YELLOWSTONE FOR KIDS

RANGER PROGRAM - YELLOWSTONE

Bringing the kids to Yellowstone this summer? Wonder what you're going to do with them after they've seen Old Faithful? There are many programs in Yellowstone National Park that are directed towards children.

For instance, they could become a Junior Ranger. The Junior Ranger newspapers located at any visitor Center are free. This will allow your children to start tracking the animals that they see, predicting the geyser eruptions and many more activities. Children from ages 5 to 11 who complete enough of the activities in the newspaper will earn their very own Junior Ranger patch.

They can also hear tales around the campfire. Check at any of the visitor centers for the times and locations of these program. At a family campfire you will all hear the tall tales about mountain man, the American Indian -  along with stories about the bison the elk and the bears.

They can also hop the stagecoach at Roosevelt. Rides take place several times a day and for more information you should call (307) 344 – 7311 or you can stop at the activities desk that any lodge throughout the park and they will be able to provide this information.

Any of the hotel dining rooms will have available the "Kids Activity Book". These books have games and activities, for instance there is a Yellowstone map sticker game that the children can complete and redeem prizes.

At the Old Faithful Visitor Center and the Canyon Visitor Education Center you can pick up self-guiding booklets for the Young Scientists Program. There is a nominal cost of $5 for the program which is designed for children ages five years and older. If they are successful in unraveling the scientific mysteries in the program they will receive a patch or a keychain.

If they want to learn about Yellowstone before their visit they can become a WebRanger. They need to visit the website nps.gov/webrangers. At this site they can take the WebRanger pledge – print out & sign their WebRanger membership card. They then complete all the activities in one "ranger station" for an award.

In addition there are many other Ranger–led activities that are designed for the young park visitors. Fun and educational films are shown daily at most visitor centers.

Without a doubt, there is plenty to keep your youngsters active and involved in Yellowstone. In the process of having fun in the National Park you may all be pleasantly surprised at how educational the trip has been.