NPS Photo / Hollie Lynch Every Tree for Itself GameHave you ever laid under a tree full of leaves and wondered how do trees eat, breathe and drink? How do trees survive? Find out how you can physically put yourself in a trees roots to understand these questions! 
NPS Photo Junior GeoscientistFind out what a volcanologist does, view pictures of stunning natural landscapes, discover what types of rocks are in your region, build a Bucket List, and more! Take the challenge to become a Junior Geoscientist and have fun learning more about geoscience in National Parks. 
NPS / Liam Carey-Rand Carbon Footprint ActivityEvery day, we make choices that impact our natural environment. Some of these activities contribute to carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. Do you know what your carbon footprint is? Check out this fun activity and learn how you can help lower your Carbon Footprint! 
NPS Photo / Nanette Nyce C&O Canal Biology GuideWould you like to know more about birds, reptiles, amphibians, dragonflies, butterflies, deer, bats, freshwater mussels? Discover flora and fauna (aka plants and animals) that call the C&O Canal home!
NPS Photo Citizen ScienceMake a difference today with your scientific observations! Many organizations use data gathered every day by science fans and enthusiasts everywhere to improve understanding of our world's resources and challenges. Learn about different organizations, the important research they help collect, and join them. Join Citizen Science! 
NPS Photo Trees, Trees, Trees....Come Meet Lock & Key!Take a journey with Lock & Key, two mules who work along the C&O Canal, as they teach us about trees! Learn about what happens to trees during the seasons, do a scavenger hunt, embrace your creative side, and so much more. There are plenty of fun activities to explore, so what are you waiting for? Meet Lock & Key! 
NPS Photo Sounds Along the CanalThe next time you visit the towpath, close your eyes, and pay attention to what you hear. Along the 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal, you will hear a diversity of sounds! Learn about what a soundscape is, why sound preservation is important to National Parks, and listen to cool sounds recorded along the C&O Canal on the Sounds Along the Canal resource page. 
NPS Photo / Kelly Savannah Egg-cellent Rock Collection ActivityDon't throw away that empty egg carton! Enjoy this "upcycle" activity while you learn about the different types of rocks found along the C&O Canal. What color rocks did you find? What textures did you feel? What sizes were the rocks you found? After you've created your egg-cellent rock collection carton, get outdoors, and test your observational skills by exploring the geology around you. 
NPS Photo National Weather Service EducationWeather has a big impact on how we use the Canal. Snow, spring, torrential rain, or dry heat – the C&O Canal persists through it all – but what causes these weather events? Play fun games, learn about weather science, weather safety, citizen science, student opportunities and more at National Weather Service Education. Also, don't forget to check out Owlie Skywarn's Weather-Ready Educational Activity. 
NPS Photo Bureau of Reclamation: Online Museum CollectionsThe Bureau of Reclamation (short: Reclamation) is best known for the dams, powerplants, and canals it constructed in the 17 western states. Reclamation has constructed more than 600 dams and reservoirs including the Hoover Dam and Grand Coulee. Explore the history and early engineering structures through art! 
NPS Photo / Kristen Maxfield National Capital Area Natural History CollectionsThe National Capital Area (NCA) of the National Park Service includes a rich cultural and natural history. Many sites include a diverse array of forests, mountains, and estuaries which support high levels of biodiversity in a narrow geographic range. Parks are located in the Valley and Ridge region and extend east to the Fall Line, which demarcates the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Discover the rich and beautiful natural history the NCA from the comfort of your home!
NPS Photo / Zion National Park, Museum Catalog Number ZION 10362 A New Lease on Life: Museum Conservation in the NPSWhat do a plaster sculpture of an African-American Civil War soldier, a letter from a young Abraham Lincoln, archeological textile fragments and one of Lady Bird Johnson's dresses have in common? They are all objects in NPS collections that have received conservation treatment to make sure they remain safe as they are worked on, put on exhibit, or placed in storage. View these and many other objects preserved in parks and repositories throughout the NPS system online now!
NPS Photo United States Geological Survey MuseumThe United States Geological Survey (USGS) is another important agency in the Department of Interior. USGS provides research about the natural hazards that impact our every day lives, ecosystems, and antural resources. View a sampling of the USGS museum collections available to you online right now! Click the links below to help you get started.
NASA Earth Observatory image / Jesse Allen NASA Earth Observatory Images: US National ParksThe Earth Observatory’s (EO) mission is to share with the public the images, stories, and discoveries about the environment, Earth systems, and climate that emerge from NASA research, including its satellite missions, in-the-field research, and models. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the NPS, the NASA Earth Observatory created an online gallery of satellite images across the United States. Get a different view of your National Parks with this unique online gallery! 
NPS Photo NPS Coloring PagesTime to flex those creativity skills! Grab some markers, crayons, coloring pencils, or a combo of your favorite coloring tools. Then click through the different photo galleries to download and print some coloring pages. Proud of your work? We are too! Snap a photo of your artwork and connect with us on social media using the hashtags #CanalKidsActivities and #CanalKidsVJR. 
NPS Photo / Yellowstone National Park Seed to Plant ActivityLooking for a fun and creative activity at home? Why not create a seed board from your natural surroundings? Check out how you can create your own seed board, identify seeds from different plants and extension activities as well, through this fun seed to plant activity. |
Last updated: July 7, 2021