Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Just For Kids
FOR KIDS
Cape Hatteras National Seashore has many activities designed especially for kids.
Check-out the park schedule for "Especially for Kids" programs available at Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island.
Be A Junior Ranger
The Junior Ranger Program is a fun way to learn more about our park and how you can help protect it - just like our park rangers! The Junior Ranger Program at the Seashore is designed for kids ages 5 to 13.
1) Attend two ranger programs - there is a program schedule in In The Park, the park newspaper. You can get a copy of In The Park at any of our visitor centers.
and/or
2) Complete the Junior Ranger booklet appropriate for your age - you can get a copy of the booklet at any of our visitor centers.
If you finish the programs and the booklet, you will receive a Junior Ranger patch and badge! If you complete only the booklet, you will still earn a Junior Ranger badge.
If you are visiting the park during any other time period, you can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing the workbook.
If you are not able to visit the park, you can still become a National Park Service Junior Ranger and learn about the jobs of park rangers. Visit this site www.nps.gov/webrangers and learn about this facinating line of work. Complete all the activities and you can become a Web-Ranger!
Plan A Field Trip
Bodie Island Light Station
Bodie Island Light Station still contains its original Fresnel lens, which is visible when you look up at the tower. This lighthouse is not open for climbing. The double-keepers quarters on the site serves as the visitor center, museum and bookstore. To schedule a school group program, call the Bodie Island Visitor Center at (252) 441-5711. There is no admission fee.
Cape Hatteras Light Station
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the world. The lighthouse is open for climbing from Easter weekend to Columbus Day. The Cape Hatteras Light Station site includes a visitor center, bookstore, and the Museum of the Sea. To schedule a date and specific times for a school group program or lighthouse climb, call the Hatteras Island Visitor Center at (252) 995-4474. Fees are charged for climbing the lighthouse, but not for programs.
Before you schedule a lighthouse climb, please know that
2) At least one chaperone must climb the lighthouse with the students for each climbing time scheduled.
2) Read and discuss all rules and regulations for climbing the lighthouse with the students before arrival.
After you have scheduled a lighthouse climb:
1) If you wish to have the climbing fees waived, you must request an Educational Fee Wavier Letter from the Outer Banks Group Fee Manager four to six weeks in advance of your scheduled visit. If approved, you will receive an Educational Fee Waiver Letter from the Fee Manager. Present the Educational Fee Waiver Letter at the lighthouse fee booth to receive your free tickets on the day of your climb. If you do not have an Educational Fee Waiver Letter with you when you arrive at the site, you will be charged for the climb.
2) Read and discuss all rules and regulations for climbing the lighthouse with the students before arrival.
Ocracoke Island Visitor Center
The Ocracoke Island Visitor Center has exhibits and a bookstore. The Ocracoke Lighthouse is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the nation. The lighthouse is not open for climbing. To schedule a school group program, call the Ocracoke Island Visitor Center at (252) 928-4531. There is no admission fee.
Cape Hatteras In Depth
News from the Parks
Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
