Sarah Ammons
The National Park Service Junior Ranger program is a great way to get to know national parks. Fun activies for the whole family help you connect to parks and their stories.
Celebrate Junior Ranger Day!
No matter what age you are, you are invited to explore, learn, and protect on National Junior Ranger Day. You can participate in the Junior Ranger program year-round and join this one-day celebration on August 22, 2026, that is part of the annual National Park Week.
Here are a couple of ways you can celebrate National Junior Ranger Day:
- Look to see if a park near you is hosting any Junior Ranger Day activities. View Junior Ranger events by state or event type in the calendar below.
- Participate in an online Junior Ranger program such as Junior Paleontologist and Night Explorers.
- Visit the NPS Kids Portal to plan a park experience, learn about free 4th Grader access, and groove out to Junior Ranger Radio.
Find a Junior Ranger Day Event
National Junior Ranger Day is August 22, 2026. Use the calendar below to view Junior Ranger Day programs at any of the more than 400 national parks around the country. Remember to check ahead for trip planning information and to recreate responsibly for a safe visit.
Some parks may host Junior Ranger Day celebrations on an alternate date from the official National Park Week schedule. Be sure to check the details for each park's programming.
Featured Junior Ranger Content and Programs
Become a Junior Ranger
Visit a park, find out what makes that park special, and become a Junior Ranger!
Junior Cave Scientist Program
We are looking for young speleologists to become Junior Rangers by exploring the underground worlds beneath our feet.
Junior Ranger Night Explorers
Lights out for an adventure exploring the night sky! Learn about constellations, planets, galaxies, and more.
Junior Paleontologist
Investigate prehistoric life as a Junior Paleontologist looking at fossils in national parks.
Last updated: March 20, 2026