Become A Junior Ranger

Junior Rangers and their families get to explore the sights, sounds, and scents of nature, experiencing the wildlife, plants, rocks, and history that make each park unique. 

NPS/ Brady Richards

Join the Adventure!

Junior Ranger programs connect kids and their families to the people, places, and stories of the National Park Service.

Get creative by writing a poem to a fossil, connecting the dots of a whale skeleton, learning Native names for plants, or imagining a thrilling voyage at sea! When you visit your next National Park Service site, dive into a Junior Ranger program filled with fun activities that help you discover what makes each park unique. Everyone is welcome, regardless of ability.

As a special thank you for your participation, the National Park Service will award you a Junior Ranger badge or a similar keepsake. Plus, you'll take the Junior Ranger pledge, promising to stay safe, be a great role model, and continue your learning journey!

 

To become a Junior Ranger, visit a National Park Service site, connect to the site through Junior Ranger activities, and take the Junior Ranger pledge!

NPS Photos

 

Follow These Three Steps to Become a Junior Ranger

1. Visit a National Park Service Site

There are more than 400 National Park Service sites across the United States and many parks have Junior Ranger programs. Find a park, and visit that park’s web page to learn more about the programs they offer and other information that will help you plan a visit.

2. Explore the Site Through Junior Ranger Activities

You and your family will participate in fun, engaging activities (often presented in a free activity booklet) that help you get to know the National Park Service site you are visiting. Follow each park’s directions to participate, typically you will check in at the site’s visitor center and ask if they offer a Junior Ranger program

3. Pledge to Keep Yourself and Parks Safe

To thank you for visiting and getting to know the park, you will receive a Junior Ranger badge and will be inducted as a Junior Ranger! Follow directions from the park hosting the Junior Ranger program to find out how you will receive your Junior Ranger badge.

 

Find Junior Ranger Programming

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in Junior Ranger programs?

Junior Ranger programs are designed for kids and their families, but people of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate.  

Can I receive a Junior Ranger badge in the mail? 

Most parks are only able to provide Junior Ranger badges to in-person participants. If your family lost a badge, if the park was out of badges, or if you were not able to make it to a visitor center in time to receive a badge, contact the park directly to inquire. Find each park’s contact information on their nps.gov webpage.  

I am a teacher or a home school parent, what programs are right for me?

Educators can check out the National Park Service Educators portal to find lesson plans, distance learning programs, and field trip opportunities. Junior Ranger programs are designed for an in-person visit to a National Park Service site. Most parks are only able to sustain in-person programs and are unable to accommodate requests for Junior Ranger materials to be mailed out. 

How do we connect to parks and their stories from home?

Explore more ways to connect to parks on nps.gov. You can visit parks virtually, check out park webcams, listen to a park podcast, or watch videos about National Park Service sites. Find out ways to protect birds, protect night skies, and practice other park friendly actions from your own backyard with Conservation At Home.  

Who do I contact with questions or comments about Junior Ranger programming?

• If your question is about a park Junior Ranger program, contact that park directly.  

• If your question is about a national themed Junior Ranger program (like Junior Ranger Angler or Junior Ranger Night Explorer) visit that program’s page  and follow that program’s directions for inquiries by mail or email.  

• If your question is about Junior Ranger programs generally, email [e-mail].