National Park Week Events (U.S. National Park Service)

Junior Ranger Day - Fun-filled day of Junior Ranger activities, including a Leave No Trace scavenger hunt; 9 a.m.-noon. For information call 620-273-8494.

April 25

Kentucky

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site

Name That Park Contest - In honor of National Park Week; test your skills in identifying National Park Service sites around the country. Identify 90% of the sites correctly and win an Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial pin. Identify all sites correctly and win a PASSPORT To Your National Parks book. For information call 270-358-3137.

April 18 - May 4

Junior Ranger Day events and Pioneer Days: Living Life on the Frontier - Build a log cabin, learn about foodways and resources used for survival; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

April 25

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Junior Ranger Civil War Hike - Junior Rangers muster trailside and meet Civil War cavalry as they ride through the Gap. Along the way, be challenged by soldiers from both sides who take hikers to their camps to provide a glimpse of the everyday life of a Civil War soldier; 10 a.m.

April 25

Mammoth Cave National Park

Wildflower Weekend - Rangers and visiting naturalists lead above-ground excursions in search of wildflowers. The hunt is on for trillium, wild iris, anemone, trout lily, Dutchman’s britches, bluebells, celandine poppy, columbine, fire pink, and blue-eyed grass along the trails to Cedar Sink, Green River Bluffs and River Styx Spring. For information call 270-758-2180.

April 18-19

Junior Fire Fighter activities - Wildland fire fighters and park rangers present afternoon talks, activities and demonstrations, followed by an evening campfire program on prescribed fire. Young participants may earn a Junior Fire Fighter Badge.

April 24

Junior Ranger Day - Ranger-led programs just for children throughout the day at the Visitor Center. Includes hands-on activities, nature walks, scavenger hikes, ranger talks and more. Evening campfire program, Home is Where the Park Is, starts at 8:15 p.m.

April 25

Louisiana

Cane River Creole National Historical Park

Junior Ranger Day - Special tours and activities.

April 25

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve

Junior Ranger Canoe Treck on Bayou Lafourche - A park ranger shares stories of the people and animals living along the waterway with kids and their parents; free. Starts at Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center; 6:30 p.m. Reservations required: 985-448-1375.

April 9

National Park Week - Children's programs daily, ranging from Cajun music to exploring wetlands. Includes mural painting, films, trivia games and more; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Acadian Cultural Center.

April 19-25

Junior Ranger Day at the Acadian Cultural Center - Enjoy hands-on activities like a scavenger hunt and a touch table. For information call 337-232-0789.

April 25

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

Jazz Appreciation Month - The park pays tribute to this historic and living American art form with a series of events, kids programs and innovative performances. Full schedule is posted online or call for information: 504-589-4841, Tuesday through Saturday.

April

13th annual New Orleans International Music Colloquium - Features academic presentations on the history of New Orleans music; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn about individual performers, historical trends, the impact of recording and more from New Orleans music experts. For information call Tuesday through Saturday: 504-589-4841.

April 17-18

Children’s Stage - Join the fun at the Children’s stage, near the Aquarium of the America’s on the riverfront. Features musical activities geared towards children, a Louisiana themed puppet show, family drumming circle, dancing, musical performances and more. For information call Tuesday through Saturday: 504-589-4841.

April 18

Maine

Acadia National Park

Junior Ranger Day - Hands-on activities include a self-guided tree museum, habitat hunt, pond study, food web games, Leave No Trace challenge course, Artist-in-Residence activities and a tour of the fire truck; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Sieur de Monts Nature Center. For information call 207-288-8808.

April 25

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

Plains Indian stories - These children's stories were recorded and preserved in the late 1890's an early 1900's by ethnologist George Grinnell; 9 a.m.

April 25

Junior Ranger Day - St. Croix River Visitor Center. Several activities.
Junior Ranger Day - Namekagon River Visitor Center.
Several activities for children featuring select topics from the site's Junior Ranger Activities booklet.

July 18

Maryland

Antietam National Battlefield

Junior Ranger Day - Participate in special programs, meet volunteers portraying Civil War soldiers and become a Junior Ranger; ages 6-12. Reservations by April 19 to Christie_Stanczak@nps.gov or by calling 301-432-5124; include the number of children attending and their ages.

April 25

Assateague Island National Seashore

Junior Ranger Day - Earth Friendly Camping at 9 a.m.; "Sea" S.I. Beach Walks at 10:30 a.m.; Horsing Around at Assateague at noon and aquarium talk at 2 p.m.

April 25

Catoctin Mountain Park

Junior Ranger Day - Ranger led activities to explore wildlife and cultural resources through stories, fill-in the blank, puzzles, a nature walk and games.

April 25

Clara Barton National Historic Site

Clara Barton Home Tour - From her Civil War work to the founding of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton dedicated her life to the relief of suffering. She was the driving force of the American Red Cross for 23 years. Take a free 45-minute tour of this unusual structure and learn about this remarkable person. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more: 301-320-1410.

April 18-26

Junior Ranger Day/Spring Open House - Children, ages 7-12, invited to become Junior Rangers at Clara Barton National Historic Site and/or Glen Echo Park; 1-6 p.m. Visit both sites, complete an activity book and earn two Junior Ranger badges; special awards this day only.

Adults and families can hear tales of Clara Barton’s courage, vision, and leadership during an open house at her home, warehouse and the Headquarters of the American Red Cross. For information call 301-320-1410. Adjacent Glen Echo Park celebrates Family Day with numerous activities, including $1.25 carousel rides.

May 2

Junior Ranger Camps - These two-day camps, designed for children ages 9-12, provide fun-filled learning activities related to Clara Barton's life, the history of Glen Echo Park and the National Park Service mission. Free, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Space limited. Reservations required: 301-320-1410.

July 7-8, 14-15, 28-29, Aug. 4-5

Glen Echo Park

Carousel Tours - Get a closer look at the beautiful Dentzel carousel, installed in 1921; 12-12:30 p.m. Find out how it was made, how it works and learn about the surrounding amusement park attractions. Hear the inspiring story of how a community's efforts saved the carousel for future generations. See how the National Park Service restored the carousel to its original glory. Free.

Park tours - Join a park ranger on a 45-minute tour; 2 p.m. Learn about the arts and dance program flourishing in the park today. Along the way, the ranger will lead you through the Spanish Ballroom, the Dentzel carousel, the remains of the Crystal Pool and two art studios, if open. Meet in the North Arcade building Visitor Center. Free.

April 18-19, 25-26

Animal Antics - Join a park ranger to learn more about the animals that live in the park and along the Potomac River. This free 45-minute program, designed for children ages 6-12, may include touchable animal-related items, a story and a craft. Meet in the large picnic area to the left/south of the carousel.

April 18-

Civil Rights Story of Glen Echo Park - African Americans faced discrimination and exclusion for many years that Glen Echo Park served as an amusement park. In 1960 an outpouring of citizen protests from people of diverse backgrounds brought change. Join a ranger for this free 45-minute program and walk the grounds where historic events took place, 1 p.m. Meet in the North Arcade building Visitor Center.

April 26

Junior Ranger Day/Family Day - Children, ages 7-12, are invited to become Junior Rangers at Clara Barton National Historic Site and/or Glen Echo Park; 1-6 p.m. For information call 301-634-2222.

Enjoy free entertainment, carousel tours (10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.), a Park Tour (2 p.m.), $1.25 carousel rides and movies throughout the day at Family Day, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Adults and families can hear tales of Clara Barton’s courage, vision and leadership during an open house at her home, warehouse, and the Headquarters of the American Red Cross. For information call 301-320-1410.

May 2

Greenbelt Park

Celebrate Earth Day/Junior Ranger Day - Fun-filled interactive games and activities at the park’s ranger station; 1-3 p.m. There will be story-telling, nature walks and sing-a-longs, concluding with a puppet show featuring the animals who call Greenbelt Park home; ages 8-12. Space limited; reservations recommended.

April 25

Monocacy National Battlefield

Junior Ranger Day - Programs, workshops, speaker, story-tellers and more.

April 25

Thomas Stone National Historic Site

Junior Ranger Day/Children's Day - Combined event highlights 18th century children's activities.

April 25

Rock Creek Park

Junior Ranger Day - Park scavenger hunt; 8:30 a.m.

April 25

Massachusetts

Boston National Historical Park

Scavenger hunts along the Freedom Trail and at the Bunker Hill Monument; rope making in the Navy Yard.

April 21

Cape Code National Seashore

Kids' Signal Jam: Talking and Texting with Wires and Without - Communication technologiy has roots on Cape Cod, from a 3,000-mile undersea cable that linked the United States to Europe in the 1800s to Marconi's 1903 transatlantic wireless message. This day-long event includes hands-on activities that explore several communications methods, such as lighhouses, signal flags and radios. A NASA space educator discusses communication in space and in the future. For information call 508-255-3421 ext. 0.

April 25

Lowell National Historical Park

Junior Ranger program - Pick up an activity guide at the Visitor Center or the Boott Cotton Mills Museum. Explore the park and complete the activities to earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate.

April 18-26

3rd Annual Community Gardens Greenhouse Earth Day Festival - Students from the park-sponsored First Bloom Project host participating national parks and agencies; noon-4 p.m. rain or shine. Events include music and craft activities celebrating the start of the planting season.

April 19

Earth Day Clean Up - Come dressed to get dirty and make a dent in a winter’s worth of litter and debris along our canals and waterways; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. rain or shine. Event starts with speakers and team assignments at Middlesex Community College. Preregistration required: 978-275-1740 or email lowell_nhp_volunteers@nps.gov.

April 25

Minuteman National Historical Park

Junior Ranger Day - Minute Man Visitor Center; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Story time: And Then What Happened Paul Revere? by author Jean Fritz; 11:15 a.m. Recommended for ages 4 and up. For information call 978-318-7825.

April 25

Junior Ranger Day - North Bridge Visitor Center; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. For information call 978-318-7825.

April 25

Junior Ranger Day - Hartwell Tavern. Militia Muster and Drill for Jr. Rangers; 1:30-1:55 p.m. Join a costumed park ranger, participate in a militia drill and watch a musket firing demonstration. Supplied with wooden muskets, Junior Rangers challenged to master battle drill formations from 1775. Recommended for ages 6 and up; limited to 30 participants. For information call 978-318-7825.

April 25

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

Junior Ranger Day - Activities include Inuit games of strength and endurance, plus Aurora Borealis painting activity.

April 25

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Junior Ranger Day - Free family activities on board the tall ship, Friendship of Salem, 10 am to 4 pm. Earn Junior Ranger badges and learn about life at sea during the great age of sail.

April 25

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Junior Ranger Day - Complete activity sheets to earn a Junior Ranger badge; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

April 25

Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Junior Ranger Day - Past and present junior rangers invited to explore the park, learn games and enjoy a junior ranger day cake; 1 p.m.

April 25

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Junior Ranger Day - Morning and afternoon ranger programs, activities, refreshments and prizes.

April 25

Minnesota

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

Volunteer Clean Up: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Join refuge staff and volunteers in cleaning up the Bloomington Ferry Unit. Gloves, bags and lunch provided. For information call 952-858-0715.

April 25

Junior Ranger Day - Various activities. Starts at 1 p.m.

April 25

Voyageurs National Park

National Park Week Open House/Junior Ranger Day - Activities for all ages; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Noon ceremony honors the winners of the Annual Youth Art Contest. Cake and lemonade to follow with a swearing in of Junior Rangers by the park's Superintendent.

April 25

Mississippi

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Earth Day Festival - Hands-on children's activities including live animals, scavenger hunt, prizes throughout the day; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. For information call 228-875-9057 ext. 4100.

April 18

Abraham Lincoln - Free presentation at the visitor center auditorium; 2 p.m.

April 19

Junior Ranger Day - Kids between the ages of 6-11 can become Junior Rangers. Pick up the Junior Ranger Activity Booklet at the visitor center; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

April 25

Sum, Moon and Earth - Discuss tides, solar weather, moon phases and more; 2 p.m.

April 26

Natchez National Historical Park

Junior Ranger Day

April 25

Natchez Trace Parkway

Celebrate Wildlife Weekend/Junior Ranger Day - Enjoy a free festival and learn about wildlife found along the Natchez Trace. Junior Ranger talks and activities include the Wildlife Trail Discovery Walk and educational programs featuring live animals from the Mississippi Museum of Natural History.

April 25

Vicksburg National Military Park

Junior Ranger Day Event - Activities include ranger talks, historic weapons demonstrations, hands-on activites and military drills with soldiers uniforms, accoutrements, musical instruments, wooden muskets (for drill) and other inter-active displays portraying Civil War army and naval lifestyles and activities.

April 25

Missouri

George Washington Carver National Monument

Art in the Park event using Junior Ranger stations.

April 25

Harry S Truman National Historic Site

Junior Ranger Day - Ranger-guided walk and small art projects.

April 25

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

Junior Ranger Day - Activities connected to the Museum of Westward Expansion themes of westward expansion during the 1800s.

April 25

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Junior Ranger Day - Activities include: animal tracks program, kids make and keep their tracks, 10 a.m.; macroinvertibrate sampling in Spring Creek at 11 a.m., wildlife program at 12:30 and cave tours at 2 p.m.

April 25

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