Kids & Youth

For thousands of years, kids have been visiting Valles Caldera with their families, friends, teachers, and other community members. This tradition continues today at Valles Caldera National Preserve. With both in-park and virtual learning activities available for youth, it is easier than ever for kids to grow their knowledge of this special place.

Junior Ranger Program

Valles Caldera National Preserve currently offers two versions of its Junior Ranger program: an experiential activity booklet designed for in-park completion, and an online program for kids who are unable to visit the park in-person.

In-park: Junior Ranger Training Manual

At Valles Caldera, we do things a little differently. Rather than requiring a child to complete a booklet to earn their badge, we believe that every child is already a Junior Ranger at heart. When we meet a child at the park's entrance station or ranger station, we swear them in as a Junior Ranger up-front, give them their badge, and issue them a Junior Ranger Training Manual that they can use to sharpen their skills while exploring the park. With activities focused on geology, wildlife, human history, sustainability, and quiet observation of the natural world, Junior Rangers will build a strong foundation of understanding why this place is important.

This program is place-based and experiential; available in-park only.

Online: Virtual Junior Ranger Program

Our virtual Junior Ranger program is geared toward any kid who wants to learn about Valles Caldera. Short video lessons with park rangers will introduce kids to Valles Caldera's geology, human history, and wildlife, and interactive games and activities will solidify learning. A customized Junior Ranger patch can be mailed to households in the United States upon completion. Get started with the virtual Junior Ranger program now!