• Approximately 1,500 black bears live in the national park.

    Great Smoky Mountains

    National Park NC,TN

For Kids

Ranger-led programs offer children an opportunity to explore and learn about the park.

Don McGowan/Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Bring the whole family for a hands-on exploration of the diversity of life within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Together, you will discover the wonders of the Smokies and learn of ideas to preserve natural and cultural treasures in your own backyard.

During spring, summer, and fall, ranger-led programs suitable for children are offered. These programs offer children an opportunity to explore and learn about the park. Read through the schedule of ranger-led programs to find programs especially for children.

Kids—if you're between the ages of 5-12, you can become a Junior Ranger! Learn how!

 
The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a year-round residential environmental education center in the Smokies which offers summer camps, school programs, family camps, naturalist workshops and programs for kids of all ages. Summer youth programs focus on exploring the Smokies, hands-on science and adventure. Three to five day overnight school programs engage students with Tremont’s award winning hands-on curricula which is aligned with grade levels and teaching standards. A fee is charged. For more information, call (865) 448-6709 or visit the Tremont website.

The Smoky Mountain Field School offers weekend workshops, hikes, and adventures for families. For more information and a schedule of programs, call (865) 974-0150.

 

Recommended Reading

 
Books, maps and guides to the national park are available online from the park's nonprofit partner, the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

The Troublesome Cub in the Great Smoky Mountains
True story of a bear cub who fell asleep in a dumpster and was inadvertently picked up by a garbage truck. Has a happy ending and some important lessons to protect wildlife.

 
Books, maps and guides to the national park are available online from the park's nonprofit partner, the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

The Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball
Fantastic tale of a young girl’s vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Wandering from her tent late on summer’s night, Sara finds an invitation she just can’t resist – to watch the Salamander Ball from behind a tree!

 
Books, maps and guides to the national park are available online from the park's nonprofit partner, the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

The Smokies Yukky Book
Learn about carnivorous plants, vomiting vultures, snot otters, ant lions, and other weird, creepy stuff that really lives in the Smokies.

 
 
  • Become a Junior Ranger Become a Junior Ranger

    Kids ages 5-12 can earn a Junior Ranger badge by exploring the park. Read More

  • Salamander Capital of the World! Salamander Capital of the World!

    At least thirty species of salamanders live in the park. Read More

  • Wildlife Watching Wildlife Watching

    Open areas such as Cades Cove and Cataloochee are good places to view wildlife. Read More

  • Black Bears Black Bears

    An estimated 1,500 black bears live in the park. Read More

Did You Know?

Great Horned Owls can be heard most often in January and February

More than 240 species of birds have been found in the park. Sixty species are year-round residents. Nearly 120 species breed in the park, including 52 species from the neo-tropics. Many other species use the park as an important stopover and foraging area during their semiannual migration.