Kids and Pre-Teens

What do you want to be when you grow up? Dare to Dream! Your national parks are your biggest classrooms, so go out and explore. Be curious, ask questions, and have fun. If you are about 13 years old or younger, there are so many amazing things you can do to get involved with your national parks!

Here are just a few things you can do in national parks:

  • Volunteer
  • Scouting programs
  • Education programs
  • Camps

Find programs for education, recreation, and service. Earn your Junior Ranger badges, participate in citizen scientist projects, and discover your public lands with your Every Kid Outdoors pass. Learn even more through service projects, such as those with the Girl Scouts of the USA, the Boy Scouts of America, YMCA camps, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Learn more about these opportunities below:

Two young individuals holding up a certificate with park rangers in their uniforms smiling
Junior Rangers

No matter your age, you can become a Junior Ranger and “Explore, Learn, Protect”. And maybe earn a badge!

Three individuals collecting data
Citizen Science

Help scientists collect data to answer real-world questions.

Three youth holding up passes with a park ranger
Every Kid Outdoors

As a 4th grader, get your free pass and discover our national parks, wildlife refuges, and learn about history with your family.

Four youth looking at a snake presented by a park ranger
Boys and Girls Clubs of America

Learn about history and aspects of environmental stewardship in our parks through hands-on STEM activities.

5 young females looking at a park in the woods
Girl Scouts of the USA

Explore a variety of organized educational or service projects at national parks, or design your own to earn a patch and certificate.

Boy Scout in uniform
Boy Scouts of America

As a Scout or Cub Scout, have fun doing educational and volunteer service projects at national park and earn a patch and certificate.

youth campers with adults wearing yellow and blue shirts outdoors
YMCA

Join a summer camp, be exposed to different recreational activities, learn about nature and history, and engage in service projects

Four women in blue and, black, and beige clothing at a table
Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer your time at our 400+ national park sites for an event, or service project.

Related Topics

  • Several youth jumping for joy
    Ages Up to 13
    Who We Are

    For people in elementary and middle school, learn about programs for kids and pre-teens, related to education, recreation, and service. 

  • Group of teens by falls
    Ages 14-18
    Teens

    For people who are in high school or high school aged, learn how to participate in service projects and volunteer opportunities.

  • Five individuals in blue shirts forming the letters
    Ages 19-30 and Veterans 35 and youn
    Young Adults

    For people who are past high school, learn about paid internships, fellowships, jobs, and volunteer and recreational opportunities.

Last updated: June 14, 2023

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