For Kids

A group of children having fun at the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center.

NPS photo/Luther Bailey

Young Explorers and Learners

Junior Ranger Program at the Park

We are excited to offer engaging activities tailored for kids at our park. Our Junior Ranger program is designed to educate and entertain young visitors while fostering an appreciation for our nation's history and natural beauty. This program is ideal for curious kids eager to learn about the rich history of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park.

Participants receive an activity booklet that guides them through various educational tasks and fun challenges as they explore the park. Upon completing the activities, kids earn a Junior Ranger badge as a symbol of their achievements and newfound knowledge.

Online Activities for Kids

Explore our "Junior Ranger" page for engaging online activities that kids can complete at home. While there's no official badge for these activities, they provide fun and educational experiences for young adventurers.

For more information about our Junior Ranger program and other activities for kids, please contact the Visitor Education Center at 510-232-5050.

 

WWII Home Front: Learning and Fun for Kids

What Was the WWII Home Front?

During World War II, while soldiers fought far away, millions of people in America helped from home. They worked hard to make sure there was enough food, clothes, and equipment for everyone. This effort was called the "Home Front."

Rosie the Riveter

Have you heard of Rosie the Riveter? She is a symbol of all the women who went to work in factories to build planes, ships, and other things for the war. Before the war, many women didn't work outside the home. But during the war, they took on jobs that were usually done by men, showing that they could do anything!

Victory Gardens

Families planted "Victory Gardens" to grow their own vegetables. This helped make sure there was enough food for everyone. Kids helped plant, water, and pick the vegetables. It was a fun way to contribute!

Rationing

Rationing meant that people could only buy a certain amount of things like sugar, meat, and gasoline. Everyone got ration coupons, and kids helped their parents keep track of them. It taught people to be creative and not waste anything.

Recycling for the War Effort

Everyone collected and recycled materials like metal, rubber, and paper to make things for the war. Kids organized collection drives, gathering old cans, tires, and newspapers. It was like a giant recycling project!

Blackouts

To keep cities safe from enemy planes, people had "blackouts" where they turned off all the lights or covered windows with dark curtains. This made it hard for planes to see the cities at night. Kids learned to help quickly and quietly.

War Bonds

People bought "war bonds" to lend money to the government for the war. Kids saved their pennies and dimes to buy savings stamps, which they could trade for war bonds. It was a way to support the troops and feel proud.

Fun Facts

• Did you know that over 18 million American women worked during WWII?
• By the end of the war, over 20 million victory gardens had been planted.
• Kids across the country helped collect over a million tons of metal for recycling.