Junior Ranger Programs in Washington DC Activities

Looking for a way to engage your kids in learning about American history when visiting Washington DC? Junior Ranger programs offer a fun way for kids ages 6-14 to learn about the history of America’s National Parks. Through special activities, games, and puzzles, participants learn all about a specific national park and earn badges, patches, pins, and/or stickers. Interpretive presentations and walks, special events, and guided tours are offered at select times during the year. Junior Ranger programs are offered at about 286 of the 388 national parks, in collaboration with local school districts and community organizations. While visiting one of Washington DC's National Park locations, pick up a Junior Ranger Activity Booklet and then return it to the visitor center to receive your award when you’ve completed the activities.

“I, (fill in name), am proud to be a National Park Service Junior Ranger. I promise to appreciate, respect and protect all national parks. I also promise to continue learning about the landscape, plants, animals, and history of these special places. I will share what I learn with my friends and family.”

• Lincoln Memorial (National Mall, Washington DC)
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (National Mall, Washington DC)
• Presidents’ Park - The White House  (Washington DC)
• George Washington Memorial Parkway (Virginia)
• Korean War Memorial (National Mall, Washington DC)
• World War II Memorial (National Mall, Washington DC)
• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park (Maryland and Washington DC)
• Mary McLeod Bethune Council House (Washington DC)
• Rock Creek Park (Washington DC)
• Arlington House (Arlington National Cemetery)
• Ford’s Theater (Washington DC)
• Fort Dupont Park (Washington DC)
• Great Falls Park (Maryland and Virginia)
• Wolf Trap Farm for the Performing Arts (Virginia)
• Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (Washington DC)
• Manassas National Battlefield (Virginia)
• Prince William Forest Park (Virginia)
• Catoctin Mountain Park (Maryland)
• Fort Washington Park (Maryland)

The National Park Service has a Web Ranger site for children ages 6 to 13 that contains puzzles, games, and stories based on America’s natural and cultural heritage. Kids might learn how to guide sea turtles to the ocean, pack a dog sled, place defensive forts in position, and decipher flag signals. Students from around the world can participate. The online program gives access to the parks to kids who may not be able to participate in a Junior Ranger Program.