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 ways to get involved with your national parks!

Here are a few activities 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, Scouting 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, “Explore, Learn, Protect,” and 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 Partnership

As a Girl Scout, participate in a variety of educational activities or service projects at national park sites, and earn a patch.

Boy Scout in uniform
Scouting America Partnership

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

youth campers with adults wearing yellow and blue shirts outdoors
YMCA

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

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

Volunteer your time at our 400+ national park sites for various activities, including park programs and events.

Related Topics

  • Youth hiking outdoors
    Who We Are

    Youth and young adult programs are designed to connect kids, teens, and young adults to opportunities at national park sites.

  • Group of teens by falls
    Ages 14-18
    Teens

    Learn how to participate in service projects and volunteer opportunities.

  • Two women smiling with backpacks on, mountain ranger in backdrop.
    Ages 19-30 and Veterans 35 and young
    Young Adults

    Learn about paid internships, fellowships, jobs, volunteer, and recreational opportunities.

  • 2 young women in safety vests and hard hats sit among a pile of rocks and look closely at rocks for
    Work With Us

    Discover jobs, paid internships, and volunteer opportunities with the National Park Service.

  • A meadow filled with blooming pale purple asters and scattered stands of subalpine fir trees
    Contact Us

    We’d love to hear from you. Find ways to connect with us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X at @NPSYouth.

  • Girl sits in a field writing on her tablet
    Youth and Young Adult Program News

    Read about the latest news, activities, and events going on across our national park sites for youth and young adults.

Last updated: October 9, 2024

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