Junior Ranger Program

Program Overview

For over 30 years, visitors of all ages, particularly young visitors, have participated in one of the longest running and most popular Junior Ranger Programs in the National Park Service. Through self-paced learning activities and guided Ranger-led programs, participants learn about Yellowstone’s wildlife, thermal features, geology, ecosystem, and history. They are rewarded with an official Yellowstone Junior Ranger badge and are sworn into the ranks of thousands of Junior Rangers who are lifelong stewards of the world’s first national park.

In 2026, the park also plans to expand the Young Scientist Program and add two exciting new extensions—Junior Ranger Anglers and Junior Ranger Night Sky Explorers. Funding is needed to print activity books, purchase badges and accessories, and maintain supplies for each of these programs, making them free and accessible.

Requirements to earn a badge include attending a ranger-led program, hiking on a park trail or boardwalk, and completing a variety of activities in the official Junior Ranger booklet. Both children and adults benefit by learning more about the park and sharing the fun of becoming a Junior Ranger! Not able to physically visit the park? You can now also become an official Virtual Junior Ranger!

This popular program has grown to include the Junior Ranger Wildlife Olympics. This “pop-up” event takes place throughout the summer at a variety of locations and provides families who may have limited time to spend in the park an opportunity to participate in fun, outdoor activities that also teach key concepts about wildlife.

Download a PDF version of the booklet here or by clicking the cover image or get a sneak peak below!

How You Can Help

Yellowstone Forever provides the funds to make this popular, longstanding program available to all visitors. This support covers printing Junior Ranger booklets, the purchase of badges and other materials, and salaries of seasonal NPS rangers who provide Junior Ranger activities and programs.

Your support helps keep this first-class, fun, and well-loved program free-of-charge for children, parents, and visitors of all ages.

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