There is a lot for children to do at Fort Matanzas! Not only is there the boat ride to the fort, but there is also a short (half-mile) nature trail through the woods. Children also enjoy walking along the river shore and watching the wading birds and crabs. Also, an entrance to the St. Johns County beach is just across the street from the park entrance.

Junior Ranger Program

The Junior Ranger Program encourages children ages 4 and above and their parents to explore both the history and nature of Fort Matanzas as a family and is a fun way for young visitors and their families to get the most out of their visit. As Junior Rangers, children will be a part of our team helping to protect our parks. 

Booklets are available in the Visitor Center. To qualify, the child must complete three of the following activities:

• Look at the models and read the exhibits in the visitor center and breezeway
• Watch the movie about the park and fort
• Visit the fort
• Walk the nature trail or beach boardwalk 

Then complete five or more of the activities in the booklet. Completing these requirements will earn children a certificate of completion and an official Junior Ranger Badge from Fort Matanzas National Monument. Allow at least 1 1/2 hours to complete the Junior Ranger Program.

NEW!    Fort Matanzas National Monument now has a new pre-school/primary level Junior Ranger Book for ages 4 through 7 to compliment the original book for children 8 and above.  Now, Little Sis and Brother can be Junior Rangers too!

Be a Web Ranger!

If you cannot visit Fort Matanzas at this time, you can still become an NPS Web Ranger!

As a National Park Service Web Ranger, you’ll learn what Park Rangers do to help protect our natural resources and our cultural heritage. You’ll also learn how Park Rangers observe and discover new things about our National Parks - things to share with visitors like you. You can help with caring for our parks, teaching others what you learn, and always observing and exploring your environment.

After completing the web activities, you will receive an official Junior Ranger certificate.

Click Here to Become an NPS Web Ranger!