By DullesMoms, June 2026
Adventure awaits at more than 400 National Park Service sites across the country — and kids can earn an official Junior Ranger badge while exploring them! Open to all ages and abilities, the Junior Ranger program is a wonderful way for families to connect with the people, places, and stories behind America’s most treasured lands.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit a National Park Service Site
Most parks offer a Junior Ranger program. Families can check the park’s website before visiting to learn what is available and how to prepare. - Explore Through Junior Ranger Activities
Kids can pick up a free activity booklet at the visitor center and dive into fun, engaging activities that bring each park’s unique story to life — from writing a poem to a fossil to learning native names for plants! - Take the Pledge & Earn a Badge
After completing the activities, participants take the Junior Ranger pledge and receive an official badge or keepsake as a special thank you for their participation.
For Northern Virginia and DMV families, there are plenty of nearby parks to get started — including Shenandoah National Park, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and many more! See the full list of on-site locations here, or find local and regional destinations below:
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
