Over 100 California State Parks offer youth, ages 7-12, the opportunity to become Junior Rangers. Junior Rangers hike trails, play games, observe nature, create art, experience history, and practice science in some of the most special places in California. Best of all, Junior Ranger Programs cost no additional fee.
At a Jr Ranger Program, State Parks staff and volunteers will introduce you to California’s diverse natural and cultural resources up-close. Many parks also have self-guided Junior Ranger Adventure Guides for you to complete when a staffed program is not available.
When you finish a Junior Ranger Program or Adventure Guide, you will earn a wooden Badge with the name of the park you visited, a Logbook to record your experience, and a unique Stamp to go in your Logbook. Take your Logbook to the next California State Park you visit to continue earning awards and gaining firsthand knowledge of our state.
Use this map to find a California State Park where you can become a Junior Ranger. Program offerings change regularly. Call ahead to the park to confirm the availability of Junior Rangers before your visit.
“Eureka Experience” at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Learn about interpretive programs offered at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Activities For Kids – Monterey State Historic Park
At home learning experiences for kids (Covid)
Activities for Youth at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Do you like history? Have you always wanted to learn all about the past and the people who came before you? Well now, Old Town...
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Events
Learn about events at the Carnegie SVRA
Current Events at Huntington State Beach
View a list of current events at Huntington State Beach
Education Programs at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Learn about educational programs offered at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Educational Opportunities at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve has exciting, hands-on education programs for students as well as tours, informative lectures and other outreach opportunities for...
Field Trips & Teachers’ Resources – California State Railroad Museum
View information about field trips and teachers resources for the California State Railroad Museum
Free Hikes and Programs at Auburn State Recreation Area
Learn about hikes and programs offerred at the Auburn SRA
Interpretive Activities at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area)
Learn about interpretive activities at Baldwin Hills Parklands
Junior Ranger & Interpretive Programs at South Carlsbad State Beach
Learn about junior ranger and interpretive programs
Junior Ranger Activity Book – Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Download a junior ranger activity book connected with Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Junior Ranger Program
Earn your Junior Ranger badge at one of the 100+ California State Parks offering staff-led or self-guided programs. Becoming a Junior Ranger is fun and...
Oceano Dunes District – YouTube Channel
View YouTube videos about Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Orange Coast District State Parks – YouTube Channel
Explore our educational and informational videos related to the beautiful beaches, tidepools, and wilderness areas in the Orange Coast District of California State Parks. We...
Programs For Kids at Saddleback Butte State Park
Learn about kids programs offered at Saddleback Butte State Park
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park Junior Ranger Program
View information about the junior ranger program at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Reserve Activities for Santa Cruz District State Parks
Schedule a guided walk at Big Basin
San Elijo State Beach – In-Park Educational Programs
Learn about campground interpretative programs offered at San Elijo State Beach
School and Group Information at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Learn information about school and group field trips to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
The Junior Ranger Adventure Guide
Did you know that you can participate in the Junior Ranger program at any California state park by using the Junior Ranger Adventure Guide? Just...