Become a Badlands Junior Ranger

Explore, learn, protect.

Do you care about exploring, learning about, and protecting the Badlands? If yes, become a Junior Ranger! There are many ways to earn a Junior Ranger badge at Badlands National Park, and this fun activity book is a great place to start.  

This booklet includes activities like mazes, crosswords, drawings, and more to help you learn about the Badlands. Discover all the park has to offer, from fossils to wildlife to Lakota culture to the prairie. 

Become a Junior Ranger

We have Junior Ranger activity books waiting for you at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center throughout the entire year. You can also receive a digital copy by contacting the park ahead of time via email or by calling (605)-433-5245. 

But this isn't the only way to earn a badge! You can also become a Junior Ranger by completing a fun online activity called Pick Your Park Adventure. Take a virtual adventure through the Badlands, send us a quick email, and receive your official badge in the mail!

If you opt to earn a badge with a Junior Ranger book, complete all the fun-filled activities and watch the exciting park movie, Land of Stone and Light, or attend a daily ranger-guided program (summer only). Return your completed book to a ranger at the visitor center desk, take the Junior Ranger pledge, and earn your badge!

Don't have enough time to finish the book while you are in the park? No problem! Send your book back to the park when you complete it. A ranger will check your work and mail the book back to you with a badge and signed certificate.

Details

Duration

30-45 Minutes

You can take as much time as you'd like to complete your booklet, but it typically takes around a half hour to complete. If you haven't completed your booklet but you need to leave the park, no worries! You can mail in your booklet and the park will send a Junior Ranger badge to you.

Activity

Junior Ranger Program

Age(s)

Two Junior Ranger booklets are available: one for ages 5-12 and one for 5 and under. But anyone who wants to be a Junior Ranger can complete a booklet and earn a badge, regardless of age!

Pets Allowed

No

Service animals are allowed in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. All non-service animals must remain outside the building.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Accessibility Information

The Ben Reifel and White River Visitor Centers, where Junior Ranger Activity Books can be picked up and turned in, are fully accessible.