Last updated: February 8, 2026
Thing to Do
Become a Padre Island Junior Ranger
Are you interested in exploring? Would you like to learn more about the national parks that belong to you? Do you want to learn how you can help protect these special places? If so, become a Padre Island Junior Ranger! The Junior Ranger activity books are appropriate for all ages and are a great way to learn about the natural wonders of the national seashore.
How to Get Started
Becoming a Padre Island Junior Ranger is fun and easy. Stop by the visitor center when you arrive at the park to get started. Two books are available to choose from, the Padre Island Junior Ranger Book and the Padre Island Shipwreck Explorer Book. You can do just one or you can do them both!
The books have many activities, depending on age, that will guide your learning experience. Once complete, bring the book to the visitor center information desk and a park ranger will check your work and answer any additional questions you may have. If all the requirements are met you will take the official Junior Ranger Pledge and will be sworn in as an official Padre Island Junior Ranger or Padre Island Shipwreck Explorer, earning your very own Junior Ranger Badge!
Completing Your Junior Ranger Book From Home
If you didn’t have time to pick up or complete your activity book on your visit to the park, don’t worry, you can still complete the activities at home.
Download the Padre Island Junior Ranger Book and Shipwreck Explorer Book
You can download the books in advance and get started as soon as you arrive to the park. Printed copies of the book are also available free of charge at the visitor center.
Send Us Your Completed Books
| By mail | By email |
|---|---|
|
Padre Island National Seashore |
pais_visitor_center@nps.gov |
Junior Ranger Angler
The park also stocks the Junior Ranger Let's Go Fishing Activity Book. Stop by the visitor center to get started earning your badge to become a Junior Ranger Angler!
Explore. Learn. Protect.
The fun doesn’t have to stop! More information on other Junior Ranger programs throughout the national park system is also available.
Details
Activity
Junior Ranger Program
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Malaquite Visitor Center
Reservations
Yes
Accessibility Information
The Junior Ranger program is open to all ages and abilities.