For Kids

Two junior rangers stand side by side displaying certificates and badges
Junior Rangers getting their badges from Lowell!
Jr. Ranger Program
What does it take to become a Jr. Ranger? It’s simple, just explore and learn about your park with your friends and family! Complete fun activities as you explore and learn why your park is important and why it deserves care and attention so others are able to come and learn and explore too. There are 3 Jr. Ranger books filled with activities for kids of any age. These activities include reimagining the uses of old & historic buildings, exploring Lowell’s historic canalways, learning about the importance and innovations of the mills, and more!

Follow this link to find out more: Become a Junior Ranger - Lowell National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Acre Ranger Program
Become a Community Ranger! Learn about the rich and diverse history of one of Lowell’s most historic districts, the Acre. Since the 1820s, it has been the place where people of many different nationalities and backgrounds have come to call home. Setting out into the Acre, you’ll be introduced to the historic buildings and streets that have long been at the heart of Lowell's immigrant community. Your exploration will lead you to North Common, the Whistler House Museum of Art, Wannalancit Mills, Decatur Way, and much more! Through your discovery of the Acre, we hope that it will give you a new perspective about the places and people we consider parts of our home.
 
Two young girls build a model canal as part of the tsongas program, turning nuts and bolts
Students make a model canal at the Tsongas Industrial History Center!
Every Kid Outdoors
Free for all 4th Graders! The National Park Service offers a fantastic program that allows all 4th graders to get a park pass for free! All you have to do is head over to everykidoutdoors.gov, complete the short activity on the website, print out the certificate, and present it at any park that can issue passes to get your free park pass. This pass allows the pass holder and 3 other people to get the deals and savings offered through a regular park pass and is valid for the regular school year! The best part? It is absolutely free for all 4th graders across the country!

Tsongas Industrial History Center
The Tsongas Industrial History Center is an education partnership between Lowell National Historical Park and the University of Massachusetts Lowell College of Education. The TIHC offers many school programs, summer day camp, virtual experiences and field trips. These programs offer hands-on activities and site visits that allow students to explore the rich history of Lowell.

Check for updates, events, and activities you can do at home at: https://www.uml.edu/tsongas/ OR https://www.facebook.com/TsongasIndustrialHistoryCenter/
 
A ranger demonstrates how a loom works to a group of children and parents
A ranger showing off a historic loom at a Your City Saturday program.
Park Programs and Events
Your City Saturday: Come experience history and fun! During these events Park Rangers work to bring fun, hands-on, interactive activities that engage kids of all ages in a fun and educational experience.

Hands-on History: Connect, create, and discover! Lowell National Historical Park and Tsongas Industrial History Center are excited and happy to present hands-on workshops that offer a fun and interactive learning experience. The topics covered in these workshops range from engineering to weaving to waterpower and more. These workshops are appropriate for all ages, so bring the whole family!

Visit our Calendar page for up-to-date information about programs. For programs that require a reservation, visit us in-person or call 978-970-5000 to claim a spot.

Scout Ranger
Are you a Scout? Earn another patch for your sash or a certificate by completing our Scout Ranger program. Participate in a minimum of 10 hours of activities to earn your patch or a minimum of 5 hours to earn a certificate. These hours can be completed non-consecutively at multiple parks or all at one park. Discover, explore, and learn as you take part in ranger-guided tours, explore the museum and different sites, interact with exhibits, and more!

For more information, visit this page: Scout Ranger Program - Lowell National Historical Park
 
A group of kids watches an older gentleman showing off a hawk he has on his arm
A Lowell Kids week event starring a feathered friend!
Learn At Home Together
Can't Get to Lowell? No problem! We offer a variety of online videos and programs that will lead you on a fun arts and crafts activity or a fun adventure you can do at home. Look around for bits and bobs that may just turn into your next favorite toy! These crafts and activities are accessible for kids of all ages, of course with parental supervision. There are videos and step by step guides to help you along the way by making these crafts with you.

To find videos of fun crafts, visit our Youtube playlist here: LowellNPS - YouTube

Lowell Kids Week!
Once a year, Lowell goes all out and provides a whole week's worth of fun activities and crafts for young park-goers across Lowell and the country!

For more information, visit our Lowell Kids Week page.

Last updated: January 23, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

67 Kirk Street
Lowell, MA 01852

Phone:

978 970-5000

Contact Us