Junior Ranger Activities: Younger than 9

If you are younger than 9 years old, complete THREE of the activities on this page. Also do the Junior Ranger hat activities on the main Junior Ranger page.

 

Living Lakes Activity

Where to visit: Lake View Pavilion

People have used the Great Lakes for many different things throughout time. The lakes provide food, water, transportation, and a place to have fun. That is why it is important to preserve the Great Lakes.

To gain an appreciation of Lake Michigan, visit Lake View Pavilion on Lake Front Drive. Color in each of the Great Lakes on the map, record the name of each lake on the line, and circle the national parks that you have visited or would like to visit.

Our Great Lakes

Huron

Ontario

Erie

Michigan

Superior

I visited Lake View Pavilion on:

Parent’s initials:

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Footprints in the Sand Activity

Where to visit: Bailly Homestead

The first people to live in and around the Indiana dunes were American Indians. Potawatomi and Miami Indians relied on the land for food, water, and shelter. Part of the Little Calumet River Trail in the Bailly/Chellberg area was once used as a trade route by American Indians and early traders.

Take a walk along the trail, and follow in their footsteps by using a special method of hunting called stalking. When an Indian hunting party walked through the woods, they would make a straight line and walk in the footsteps of the person in front. Follow these instructions, and then see if you can sneak up on one of your friends!

First, place the back of your heel on the ground.
Next, roll the side of your foot down from your heel to your pinky toe.
Lastly, slowly place the rest of your foot firmly on the ground.

Do you think you could get food by hunting and stalking? List five animals that you would look for in the dunes if you were out on the hunt with the Potawatomi.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

I visited the Bailly Homestead on:

Parent’s initials:

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Stroll in the Sand Activity

Where to visit: The Beach
As you stroll along the beach, observe the animals and plants that make their home on the sand.
Check off each living thing you see, and answer the questions.

	Dragonfly ____ How many legs?____
	Six-lined Racerunner ___ What color stripes?_________
	Spotted Sandpiper ___ What does it eat?___________
	Cottonwood ___ How wide is the leaf?___
	Antlion ___ Find its funnel-shaped trap in the sand.
	Fowler’s Toad ___ Where does it live? ____________
	Ladybug ___ How many spots? ____
	Marram Grass ___ Where does this grow? ___________
	Wild Grape ___ How long is the leaf? _____
	Herring Gull ___ Look for tracks on the beach.

Name of the beach I visited:

Date:

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Pond Patrol Activity

Where to visit: Miller Woods or West Beach Wetlands
The animals that live in the Indiana dunes are very good at hiding. Even though they can be difficult to find, they leave clues about where they eat, live, and sleep. Look at the footprints, and do a three-way match, connecting the name of each animal with its picture and tracks. When you are finished, visit the wetlands and look for tracks.

Canada Goose		_________________________
Beaver		_________________________
Great Blue Heron		_________________________
White-tailed Deer		_________________________
Raccoon		_________________________
Bull Frog

Name of the place I visited:

Date:

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Discover With Your Senses Activity

Where to visit: One of the park’s hiking trails
Indiana Dunes National Park is full of sights, sounds, and smells. Find a trail that you would like to hike. While you are walking, tune into your senses and answer the questions. And remember to always hike with a friend or parent.
(Park and trail maps are available at the visitor center.)


1. Describe the weather to your friend or parent. Is it cloudy or sunny?
Do you feel warm or cold?

2. Find three different trees on the trail. Compare the leaves and then draw a picture of each of them in the boxes.

First Leaf

Second Leaf

Third Leaf

3. Look for evidence of animal activity. How many tracks do you see on the ground? ______ Do you see any movement in the trees or in the sky?

4. Stop for a moment and listen carefully for sounds. Do you hear the rustling of leaves? What about birds chirping? Talk with your hiking partner about the sounds you hear and what might be making them.

5. Take a deep breath through your nose. Do you smell anything special? Tell someone how the smells along the trails are different from the smells at home.

Name if trail hiked:

Date:

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