Explore Your Backyard!
Junior Ranger programs are available in most National Park sites for kids ranging in age from 5 to 13. But people of any age can participate. Through activities, hikes, and ranger-led programs, kids and their families learn more about the park during their visit. When the required number of activities are completed, kids take an oath given by Ranger to protect the park and earn a Junior Ranger pin or patch.
Junior Ranger Programs
We absolutely adore the Junior Ranger program. It's a great way to spend time with our kids, get them involved in family trips, and have fun! We find the activities focus our attention on important aspects of each park. For example, at Bryce Canyon National Park, we discovered how the layers of orange, red, and pink rocks were formed from an ancient sea. You never know...One visit to a park can inspire a life-long love of park visits or a future career!
Forrest with NPS Rangers Clyde Stonaker (ret.) and Bob Nalwalker (ret.)
Junior Ranger Information
Adventures await! Complete activities at home, online, and on site in the Parks!
Click on each camera icon to learn more about some really cool Junior Ranger programs!
PACIFIC OCEAN
MISSISSIPPI
CONNECTICUT
U.S. Map Image Courtesy of Vecteezy.com
For a complete list of National Park sites by state, click here.
In My National Park Backyard features many science related jobs such as marine biologists or anthropologists. To learn more about these fields, plus many others, check out Science Buddies! You can find job descriptions, the required education, science project information for each career area, and much more.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Careers
The National Park Service hires people for many different jobs. You don't have to be a scientist to work for them. If you're thinking about a future career with the NPS, or just want to investigate what it takes to volunteer at your closest national park, click on the NPS-Work With Us website.
Disclaimer: IMNPB is not endorsed or compensated by Science Buddies, the National Park Service and Department of Interior.
We are just enthusiastic science and park supporters!