Just For Kids

For Kids

Interested in exploring Great Falls Park? Here are some ways to learn more while having fun in the park.

Junior Ranger Camp

A two-day summer camp is offered each year at Great Falls Park for children, ages 8-11. Campers will spend two days with Park Rangers exploring the park, taking hikes, participating in activities, and having fun.

Reservations are required and the programs fill quickly. All Junior Ranger activities are offered free of charge. Contact the park to learn more or to make a reservation.

Junior Ranger Program

Children 5 and up are invited to participate in the Junior Ranger Program. The program is an exciting experience for those wishing to explore the park. There are two booklets, grouped by age, which can be signed out at the Visitor Center desk. Most Junior Rangers complete the booklet in one to two hours, but may take as much time as they wish to finish. Children who complete the booklet earn a Junior Ranger Badge to honor their accomplishments.

Parks as Classrooms

Program Overview

These programs offer unique opportunities for students to explore and learn about their natural environment. PAC programs require the teacher to conduct specific pre and post visit exercises with students in order to achieve the learning objectives for the program. Some of the pre and post visit exercises will be available on the web in the future. Contact the park for more information, or to schedule a program.

Exploring Geology- Formation of Great Falls

This is a 3 ½ hour program designed primarily for students in grades 5 - 6. The program can be adapted for grades 7-9, however. The program introduces concepts of the rock cycle, examines different rock types, and explores how the earth is dynamic. Students visit areas in the park where unique rock formations can be observed and discussed.

Native American Indians of Great Falls and the Potomac Region

This is a 3 ½ hour program designed primarily for students in grades 4-6. The program introduces students to the lifestyle of Native American Indians in the Potomac Region. Students will visit areas in the park to explore what life was like, and will have an opportunity to view and handle artifact replicas.

The George Washington Memorial Parkway offers Parks As Classrooms programs at Theodore Roosevelt Island, Dyke Marsh, Arlington House and Clara Barton National Historic Site. Visit their For Teachers website to learn more.

Plan A Field Trip

Interested in planning a trip to Great Falls Park? These pages contain information to help plan a trip and details on the educational programs the park offers.

If you are interested in a Ranger-led program, contact the park, either by phone or fax, to let them know what you would like to do for your program.

After they receive information from you, they will check their scheduling calendar and staffing situation for the dates you are interested in. A staff member will contact you to let you know if they can assist you with your request.

Educational programs are generally limited to 25 students per park ranger. Programs require adult supervision from your organization (generally one adult per ten children). Programs will start and end at the agreed upon time. Group programs are generally scheduled Monday through Friday. Due to prescheduled programs on Saturday and Sunday for the general public, weekend requests can rarely be filled.

All programs are free, but groups should schedule with us at least three to four weeks in advance, since dates fill quickly, especially in the early fall and late spring. In order for them to have the best chance at accommodating your request, please send in your request one month in advance of the day on which you would like to have your program.

Contact Information:

Phone: 703-285-2965
Fax: 703-285-2223 (attn. Program Coordinator)