Become a Junior Park Ranger

Engage your kids in the Parks
Are you looking for ways to engage your kids in the great outdoors (instead of their screens) this summer? The Junior Park Ranger program at both the Washington State Parks and the National Parks is a great way to do just that. Junior Rangers take an oath of their own to protect parks, continue to learn about parks, and share their own ranger story with friends and family. The Junior Ranger booklet and badge program is a fun way for youth and families to explore national and state parks. Designed for youth 4 and up, this self-guided program encourages families to discover the natural and cultural wonders of the park system through fun exploration, games, and creative activities.
Washington State Junior Rangers
To become a Junior Ranger, families may ask for the free Junior Ranger Booklet at one of our participating state parks. Click over to see the list of parks participating in the Junior Ranger Booklet and Badge program – some parks also have a booklet available in Spanish. You can also check out a calendar of events for other fun youth activities at Washington State Parks.
NPS Junior Ranger Program
As Junior Rangers, children can explore some of the national scenic and historic trails that make up the National Trails System, spanning across all 50 states and more than 55,000 miles. Junior Rangers will become immersed in these nationally designated trails, which highlight majestic landscapes across the country and routes of exploration, migration, struggle, commerce, and military expeditions with defining moments in history.
Want to explore trails that are far away? Most national trail Junior Ranger Programs are available to download, print, and complete from home. Simply email a photo of your completed book to the respective trail and they will mail you your exclusive Junior Ranger badge! Click for a full list of parks offering online booklets.