The Junior Ranger booklet and badge program is a fun way for youth and families to explore Washington’s state parks. Designed for youth 4 and up, this self-guided program encourages families to discover the natural and cultural wonders of Washington through fun exploration, games, and creative activities.

To become a Junior Ranger, just ask for the free Junior Ranger Booklet at the park office or get one at the program. The following programs are facilitated by our Washington State Parks Interpretive staff. All programs are free and open to the public.

Sunday, August 14 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Forces of Fire and Ice

Join us for a fun Junior Ranger program learning about how fire and ice have shaped our land. After a fun story and skit, we will work together to complete the puzzles on pages 6 and 7 of the Junior Ranger Booklet. We will end the program listening to everyone’s water poems. Best for ages 7 and up.

Friday, August 19 6:00 – 7:00 pm Plants with Purpose

Join our park naturalists for an evening ethnobotany walk. On the walk, we will learn how many of the plants in our ecosystem have been used by people past and present.  This hike is 0.75 miles, will last about 45 minutes, and will require stepping up, stepping down, and will take place on an uneven path. Junior Rangers stick around after the walk for a quick reflection about Special Places in parks, page 2 in the Junior Ranger Booklet.

Saturday, August 20 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Bucket of Bugs

Join us to explore the wild world of macroinvertebrates, the tiny creatures that live in wetland ecosystems. How many bugs can you find in these buckets? Stick around after your exploration to create your own wacky creature! Great for all ages.

Sunday, August 21 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Fun in the Sun

Junior Rangers, play with us! Join us for games related to recreation and survival in the great outdoors. After the games, we will work on the State Park Word Search in the Junior Ranger Booklet.

Friday, August 26 6:00 – 6:30 pm Star Stories

Many of us head indoors after the sun goes down, but our parks are just as interesting and beautiful after dark when stars get a chance to shine! Drop by this program to hear some of the stories of our stars and to create your own constellations. Junior Rangers will have a chance to complete page 14 in the Junior Ranger Booklet. Great for all ages.

ALL PROGRAMS MEET AT THE SUNSET BEACH INTERPRETIVE SPACE

For a complete list of participating State Parks, visit: Be a Junior Ranger | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission