The Junior Ranger Program at Great Sand Dunes is designed for kids ages 3-12, with activities for each age group. Complete the sections in the booklet for your age group, and earn a badge or a patch! Booklets require a minimum stay in the park of two hours for completion.
NPS Photo by Patrick Myers
Interactive exhibits such as the Video Microscope bring science learning to life in the Discovery Room at Great Sand Dunes.
Interactive Exhibits in the Visitor Center help kids of all ages learn about the park. A geology rock and mineral table, small lightning tube, and other exhibits make learning fun for pre-schoolers to adults.
NPS Photo
Hundreds of kids turn out each year for Junior Ranger Day!
Junior Ranger Day Each summer the park hosts a special day with numerous activities for kids, including learning about nature, primitive skills, sand sculpturing, crafts and more. June 9 is the date for 2012!Plan to come early as parking, camping and lodging will fill quickly.
NPS Photo by Melanie Rawlins
While backpacking in the high alpine mountains, these participants earned volunteer service hours, elective credit, and even scholarship money.
Attention San Luis Valley middle schoolers and high schoolers! Check out the Ambassadors for Wilderness summer program. Learn skills, go backpacking, make new friends, have a blast!
Did You Know? Great Sand Dunes is home to at least six endemic insect species - found nowhere else on earth. The Great Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle is the best known of these endemics. more...