In 2017 we visited our first national park, the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. I remember being so excited about planning the trip and even more excited when my two young boys and I arrived. Over the three-day weekend, we explored and had a wonderful time. At that time, about seven years ago, I didn’t know about the Junior Rangers program, but I sure wish I did because I would have encouraged the boys to participate.
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What is the Junior Rangers Program? Explore. Learn. Protect.
If you are unfamiliar with the Junior Rangers Program, it is a free program available within many of the national parks. The program is geared for children to learn about the national park they are visiting and get them excited about being outdoors. Explore. Learn. Protect. I love this so much!
The boys are a lot older now and don’t wish to travel and explore the way we used to, however, I have been blessed with the opportunity to expose my toddler daughter to just as much travel and adventure as the boys. And, what’s even better is that she can grow up participating in Junior Ranger programs as we visit as many national parks as possible.
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
With this being said, this past weekend, we took a day trip to Indiana Dunes National Park and together participated in the Junior Ranger and Beachcombers program. When we first arrived, I wanted nothing more than to snap a photo by the national park sign and then head in to pick up the Junior Ranger Activity Guide and Beachcomber Explorer Sheet which is what we did.
Activity Room
After picking up the activity guide and worksheet, we headed into the gift shop for souvenirs before heading to the Activity Room. Aside from the wealth of information and resources, the museum-style wall, and the orientation video, I adored the small activity table for smaller children to learn.
Having a toddler-size table excited my daughter about sitting independently at the table to do activities. I sat near her and reviewed the activity book as she flipped through the pages of books about bugs, birds, and butterflies.
Junior Ranger Activity Guide
Afterward, she wanted her Junior Ranger Activity Guide, so that she could draw in it herself. Although she is just shy of two, she listens well and we had no problem completing the activities together. For her age range, six activities were to be completed. Activities are a combination and variety of sensory activities, drawing activities, creative writing activities, matching activities, etc.
Activity Guide Book Time Investment
Based on our first experience, one could complete the activity book within a few hours of being in the park. Once you’ve completed the required number of activities, you return to the visitor center with the completed Junior Ranger Activity Guide and a Park Ranger will swear your little one in.
With my daughter just learning to talk, she didn’t want to repeat the oath, so the ranger swore her in and rewarded her with her badge. It was the sweetest thing ever and now she is the proud owner of her first Junior Ranger Badge from Indiana Dunes National Park.
Beachcomber Explorer Sheet and West Beach
As a fun additional activity, Indiana Dunes National Park offers the Beachcomber Explorer Sheet for children to work with their parents on completing. The activities are simple and can easily be completed on the beach. We visited West Beach and had no issues completing the worksheet. Once the worksheet is complete, children can return to the visitor center and receive a reward just like with the Junior Ranger Activity Guide.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I am very pleased with the Junior Ranger Program and Beachcomber Explorer Sheet during our time at Indiana Dunes National Park and am looking forward to participating in more with my daughter throughout the summer as we visit other national parks.
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