Yosemite For Kids: Become A Junior Ranger Or Little Cub

If you’re staying at a Scenic Wonders rental cabin in Yosemite National Park with young children, consider the educational adventures available through the Little Cub and Junior Ranger programs. Through these time-honored traditions, Yosemite for kids can mean rewarding, hands-on learning about one of America's most cherished landmarks. For decades, the National Park Service has made the national parks outdoor classrooms for their youngest visitors—an excellent means of increasing awareness about specific ecosystems and landscapes as well as an appreciation for the national-park idea in general. Little Cubs Children ages three to six are eligible for the Little Cub program. To participate, simply pick up the Yosemite Conservancy-published Little Cub Handbook (the present cost is $3 plus tax) at any of the following locations: the visitor centers at Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows; the Nature Center at Happy Isles; and the Big Oak Flat Information Station. Working through the booklet will earn your newly informed child the Little Cub button. Junior Rangers Seven- to 13-year-olds can become Junior Rangers. The booklets, which cost $3.50 apiece plus tax, can be purchased at the same locations as the Little Cub Handbook. An aspiring Junior Ranger achieves his or her badge by completing the full booklet as well as attending a guided program in Yosemite for kids and collecting one bag of litter. Inspiring New Generations For parents and guardians, one practical benefit of the Little Cub and Junior Ranger programs is directing some of that boundless kid energy to focused tasks. More importantly, however, children who earn their buttons or badges will have thought more deeply about the wondrous Yosemite landscape around them. It’s not uncommon for the Little Cub/Junior Ranger process to solidify lifelong memories—of interacting with park rangers, studying wildflowers, hiking forest trails, and beginning to reflect on why national parks are such essential and precious places.

Yosemite For Kids and Families

If you’re making reservations in Yosemite for kids and family, consider making your reservations with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. We offer Yosemite cabins within the gates of the park. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from the all the fun-filled activities in Yosemite for kids, as well as hikes and other activities. Give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE ( 1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and to make your Yosemite reservations today. Yosemite National Park Blog Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite blog provides the latest news related to Yosemite National Park. By reading our blog, you’ll stay up to date on activities, accommodations, and more. Photo credit: katerha