Shenandoah National Park
Just For Kids
Discover Hidden Wonders
The Explorer Backpack contains almost everything you need to unearth the park's treasures, including binoculars, field guides, magnifying glass, paper and pencils. Backpacks can be rented for $5 per day at visitor centers and come with a free copy of the Junior Ranger Explorer Notebook.
Become a Junior Ranger
Purchase the Junior Ranger Explorer Notebook at any visitor center or gift shop, complete the activities inside, and earn a Junior Ranger sticker, patch or badge. Check the park visitor guide, Shenandoah Overlook, for Junior Ranger Program schedules and locations.
Become a WebRanger
In WebRangers, you can bring national park fun to your computer. Learn more about your national parks before you visit them, or even if you can't visit them. WebRangers also helps you to learn how to care for your parks and the world around you. Visit www.nps.gov/webrangers/home.htm, take the WebRanger pledge and print out and sign your WebRanger membership card. Complete all the activities in one "ranger station" for an award.
A Family Affair
Many of the ranger-led programs offered are ideal for families to learn about the park together. "Birds of Prey" introduces visitors to the world of hawks, owls and other raptors. Live birds that have been permanently injured help to teach about the importance of wildlife protection. "Featuring Big Meadows" showcases the park's only large open area, revealing its past, present and future. Kids and parents can enjoy hands-on activities in Junior Ranger programs, while "Campfire Traditions" is a delightful way to experience Shenandoah at night.
Shenandoah In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
