Junior Ranger

The interactive workbook is packed full of fun activities designed to introduce kids of all ages to the Smokies. Purchase at any park visitor center or online at SmokiesLife.org.

Smokies Life Photo

Junior Rangers are critical to the success of the National Park Service's mission to protect special places and stories. Junior Rangers are learners and leaders. Whether you teach others about keeping a safe distance from wildlife or learn more about the world around you, there are many ways to be a great Junior Ranger.

Junior Ranger Activity Guide

Look, listen, map, notice, tell, consider, dance, play, seek, wonder, predict, observe, study, act, hike, and share with the official guide to the Junior Ranger program at Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Kids can be officially sworn in as Junior Rangers at any park visitor center after completing at least five activities and five experiences in the guide with help from a team including a parent or guardian.

Guides are available for purchase at the park’s visitor center bookstores and online. All proceeds generated through the sale of Smokies Life merchandise go to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to support projects and services.

 

Connecting Future Junior Rangers through Digital Activities

Below you will find several activities you and your future Junior Ranger can complete.

Want your badge? After completing any of the activities on this page or at www.smokieees.org print this badge. Design and color it to match your own Junior Ranger values.

• Find It
• Matching
• It Came from the Smokies
• Smokies BINGO

Check Out National Park Week

 

We hope families will experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park at home, online, and outside! Join us at home for ranger-led adventures, activities, and resources for students of all ages. The site was in response to the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) when kids were home from school, and unable to visit the park, but we hope the site will be a resource for parents and teachers long term.

 

Online Opportunities to Explore National Parks

Can't visit the park in person? Explore the Great Smoky Mountains and other national parks virtually!

Find Your "Virtual" Park

National parks offer extraordinary experiences, but it’s not always possible to get to a park in person. Fortunately, we have ways to connect with national parks from a distance through digital opportunities and activities to do in your own home or neighborhood. There are enough activities to keep you occupied for days! Find some suggestions below to engage with parks remotely and check for additional opportunities on park and NPS program websites.

NPS partners also have interesting ways to stay connected with national parks on their websites and social media, including live tours, kids activities, reading lists, digital suggestions, and more. Check out the National Park Foundation's suggestions for Park Activities You Can Do from the Comfort of Your Home or Take a Virtual Visit to a National Park.

 

Become a World Heritage Junior Ranger!
What's a World Heritage Area? And what makes them so special? Discover the answers with fun, interactive games and activities.

 

Project Learning Tree
Online activities for kids and their families.