Junior Ranger

Earn your Big Thicket Junior Ranger badge!

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Junior Ranger Program

Kids! You can earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate by completing a few fun, easy activities. Just pick up a free Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center to get started.

If you have just a short amount of time to spend here, you can watch the park movie about the preserve and do a scavenger hunt in the visitor center exhibits. If you have more time to spend here, you can hike a trail or explore the Big Thicket by boat. All of these activities count towards getting your Junior Ranger badge!

Junior Ranger Day

Junior Ranger Day is celebrated every April during National Park Week. At Big Thicket's Junior Ranger Day event, families can enjoy free activities, learn about park rangers' jobs, and earn their Junior Ranger badges! Check the preserve's calendar of events for more information.

 

Earn your 50th Anniversary Badge before it's too late!

NPS Photo / Nathan Pattee

Happy Birthday, Big Thicket!

Visitors of all ages are encouraged to celebrate Big Thicket National Preserve’s 50th anniversary by earning an extra junior ranger badge. Pick up a free Junior Ranger booklet along with an Anniversary Activity Page at the visitor center to get started.

• Finish your Big Thicket Junior Ranger Book
• Complete all the anniversary activities
• Bring your book and anniversary page to the Visitor Center
• Take the Junior Ranger oath and recieve your badges

Be sure to ask a ranger about other ways we are celebrating our anniversary and checkout the preserve's calendar of events.