• Strike Valley

    Capitol Reef

    National Park Utah

For Kids

Kids
NPS

Capitol Reef for Kids!

  • Become a Junior Ranger
  • Get your feet wet watching waterbugs
  • Hike a trail
  • Eat a fruit pie at the Gifford House
Junior Ranger Logo

NPS

Junior Ranger Program

Open to children of all ages. Free Junior Ranger booklet available at the visitor center and Ripple Rock Nature Center. Complete required activities to receive a signed certificate and a free badge. Junior Ranger patches available for purchase!

Junior Geologist Patch

NPS

Junior Geologist Program

Free program is offered Memorial Day to Labor Day, check the visitor center for specific dates and times. Discover geology, the formation of the Waterpocket Fold, colorful rock layers, and the effects of erosion. Complete the activities to earn a certificate and patch.

Family Fun Pack

NPS

Family Fun Pack

Fun for the whole family! This backpack, full of activities, games and materials, is loaned out for Free at the visitor center or the Ripple Rock Nature Center. What's inside?

  • pioneer games
  • tools to read a contour map
  • tools to identify night constellations
  • tools to improve your bird-watching skills
Ripple Rock Nature Center

NPS

Ripple Rock Nature Center

Located on the Scenic Drive, just south of the visitor center. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, check the visitor center for specific dates and times. Special programs offered in summer. At the Nature Center, kids can:

  • spin wool
  • pretend to milk a cow
  • make cornmeal on a prehistoric grinding stone
  • identify fossils
  • play with animal puppets
  • Web Ranger Desk Web Ranger Desk

    Visit the National Park Service Web Ranger site

Did You Know?

Hiker resting under a tree, enjoying the shade

Excessive consumption of water during prolonged strenuous exertion can flush critical salts from your body and cause an electrolyte imbalance. Include sports drinks and/or salty snacks in your diet during long desert hikes.