Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East

Two Junior Rangers display their Junior Ranger badge collections at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

NPS / Gabby Napolitano

The Junior Ranger program is a great way for kids (and kids at heart!) to learn more about our parks while exploring and having fun.

Once a child has completed a certain number of activities through our Junior Ranger book, they are awarded with an official Junior Ranger badge and certificate.

National Capital Parks - East does not currently offer a unified Junior Ranger Program. However, many individual parks and sites within NACE do offer their own Junior Ranger programs. Visit each site's website to learn more and start your Junior Ranger journey!

Anacostia Park

Anacostia Park does not currently offer a Junior Ranger Program.

Baltimore-Washington Parkway

Baltimore–Washington Parkway does not currently offer a Junior Ranger Program.

Capitol Hill Parks

Capitol Hill Parks does not currently offer a Junior Ranger Program.

Carter G. Woodson Home NHS

Carter G. Woodson Home NHS is temporarily closed for renovations, but you can still become a Junior Ranger! To become a Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site Junior Ranger, download the Junior Ranger booklet. Once completed, mail in or email your booklet. We will sign and send your official Junior Ranger Certificate and Junior Ranger badge.

Civil War Defenses of Washington

The Civil War Defenses of Washington (CWDW) sites are managed by three different national parks. Sites overseen by National Capital Parks – East do not offer Junior Ranger programs. For information on Junior Ranger opportunities at other CWDW sites contact us.

Fort Dupont Park

Fort Dupont Park does not currently offer a Junior Ranger Program.

Fort Foote Park

Fort Foote Park does not currently offer a Junior Ranger Program.

Fort Washington Park

Become a Fort Washington Park Junior Ranger by completing a booklet, available at The Visitor Center at Fort Washington Park. Can’t make it in person or want to start your booklet before your visit? Contact us to request a copy by mail.

Frederick Douglass NHS

Become a Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Junior Ranger at The Visitor Center at Frederick Douglass NHS. Can’t make it in person or want to start your booklet before your visit? Contact us to request a copy by mail.

Greenbelt Park

Become a Greenbelt Park Junior Ranger at The Ranger Station at Greenbelt Park. Can’t make it in person or want to start your booklet before your visit? Contact us to request a copy by mail.

Harmony Hall

Harmony Hall does not currently offer a Junior Ranger Program.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Become a Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Junior Ranger at The Visitor Center at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Can’t make it in person or want to start your booklet before your visit? Contact us to request a copy by mail.

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS

Become a Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS Junior Ranger at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS. Can’t make it in person or want to start your booklet before your visit? Contact us to request a copy by mail.

National Capital Parks - East

National Capital Parks - East does not currently offer a Junior Ranger Program.

Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm

Become an Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm Junior Ranger at The Visitor Center at Oxon Hill Farm. Can’t make it in person or want to start your booklet before your visit? Contact us to request a copy by mail.

Piscataway Park

Piscataway Park does not currently offer a Junior Ranger Program.

Details

Duration

30-90 Minutes

Activity

Hands-On

Participants complete a series of activities during a park visit, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger patch and Junior Ranger certificate. 

Age(s)

7-13

This program is especially great for kids ages 7 to 13, but younger and older explorers are welcome too!

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Before your trip, check what each site says about pets.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East Sites

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

Learn more with information and resources to help you plan your visit.