Junior Ranger

Earn your Big Thicket Junior Ranger badge!

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

What is the Junior Ranger Program?

The free Junior Ranger program encourages kids and their families to learn about Big Thicket National Preserve. Participants can complete activities in the Junior Ranger book to earn a Junior Ranger badge.

Big Thicket's Junior Ranger book is place-based and designed to be completed on a visit to the preserve. Use the exhibits in the visitor center and your own observations of nature to complete the activities in the book!

All ages and abilities are welcome to participate.

How to Become a Big Thicket Junior Ranger

1. Go to the visitor center to get a Junior Ranger book.
2. Complete the activities in the book as you explore!
3. Return to the visitor center and show your book to a ranger.
4. Take the Junior Ranger pledge and receive your badge!

You must be in the park in order to receive a badge, and we cannot mail Junior Ranger books or badges.

Junior Ranger Day

Big Thicket hosts a Junior Ranger Day event every spring. Families can enjoy free activities, learn about park rangers' jobs, and earn junior ranger badges! Check the preserve's calendar of events for more information.

Junior Rangers in National Parks

Check out other Junior Ranger programs in parks!