For Kids

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area: A Great Place for Kids! Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a perfect destination for children to explore nature, have fun, and learn about the outdoors. With plenty of activities to choose from, kids can enjoy hiking along scenic trails, participating in ranger-led programs, and even getting out on the water for kayaking and paddleboarding. Whether it's discovering wildlife or learning about the park's history, there's always something exciting for young adventurers to experience at Whiskeytown!   Cover page of the Whiskeytown Junior Firefighter Activity Book. Junior Ranger Activity Books Specifically geared for children between the ages of 8 and 12 but available for anyone, the general Whiskeytown Junior Ranger Activity Book and/or the Whiskeytown Junior Wildland Firefighter Activity Book may be picked up for free at the Visitor Center. The general activity book is designed to introduce youth to the natural and cultural features of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and help them become stewards of the park. The wildland firefighter activity book introduces children to such topics as fire management and fire ecology. Upon completing both or one of these interactive books, visitors are invited to come back to the Visitor Center to have a park ranger review it and then be awarded a Junior Ranger badge. Please note: you can also obtain Junior Ranger Angler, Junior Ranger Sounds Explorer, and Junior Ranger Night Explorer activity booklets at the Visitor Center. If you are unable to visit in person, request a booklet by mail at [e-mail]. 4th Grade Entrance Passes 4th graders and other members of their vehicle get into the National Park System and other federal recreation lands for free! The program remains the same as in previous years: 4th graders complete the online activity, print a unique paper voucher, and exchange the voucher for the plastic pass at any interagency site that issues the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (such as the Whiskeytown Visitor Center) for fourth grade students. Please visit www.everykidoutdoors.gov, complete the activity, and print out the paper voucher. Field Trips & Virtual Education Programs Whiskeytown park rangers present curriculum-based education programs virtually and in-person. From "Fisher Fundemantals" to "The Wintu of Whiskeytown," we have a variety of programs to fit classroom needs. Visit our Education page for more information. Paddle with a Park Ranger Whiskeytown Lake is a great place to get out on the water, and between Memorial Day and Labor Day, park rangers lead kayak and paddleboard tours on the lake. You must be six or older for the kayak program and 10 or older for paddleboarding. To learn more, visit our Ranger-Led Programs page. Go Swimming at Brandy Creek Beach Whiskeytown's largest and most popular swim beach is a great place for water play and fun in the sun. A free lifejacket loaner program is avilable for youth between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Also during the summer, a snack bar and kayak and paddleboard rentals are available.