Read with a Ranger

1938 photo of a child reading in her Missouri farmhouse.

Russel Lee

Books and reading were an essential part of life on the homestead. "Read with a Ranger" programs are filled with that spirit of learning, adventure, creativity and more. Wonderful for young children and their caregivers, all ages of children are welcome to join these free programs.

Listen to a park ranger read a picture book and participate in a related activity or craft connected to the book's themes. Themes will include National Parks, nature, farm life, homesteading, and much more. All props, books, and craft supplies will be provided by the park ranger.

Join us at the park's Education Center at 10 a.m.
Program length will be approximately an hour. Please dress appropriately for the weather as some activities may take place outside.

Check back as we add more books to the 2026 line up!

April 18, 10 AM - Who Took the Farmers Hat by Joan L. Nodset
May 16, 10 AM – Tractor Mac Arrives at the Farm by Billy Steers
June 20, 10 AM – The Cottonwood Tree by Serena Mangus
July 18, 10 AM – The Hundred-Year Old Barn by Patricia MacLachlan
August 15, 10 AM – If I Were a Park Ranger by Catherine Stier
September 19, 10 AM – The Girl Who Loves Bugs by Lily Murray and

October 17, 10 AM – Ice Cream the Full Scoop by Gail Gibbons
November 15, 10 AM – Hey, Hey, Hay by Christy Mihaly
December 19, 10 AM – TBA

 

Ranger Rob practices reading to some stuffed animal friends.

NPS/Rob Hartwig