Junior Ranger Program: A Must When Visiting Any National Park

Junior Ranger Acitvity Book from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Did you know there is a free program available at most National Parks that helps you keep your kids excited and engaged during their visit and allows them to collect a free souvenir at each park? The Junior Ranger Program is available at hundreds of sites across the U.S. When I first discovered the incredible (and FREE) program, I assumed it was exclusive to our 63 National Parks. I was pleasantly surprised to find out it is offered at National Lakeshores, Seashores, Historic Sites, and more! This program is a wonderful way to get your kids excited about visiting these fun and educational destinations.

Who can participate?

While the program is geared toward children ages 5-13, all children are welcome to participate. The children will complete activties based on their age, as outlined in the Junior Ranger Activity Book that is specific to the park/site that you are visiting.

What is it?

At participating locations, children can complete a number of activities in order to meet the requirements to be sworn in as a Junior Park Ranger. Once the activties are complete, the children bring their activtiy book to the Visitor’s Center (or wherever they picked up the book) and a ranger will talk to them a bit about National Parks and preserving nature, and then your child will be sworn in as a Junior Ranger and will be given a Junior Ranger Badge. The activity book and badge are free, compliments of the National Park System. At some spots my kids have received plastic badges, and others give out carved wooden badges.

Wooden Badges distributed at Congaree National Park upon completion of the Junior Ranger Program

Where do I find the activity book?

I always recommend that your first stop at any National Park or Site be the Visitor’s Center. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land, find out about any special programs they may be running during your stay, and of course, pick up your Junior Ranger Books. At busier parks or those that do not have an official visitor’s center, we have seen tables set up under a National Park Service tent near the main parking areas where they will distribute the Junior Ranger book.

How does my child complete the Junior Ranger requirements?

Based on the age of your child, they will be required to complete a certain number of activities in the book. The activities vary by park. We have seen activities like interviewing a ranger, coloring/drawing, crosswords, I Spy, journaling, and a variety of activities based on the plants and animals you may spot during your visit. Once your child has completed the required number of activities, return to the Visitor’s Center, or wherever you picked up the booklet, and a ranger will review the book with your child and swear them in as a Junior Ranger.

Didn’t have enough time to complete the activities during your visit?

Complete the booklet at home and mail it in to receive your child’s Junior Ranger badge. The address and information are listed on the back of the Junior Ranger book.

Don’t have plans to visit a National Park soon?

There are state and local parks that participate in a similar program. Read more about it here.

Do you travel with a fur baby? Be sure to ask about the BARK Ranger program for your four-legged family members.

Have your kids participated in the Junior Ranger Program? What was your favorite park? Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube and let us know!