Contestants must bring their own bait and tackle to the Irondequoit Creek shoreside, and will have two hours to catch as many trout as they can (though the park limits each fisher to three). Trophies will be awarded to the child with the longest and second-longest trout, and for the girl and boy who catch three trouts first. For more information call 586-0111.

So maybe it's not as exciting as a car chase or hunting down the bad guy in virtual reality. But this is actual reality, and maybe these events will be just what grown-ups need to get kids to peel their butts off the couch.