For Kids

Fourth grade students pay a visit to historic Jacob & Sarah Ebey House. Families and Teachers of 4th Grade-Age Children Children ages 9-11, typically in the fourth grade, are at a pivotal stage in their learning where they begin to comprehend the world in more concrete ways. What better classroom than the great outdoors at Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve? This unique Reserve blends history, agriculture, and nature, providing enriching, hands-on learning experiences. For more information about the Open OutDoors for Kids program at Ebey’s Reserve, contact the Island County Historical Museum to explore opportunities for your students. 1. Take a Walk! Embark on family-friendly trails that combine natural beauty with historical insight. Bluff Trail: Start at the Prairie Overlook and walk to the Bluff Overlook, a 0.8-mile (1.3 km) journey filled with captivating sights. Pass by working farm fields, offering a glimpse into the Reserve’s agricultural heritage. Enjoy sweeping ocean views and visit the historic Jacob and Sarah Ebey House along the way. Trails are designed for easy walking, making them perfect for young explorers. 2. See What’s Growing! Throughout the year, children can observe crops as they sprout, grow, and are harvested, learning firsthand about farming cycles. Ebey’s Landing was established to protect its rich rural landscape, and the family farms within the Reserve are still active today. Visit local farmer’s markets to sample fresh, locally grown products, such as fruits, vegetables, and honey. Remember: Fields are privately owned—please respect working farms by viewing them from designated overlooks and roads. 3. Step Into the Past! History is alive and ready to be explored throughout the Reserve: Admiralty Head Lighthouse: Discover how this lighthouse helped guide ships safely through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Fort Ebey State Park: Explore a World War II-era military bunker and learn about its strategic importance. Coupeville Wharf: Walk the historic wharf in Coupeville, a hub of maritime activity in Washington’s early history. From lighthouses to military sites, there’s no shortage of stories to spark curiosity and imagination. 4. Discover Wildlife! The Reserve is teeming with wildlife, providing excellent opportunities for observation and connection with nature: Look for Orca whales in Penn Cove, especially during migration seasons. Visit Crockett Lake, a haven for birdwatching, where children can spot herons, eagles, and more. Stroll along Ebey’s Landing beach trails to see Harbor Seals floating near the shore or basking on rocks. Inspire Learning at Ebey’s Landing The Reserve’s unique combination of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and active agricultural lands creates a dynamic environment where fourth graders can see, touch, and experience the concepts they learn in the classroom. Whether walking a trail, observing wildlife, or delving into history, Ebey's Landing offers an unforgettable outdoor classroom for children and families alike.   Children standing on a farm gate looking out at a farm field. Discover the Magic of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve! From parks to beaches, forts to forests, there’s no shortage of incredible places to explore at Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve! You can hike the trails around the Reserve, go beachcombing, visit a lighthouse at Ft. Casey, walk through fields of lavender, and have an ice cream cone in downtown Coupeville - the second oldest town in the state of Washington! Mammoth bones and ice age artifacts along side Native American canoes tell a part of the story of Ebey's Reserve and Whidbey Island, which you can discover at the Island County Museum. Visit the Alexander, Ebey, Crockett and Davis blockhouses that were once used for protection against potential threats. And if you like to go camping, be sure to visit Fort Casey and Fort Ebey State Parks or Rhododendron Park. Come on, Discover Ebey's! We look forward to hearing all about what you discovered at Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve!   DISCOVER EBEY'S! Become a Junior Ranger You can get your Junior Ranger booklets and badges at four locations throughout the Reserve. With the exception of the Jacob Ebey House, these locations are not National Park Service Visitor Centers. They are operated by our partners in the Reserve. If you're not able to visit the Reserve, but still want to participate in the Jr. Ranger program, check out the Junior Ranger Activity Pages! Download the Discover Ebey's Junior Ranger Activity Pages here.