Scavenger hunts, craft demonstrations, puppet shows, artillery displays, and nature hikes are just some of the hundreds of free special events taking place in national parks during National Park Week. A list of activities for this Presidentially-proclaimed week, celebrated this year from April 18 through 26, is available at www.nps.gov/npweek.”Throughout the country, from busy cities to remote wilderness areas, national parks are places of history, recreation, and inspiration,” said acting National Park Service Director Dan Wenk. “During National Park Week visitors, especially children, are encouraged to discover their national parks through many extra programs and special events.”
More than 225 National Park Service sites will host youth-oriented activities on Saturday, April 25 for the 3rd annual National Junior Ranger Day. “The Junior Ranger program is the National Park Service’s signature program for young visitors,” said Wenk. “Throughout the year children earn badges and certificates after completing age-appropriate park related activities at their own pace. On Junior Ranger Day many parks will have additional special events and guided programs. Children will also receive commemorative 2009 Junior Ranger Day pins and certificates.”
Among the many activities that day, young visitors can learn nautical skills at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, participate in military drills at Civil War sites, make dinner bells with a blacksmith in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, “Live Like a King” at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, interact with wolves at Petroglyph National Monument, create Native American coup sticks at Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, and learn how to “Leave No Trace” at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.
