Junior Ranger Patrol

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Most National Parks and some public lands (such as National Forests) offer Junior Ranger Programs. Just inquire at the visitor center. Be sure to check this out early during your visit—preferably the first thing—so your child will have plenty of time to complete the requirements. The staff at Yellowstone, for instance, recommends a minimum of two days to complete its program.

Each park has its own activity book focusing on park-specific flora, fauna, geography, and history, but the basic structure of the programs is the same—complete the activity booklet and become a Junior Ranger. Visit several parks and your child can have a collection of Junior Ranger patches.

At Yellowstone we picked up "Yellowstone's Nature," an activity paper for kids ages five through seven (different papers and requirements are available for kids of different ages).

This may sound like a lot to do—especially during a vacation—but it really wasn't. None of the activities was difficult or terribly time-consuming, and they helped kids learn more about the park at an age-appropriate level. We were able to help Will along anytime he needed assistance. He was eager to complete the requirements, especially since his buddy was doing the same.

Some are good time-passing activities for those "down" moments of your trip—while waiting for a restaurant meal, driving, or during the evenings in a motel or campsite.

Before he was awarded his badge, Will had to show his activity paper to a ranger. The ranger studied it carefully and asked him several questions about what he'd learned. The program is taken seriously, and the ceremony contained just the right touch of pomp.