Millions of kids visit our national parks every year, but how many of them actually learn something?

A great way to add some educational focus to your child's visit — in a fun way, of course — is with the National Park Service's Junior Ranger Program.

Many national parks offer educational activity books filled with park-specific facts and fun for kids of various ages. Rangers review the completed books and ask youngsters a few questions about what they've learned.

Last summer our six-year-old son, Will, and his seven-year-old buddy Mike presented their books to a ranger at a Yellowstone National Park Visitor Center. The place was abuzz with people and activity, but after chatting with the boys, the ranger spoke over the loudspeaker:"May I have your attention please. We'd like everyone to recognize our two newest Junior Rangers."

The boys were initiated in a short but rather official ceremony. They proudly accepted their Junior Ranger patches, which can be sewn onto jackets or other clothing.

How can you make this happen for your child?

Move on to Becoming a Junior Ranger

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Book a Family Vacation With GORPtravel Snorkel & Scuba - Blow bubbles and ride the surf from Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos to Belize and Honduras. Ride Horses - Hop on and ride your way through Utah's old Capital Reef and Canada's Banff National Park. Active Weekend Getaways - Bike the Turquoise Trail near Albequerque or raft Colorado's Ponderosa Gorge.

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