Just for Kids

 

A group of kids hiking in a line through the forest along a creek. Image shows their backs with backpacks on.

Want to be a Junior Ranger? 

Junior Ranger Program: Explore the forest with the official Junior Forest Ranger activity book! In this activity book, you will learn fun facts, stories and important information that surround our Nation’s forests.

Muted blue rectangle with a USFS shaped badge in green and yellow that reads “Forest Service Junior Forest Ranger” with letters US in the middle separated by Smokey Bear holding a shovel.

Junior Snow Ranger Program: Learn all about the wonders of winter with the official Junior Snow Ranger activity book! Packed with information and fun activities, the Junior Snow Ranger activity book is a great way to learn about winter safety, careers, recreation and all things snow!

Bright blue rectangle with USFS shaped badge in blue that reads “Forest Service Junior Snow Ranger” with letters US in the middle separated by a white snowflake.

Tahoe Junior Ranger Program (Coming soon): Learn all about Tahoe National Forest through the Tahoe Junior Ranger activity book! This activity book will go over local wildlife, plants, history and more.

Yellow rectangle with circle logo with text reading “Tahoe National Forest Jr Ranger” arched in a circle. Black and white image of the Sierra Buttes is in the middle of the circle. Full image has the

Other Activities

Smokey Bear: Only YOU can help prevent wildfire! Smokey has been teaching folks to be careful around fire since 1944. Although fire plays an important role in our ecosystem by adding nutrients to the soil and increasing sunlight for understory plants, fires caused by accident can have negative impacts on our forests. Did you know that in 2022, 87% of wildfires were caused by humans? Learn with Smokey Bear on how to prevent human caused wildfires!  Smokey for Kids | Smokey Bear

Orange rectangle with a cartoon Smokey Bear’s face in a circle. Smokey Bear is wearing his iconic “Smokey” hat.

Woodsy Owl: Woodsy Owl is the environmental icon of the Forest Service! Woodsy has been spreading the message of “Give a Hoot – Don’t Pollute” since 1971. His most recent slogan, “Lend a hand – Care of the Land,” reminds us to take care of nature and become a steward of the land and water. Learn with Woodsy Owl - Recycle with Woodsy | US Forest Service (usda.gov)

Green rectangle with a cartoon Woodsy Owl waving in a circle. Woodsy Owl is surrounded by text reading “Lend a hand, care for the land!” and “Woodsy Owl”

Agents of Discovery: Agents of Discovery is an interactive augmented reality, geo-triggered app that gets kids (and adults!) outside, active and engaged in the world around them. Agents solve mysteries and complete missions and challenges. Forest friends like Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl have special missions waiting for you! Download Agents of Discovery app on Apple App Store and Google Play.

Pink rectangle with the Agents of Discovery logo

 

For more cool websites about forests, nature, and wildlife, check out these sites!

Outdoor Apps for Kids:

Project Noah: Do you have a budding scientist in your family?  Project Noah offers them the opportunity to become a citizen scientist and document wildlife observations.  The photos they upload will be added to the app database that research organizations may someday use.   projectnoah.org

Geocaching: If walking in the woods doesn't provide enough entertainment for your kids, turn the adventure into a treasure hunt!  Geocaching uses GPS-enabled devices to help users navigate to a specific set of coordinates to find the "geocache", a container filled with small treasures.  National Forests provide excellent geocaching opportunities across the country, but always be aware of property boundaries and safety when out in the woods!  geocaching.com/account/welcome

Skyview: Simply point and look!  Skyview brings stargazing to you without a telescope.  As you hold your device in the night (or day) sky, the app will tell you what stars, planets, satellites or even constellations are right in front of you.  If your little astronomer needs more details, the app also provides in-depth information and graphics about each sky object! 

Two more apps that are great for kids:  OhRanger Park Finder - ohranger.com/app/parkfinder  and the Audubon Bird Guide App  - audubon.org/apps