For Kids

rocks arranged to spell out "craters"
CRATERS ROCKS!
 

Craters of the Moon is an out of this world place for kids and families! Where else can you climb a volcano and explore a lava tube cave all in an afternoon? There are several ways you can explore the moon and learn how you can help protect America's National Parks both at Craters of the Moon and from home.

 
illustration of a wooden badge with an image of a bat wearing a ranger hat and the text "junior ranger, craters of the moon national monument and preserve"
Become a Craters of the Moon Junior Ranger!

NPS Illustration / S. Lacy

Become a Junior Ranger

The National Park Service Junior Ranger program is an activity-based program conducted in national parks across the country. Many national parks offer young visitors the opportunity to join the National Park Service "family" as Junior Rangers.

Pick up a free copy of the Craters of the Moon Junior Ranger Guidebook at the visitor center, complete the activities, and turn the book in to earn a badge! Contact the park to have a book mailed to you. Completed books can be mailed back to the park.

 
An illustrated image with a golden badge, an astronaut, and a pika.

Become a Virtual Junior Ranger!

Earn your badge and take the Junior Ranger Pledge!

 
photo of an astronaut and the text "junior ranger spaceflight explorer, explorer's activity guide, ages 5 to 12"

Be a Spaceflight Explorer (online activity)

Learn about how national parks, like Craters of the Moon, are important for learning about our world and beyond... Download the activity guide, complete the activities, and earn your Spaceflight Explorer badge (included in activity guide).

 
a ranger talking to a group of children with snowshoes

Photo by Chad Chase

Junior Ranger Activities

Learn more about what rangers do to help take care of the park and how you can help. Kids earn their Junior Ranger badge by particpating. View the park calendar for a schedule of current events.

 
logo featuring the silhouettes of three children, trees, and birds with the text "every kid outdoors"
Fourth-graders and their families can visit over 2,000 federal lands for free with the Fourth Grade Pass.

DOI Image

Every Kid Outdoors

The Every Kid Outdoors initiative is aimed at providing an opportunity for each fourth grade student across the country to experience federal lands and waters in person. Students can earn a voucher by completing an online activity at the Every Kid Outdoors website. The voucher can be exchanged for a plastic pass at park entrance stations. The Every Kid Outdoors Pass gives students access to public lands and waters free of charge.

 
boy scout and girl scout patches with the text "resource stewardship"

Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts

Find out how Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts can earn a Resource Stewardship Patch and become a Scout Ranger.
 

Links for Kids

Have fun while you explore and learn about other national parks by visiting the National Park Service kids page.

Last updated: April 15, 2023

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
1266 Craters Loop Road
P.O. Box 29

Arco, ID 83213

Phone:

208 527-1300

Contact Us