National Junior Ranger Booklets

Ranger holds three activity booklets: Night Explorer, Sound Explorer, Junior Angler — Park Ranger holds a few of the Junior Ranger program's national theme booklets.
NPS/K. Anton

What are National Theme Junior Ranger programs?

In addition to Junior Ranger programs specific to their site, many parks also offer National Theme Junior Ranger Programs. These activity booklets help kids connect to topics that are important to many places across the National Park Service.

Who can participate?

Kids, families, and the young at heart are invited to become Junior Rangers! People of all abilities are welcome. Many programs are targeted to ages 5 –14, but are available to all.

How do I participate in person?

If you’re looking to work on a National Theme Junior Ranger program on your next visit, check with the National Park Service site before visiting to confirm what types of Junior Ranger programs are available on-site.

How do I participate online?

Check out the National Theme Junior Ranger programs below to learn more about each program. Some programs have online activities, and some offer a downloadable booklet. Completion awards vary with each program and may include a printable certificate, badge, digital high five, or a physical patch or badge. Many programs only offer a physical reward in person at a participating location.

Become a Junior...

Plan Your Trip
Park Explorer

Use this booklet to plan an awesome adventure to a park.
Learn About Wildland Fire
Wildland Firefighter

Explore the natural cycle of fire, discover what wildland firefighters do, and learn how to protect your home from wildfire.
Hop Aboard
Railroad Explorer

Before the transcontinental railroad, it took six months to cross the country. Find out how the railroad changed the United States.
What Do You Hear?
Sounds Explorer

Listen carefully. Learn about the science of sound. Discover why it is important to parks.
Junior Rangers In Space
Spaceflight Explorer

National parks and outer space have more in common than you might think! Check out how parks are teaming up with NASA.
Let's Go Fishing
Angler

Explore fish and fishing through a Junior Ranger activity book dedicated to things that swim.
Explore the Mysteries of Caves
Cave Scientist

Explore a fascinating and fragile underground world. Learn about caves and karst landscapes. Complete a few fun activities.
Explore the Park After Dark
Night Skies Explorer

Learn to find the North Star, discover the world of constellations, galaxies, and other night time phenomena.
Discover Archeology
Archeologist

Learn about what archeology is, and what archeologists do.
Go Deep!
Underwater Explorer

From fresh water fish to salt water sea turtles there is so much more to discover below the water line.
You'll Dig It
Paleontogist

Learn about ancient life. Complete fun activities. Explore some of the national parks that offer you a look into the prehistoric.
Travel the Network to Freedom
Underground Railroad Explorer

Learn more about efforts of enslaved Americans to gain their freedom through escape and flight.