Kids & Youth Programs in Yellowstone National Park

By: Katelyn Parker/ Photos Provided By: Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland for any age of visitor, but it is especially fantastical for the younger park visitors. Children have a natural curiosity about their world, and they crave answers for the phenomena they see. Providing educational resources is a critical part of Yellowstone’s objectives and the park provides a unique ecosystem that is imperative to several different research studies and educational advancements. Yellowstone National Park initiatives offer several different learning opportunities, both in the park and online, that help kids and youth to understand the different scientific elements of the park as well as the importance of preservation.

Choose Your Adventure- Exploration Themes

Choose Your Own Adventure is an interactive learning tool available for free to kids and youth that wish to learn more about the park. This is a great tool to prepare your young ones for their Yellowstone vacation and it’s a great tool for kids to use while they are in the park. The interactive tool allows kids to follow a map and discover the features they are most likely to see in the region of the park they are currently. The Exploration Themes break the elements of Yellowstone into categories so kids can easily learn more about each element and where they can see the real thing. The categories are:

·      Geology- Exploring this theme will provide more insight into what causes the hydrothermal features and several other elements of Yellowstone. At its core, everything that is Yellowstone starts with geology.

·      Hydrothermal- Yellowstone is famous for its geysers and colorful hot springs. Exploring this theme will explain the difference between geysers, hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles as well as explain what’s happening beneath the surface to create each of the hydrothermal features that can be viewed in the park.

·      Wildlife- Everybody entering the park is hoping to see a Grizzly bear but there are several other species that can be easily spotted in Yellowstone. Exploring the wildlife theme educates kids on the different animal species that can be seen in the park.

·      History- This theme explores the history of Yellowstone and how it was used by different Native American tribes before being discovered by western explorers. The timeline explains how Yellowstone was discovered and how it became America’s first national park.

·      Preservation- The Preservation theme teaches children the importance of being a good steward and how we can each do our part to preserve our lands and our national parks so they can continue to thrive for generations to come.

Junior Ranger Program

Yellowstone Junior Ranger booklets are available at visitor centers around the park, and they provide kids 4 years or older an introduction to the wonders of Yellowstone and why it is important that we preserve these lands for future generations. The activities in the booklet challenge kids and youth to learn about different aspects of the park, participate in some of the activities that are offered and explore different trails and boardwalks. Once completed, the booklet can be turned into any ranger at any visitor center and the graduate will be given an official Junior Ranger Badge. This is a great way to learn more about the park and discover what causes the geographic wonders that make Yellowstone what it is. Learn more about the Junior Ranger Program here.

Young Scientist Program

Do you have children that are particularly interested in science? Kids 5 and older can participate in the Young Scientist program which educates kids and young adults about the science behind the features in Yellowstone. Self-guiding booklets can be purchased at the Canyon Visitor Education Center and the Old Faithful Education Center. Once the booklet is completed the participant will be awarded a Young Scientist patch or keychain (depending on the age group). This program is fun for the whole family and can provide a whole new level of appreciation for your Yellowstone adventure. Learn more about the Young scientist Program here.

Exploring Yellowstone National Park as an amazing experience for any age group and with the resources provided by the National Park Service, it can be an incredibly educational experience as well. Share the wonders of Yellowstone with your family and make memories that will last a lifetime.