• Young people floating past yellow flowers

    Ozark

    National Scenic Riverways Missouri

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  • Closings and service reductaions due to Federal Budget Cuts announced.

    The public will experience reduced hours and services provided by Ozark National Scenic Riverways due to the budget cuts that became effective March 1, 2013. Please check back often for further details or changes. List of closed facilities, click "MORE." More »

For Kids

Ranger with child

Park ranger examines aquatic life with child.

National Geographic

Activities For Kids
The park offers a variety of activities in the summer months, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

These include evening slide shows every Friday and Saturday at Big Spring and Alley Spring Campgrounds.

Other activities, including nature hikes and special events occur each summer. These change every year, so check park bulletin boards once you arrive for latest schedules.

Junior Ranger Program
Pick up a Junior Ranger book at any Ranger Station, Alley Mill, or at any campground. Do the activities in the booklet and you'll receive a handsome Junior Ranger badge.

River Exploration Kits Explore the river (or the woods) with our free River Exploration Kits! These contain nets, bug containers, field guides, small aquariums, and other stuff to help you investigate the world around you. They are available at every Visitor Center, please return them when you are ready to go home.

Teachers should check out our Environmental Education Program by clicking here. Special programs are available for school groups. Please call for details: (573) 323-8093.

Go outside! But if you can't get outside today, try these:

ONLINE GAMES

The Water Festival (from Project Wet) A fun activity for younger kids to learn the importance of water to all of us.

The Watershed Game - do you know what a watershed is? Why is it important? Learn or show off what you know with this fun game.

WebRangers - the cool online Junior Ranger page! Some of the activities below are from WebRangers:

Eagle trivia - what do you know about our national symbol?

Which Animal is Which?

Native American Writing - Can you write a story in pictographs?

Help the Park Rangers

Recycle Game - Do you know what to recycle and what's "trash?"

Fire in the National Park! - What will you do? Can you help?

Water Games from National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Admin.

Kid Friendly Nature Websites:

Wildlife Fun for Kids

Archeology for Kids

The Great American Landmarks Adventure

Nature Websites for Kids

Other Government Websites for Kids!

 
I"f you grew up in the country, chances are you have fond memories of lazy days down by a river, creek or pond." - (Darlene Donaldson, "The River" in Country Magazine)

Did You Know?

Folks canoeing on the Current River.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways has two of the finest canoeing rivers in the Midwest. The spring fed Current and Jacks Fork Rivers provide a fun way to get closer to nature and build family memories. More at www.nps.gov/ozar More...