Last updated: March 18, 2025
Thing to Do
Become a Hot Springs Junior Ranger
NPS Photo
"Explore, Learn, Protect!" The Junior Ranger motto is recited by children around the country—each taking an oath of their own to protect parks, continue to learn about parks, and share their own ranger story with friends and family.
Like many other national parks, Hot Springs offers young visitors the opportunity to join the National Park Service "family" as Junior Rangers. Interested youth complete a series of activities during a park visit, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger badge. Junior Rangers are typically between the ages of 5 to 13, although people of all ages can participate.
Kids visiting Hot Springs National Park may earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing a number of activities as they explore the park. The Junior Ranger booklet is available at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center.
Details
Duration
30-60 Minutes
Activity
Junior Ranger Program
Kids visiting Hot Springs National Park may earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing a number of activities as they explore the park.
Age(s)
5-13
People of all ages are encouraged to participate in the park's Junior Ranger program, however the activities are best suited for those between the ages of 5 and 13.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are allowed in the park and on the trails, but not inside federal buildings, including the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center. Pets must be kept on a leash while in the park.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
The Fordyce Bathhouse
Junior Ranger booklets can be picked up at the Fordyce Bathhouse and Visitor Center.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
You may pick up activity booklets and be sworn in as a Junior Ranger while the Fordyce Visitor Center is open, between 9:00-5:00pm CST.
Accessibility Information
The Junior Ranger program is open and accessible to everyone. If you need assistance filling out a booklet, please notify a ranger. Most of the activities can be filled out by exploring Bathhouse Row, which features a 6 foot wide, paved sidewalk with a 0.6% incline. The third floor of the Fordyce is also needed to fill out the activities, and is accessible via elevator.