I’m having a little trouble finding specific details online for a Colorado State Park Junior Ranger Program. However, I do see the occasional indication that the programs DO exist. So, be sure to ask about them on your next visit, and let us know if you do locate activity books!
On that note, though, Colorado Parks and Wildlife DOES have a program that allows you to check out a Family Activity Backpack at select parks for added fun on your next adventure!
Family Activity Backpacks!
Discover our Family Activity Backpacks that visitors can check out at select parks for their journey along the trail. These packs help turn an ordinary hike into a learning adventure in nature! The interactive packs will include: two large bug boxes, magnifiers, various guide books (covering birds, insects, wildflowers and pond or tree life depending on the park), binoculars and a nature journal.
Families can use the contents of the pack to let their imaginations soar or they can use some of the suggested activities for more structured exploration. The packs can help explorers of any age discover how fun the journey can be as they delve in for a closer look of the great outdoors.
Activity packs may be checked-out at the park visitor centers or office for day use and returned before heading home or back to the campsite.
You can find activity packs at these state parks:
- Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
- Barr Lake
- Castlewood Canyon
- Cheyenne Mountain
- Crawford
- Eldorado Canyon
- Golden Gate Canyon
- Highline Lake
- Jackson Lake
- James M. Robb – Colorado River (Fruita Section)
- Lathrop
- Lory
- Mancos
- Mueller
- Navajo
- North Sterling
- Ridgway
- Rifle Falls
- Rifle Gap
- Roxborough
- St. Vrain
- Stagecoach
- State Forest
- Staunton
- Steamboat Lake
- Sylvan Lake
- Trinidad Lake
- Vega
- Yampa River
Colorado Springs Area Junior Ranger Opportunities
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
Pike’s Peak – America’s Mountain
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Mueller State Park
TOPS (Trails Open Space and Parks) Junior Ranger Nature Pack
The Junior Ranger Nature Pack is a no-cost program available to everyone; however designed for ages 7-13. The Nature Pack is loaded with supplies for fun and educational outdoor activities. The pack and self-guided activity book encourages children and their families to get out, explore, observe, describe, engage the senses at designated parks falling within the umbrella of the TOPS (Trails Open Space and Parks) program!
The activities in the book are aligned with Colorado Academic Standards for Science and Social Science and emphasize STEAM education. Each pack is self-contained, and includes all the materials and supplies needed. Activities can be done at any time during the year.
After completing different portions of the activity book which correspond to specific parks; children can earn Park Expert stickers or finish all the activities from at least five (5) of the listed TOPS parks to earn a Junior Ranger badge.
Questions
Email: whermann@springsgov.com