Just for Kids
Planning a trip to a national forest or grassland this year? Want to learn more about firefighters, avalanche scientists, or forest researchers? Or do you want to find out more about the animals, plants and fungi (pronounced "fun guy") that live in the forests, or want to just take a hike? Here are a few ways you can learn more about the national forests and grasslands, and about the caretakers for these lands, the Forest Service.
Every Kid Outdoors
Every Kid Outdoors is a nationwide call to action to connect kids to nature. All fourth graders are eligible to receive an Every Kid Outdoors pass that allows free access to federal lands and waters across the country for a full year.
See America’s natural wonders and historic sites for free! Learn more and download your free pass at the Every Kid Outdoors website.
Junior Ranger Program
Many forests offer summer programs for kids at popular forest recreation areas and visitor centers. You will learn about the forest, the living creatures you might see, and about the geology and watershed. After doing some fun activities, you will receive a Junior Forest Ranger booklet or badge. Check the forest's website or call the local ranger district office, to find out about Junior Forest Ranger programs, campfire programs or special hikes.
Other Junior Ranger Programs:
Smokey Bear
Forests are amazing places covering almost a third of the Earth's land, including over 700 million acres in the United States (that’s about 529 million football fields!). Forests are home to a huge variety of plants and animals, providing them with food, water and shelter.
Our forests are very valuable. Smokey Bear's message: "only you can prevent wildfires" is still as important today as it was decades ago. Read how you can help Smokey keep the forest GREEN. Find more fun stuff on the Smokey Bear website.
Woodsy Owl
Hello! I’m Woodsy Owl. Since 1971, has inspired kids to care of natural resources. Woodsy's familiar slogan was first "Give a hoot, don't pollute" but now Woodsy invites you to join him - "Lend a Hand, Care for the Land". Do you know what that means?
It means that if we all work together, the Earth will have clean air and water and will be a healthy place to live for trees and plants, fish, animals and birds like me! Oh, and it also means it will be clean for you, too! How will you help Woodsy take care of the forest or the city where you live? Check out more information on the Woodsy Owl website.
Natural Inquirer
The Natural Inquirer program produces a variety of science education materials for Pre-K through grade 12.
Check out videos, activities, collector cards, coloring books plus much more like virtual learning adventures!
Celebrating Wildflowers
Learn more about wildflowers on our National Forests and Grasslands, and also about pollinators, gardening, invasive plant species, and ethnobotany. Enjoy our puzzles, coloring pages, and fun activities!
Seriously Sage Grouse
Have fun kids with this activity book for 2nd through 5th graders. Learn what they look like, what they eat and where they live by filling in crossword puzzles and coloring in pictures and more!