For Kids

Ranger and child demonstrating how the Fremont people may have started a fire

NPS

 

Things to Do

There are several short trails in the Fruita area that are great for children. Kids enjoy exploring the side canyons and solution cavities in Cohab Canyon and climbing into the larger solution cavities and wondering at the depth of Grand Wash. The Petroglyph Panel is always a hit, as is the 133 foot length of Hickman Bridge.

 

Children at the Ripple Rock Nature Center sign

NPS

Ripple Rock Nature Center

Located on the Scenic Drive, just south of the visitor center. Typically open late May through mid-August, with free activities for kids of all ages. Check at the visitor center or the calendar for schedules.

At the Nature Center, kids can:

• play pioneer games
• pretend to milk a cow
• make cornmeal on a prehistoric grinding stone
• identify fossils
• play with animal puppets

 

Junior Ranger Program

Open to visitors ages 3 and up. Free Junior Ranger booklets are available at the visitor center and Ripple Rock Nature Center, or you can download one from the link below. Complete required activities to receive a signed certificate and a free badge.

Junior Ranger Booklet

The Junior Ranger Booklet is also available in thirteen additional languages. Please ask at the visitor center or email the park for one of the following translations:

Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish.

 

Junior Geologist Program

This free program is offered at the Ripple Rock Nature Center during the summer. Check at the visitor center or the calendar for schedules. Discover geology, the formation of the Waterpocket Fold, colorful rock layers, and the effects of erosion. Complete the activities to earn a certificate and patch.