Just for Kids
The Forest Service is committed to connecting kids with nature and the outdoors by providing students, parents and teachers with youth-oriented information and resources related to natural resources and the environment. Our Agency wants to encourage more kids to go outdoors by having fun, being healthy and learning more about nature. This can instill kids to create an awareness of the value of public lands, seek careers in natural resources and land management as well as enthusiastically participate in physical activities. The online resources below will help them in the process.
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 or stop by one of our district offices to get your pass in person.
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.
Junior Forest Ranger
The Junior Forest and Junior Snow Ranger programs use Forest Service science and practices to encourage children ages 7 through 13 to enjoy and appreciate nature.
This Adventure Guide is YOUR official welcome to the world of the forest. When you turn the page and begin to read, you will have an opportunity to get involved with the forest in many fun and exciting ways! Let us take you on a tour of all the fun facts, stories, and important information that surround our Nation’s forests as you discover what this fascinating world is all about. When you complete all of the activities inside this book, you will be qualified to be an Official Junior Forest Ranger. The activities are fun, easy to do, and have great benefits for you, your friends, and family. Check out the booklets below for more information.
Junior Forest Ranger (English, PDF, 23.8MB)
Junior Forest Ranger (Español, PDF, 4.59MB)
