Junior Ranger programs

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NPS

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NPS

Inspiring curious young visitors with our educational park experiences.

Inspire your junior ranger with engaging programs, educational materials, and all sorts of park experiences to foster and grow their love of nature, wildlife, history, and more. The Junior Ranger program welcomes kids, parents, and the young at heart alike to find new interests in the outdoors. Join thousands of junior rangers exploring, learning, and protecting our parks and the world around you.

Special interest booklets

Junior Ranger activity booklets are available to support experiences in Western National Parks' 70+ parks. But if you want to learn more about common themes at our parks, the NPS has several National Theme Junior Ranger programs to offer.

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Nature

Love the outdoors? Discover the natural cycles of wildfire and home protection in the Wildland Firefighter booklet, or learn how to find the North Star as a Night Skies Explorer.

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Wildlife

Animal lovers and explorers alike can explore fishing safety and conservation practices in the Angler booklet.

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History

In the Railroad Explorer booklet, learn about immigrants and settlers alike built the transcontinental railroad through Indigenous land, forgoing treaties, and ultimately connecting the Eastern and Western coasts.

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Why become a Junior Ranger?

Self confidence

Our Junior Ranger activity booklets are designed for kids to read and interact with at their own pace. With every new piece of information and activity completed, kids grow their curiosity, self-esteem, and passion for nature and learning.

Academic development

Activity booklets are fantastic ways to teach your child (and yourself) about new areas of common school subjects. Junior rangers will learn about human history from the Archaeology booklet, and learn math and physics from the Spaceflight Explorer booklets. Plus, every booklet will improve your child's reading and spelling skills by teaching them new vocabulary in ways that feel more fun and less like school.

Rewards

What kid doesn't like to be rewarded for their hard work? When finished, activity booklets can offer a certificate, badge, or patch to celebrate your Junior Ranger's achievement. Physical programs and rewards are offered at several participating locations, so be sure to ask a representative ahead of time!

Get outdoors

Junior Ranger programs are designed to get your Junior Ranger outside and curious about the world around them. Our booklets teach kids about our parks, but they'll learn how every animal, plant, and historical event have contributed to our vibrant natural world.

Connect with fellow Rangers

Whether you're working on booklets while in a National Park or in the comfort of your own home, the next time you see one of our Senior Rangers, your child will be prepared to ask them deeper questions about what they've learned. And keep an eye out for Junior Ranger events at our parks, where you can connect with other Junior Rangers!

Download or get instructions on how to receive a Junior Ranger booklet from a WNP partner park.