The United States has 61 protected areas known as national parks that are operated by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior. An act of the United States Congress must establish national parks. A bill creating the first national park, Yellowstone, was signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872, followed by Mackinac National Park in 1875, and then Rock Creek Park, Sequoia and Yosemite in 1890.
PLAY, LEARN AND HAVE FUN!
61 U.S. National Parks
88 U.S. National Monuments
19 U.S. National Preserves
51 U.S. National Historic Parks
78 U.S. National Historic Sites
1 U.S. International Historic Site
4 U.S. National Battlefield Parks
9 U.S. National Military Parks
11 U.S. National Battlefields |
1 National Battlefield Site
29 National Memorials
18 National Recreation Areas
10 National Seashores
3 National Lakeshores
15 National Rivers
2 National Reserves
4 National Parkways
3 National Trails
11 other sites including the National Mall and National Capital Parks |
For a Total of 417 U.S. National Parks, Sites and Monuments
Download the National Park Service Index, a complete administrative listing of the National Park System’s areas and related areas. It has been revised to reflect congressional actions. The entries, grouped by state, include administrative addresses and phone numbers, dates of authorization and establishment, boundary change dates, acreages, website addresses, and brief statements explaining the areas’ national significance. This book is not intended as a guide for park visitors. There is no information regarding campgrounds, trails, visitor services, hours, etc. Those needing such information should go to each park’s website, accessible through the National Park Service home page: www.nps.gov
Next, download the trip planning guide and checklist. Make your fun adventure a safe one too! No one plans to get hurt while out exploring in a National Park. However, nature is unpredictable, structures are historical, and your equipment can unexpectedly fail. Planning can be the key to a fun and safe adventure. Remember, safety starts with you!
National Park Finder App
iPhone, iPad, or iPod
Android Devices
"Explore, Learn, and Protect!" The Junior Ranger motto is recited by children around the country; each taking an oath of their own to protect parks, continue to learn about parks, and share their own ranger story with friends and family.
Read More:
National Park Service
Video: Every Kid in a Park
A Youth Educator’s Guide to Leave No Trace Activities, Games, and Experiential Curriculum
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics protects the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy it responsibly. The Center accomplishes this mission by delivering cutting-edge education and research to millions of people every year.
Read More: LNT.org
Cook Fun Things
Kids love to be involved cooking their own food that can be cooked at the end of a stick. Introduce your kids to the camping tradition of roasting marshmallows and cooking hot dogs over a fire. Cooking in Camp for more tips, tricks and recipes for meals.
Camping Trip Safety Series
- Know Your Limits
- Plan Your Trip
- Park Requirements and Regulations
- In Case of Emergency
- Prepare – Gear Up!
Keep Your Pet Safe Too
If camping with your pet, be sure to follow these guidelines:
- Always keep your pet restrained.
- Check your pet for ticks.
- Do not leave your pet in a closed vehicle.
- If you are camping in bear country, camping with dogs can be more dangerous than elsewhere. Dogs can attract curious bears, and the interaction often leads to conflict, which can put your pet and you in danger.
Read More: Camping with Pets
Respect Wildlife
Follow these basic guidelines to ensure the safety of you and animals in the park with respect to wildlife:
- Do NOT feed wildlife under any circumstances. Feeding wildlife creates an expectation that they can receive food from you (and other campers) in the future. This can make them persistent and sometimes violent, and may attract wildlife to your site.
- Avoid contact with wildlife. While it is certainly tempting to approach wildlife, this can be very dangerous.
- Keep safe viewing distances. When watching wildlife, make sure to keep a safe distance. Your park may or may not have recommended viewing distances regarding certain wildlife.
Avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite with the following methods:
- Keep food secured in airtight containers. Not only will it be fresher, it will attract less unwanted attention from wildlife.
- Keep your food out of reach of wildlife. Generally, food can be stored in your car, but certain campgrounds may require the use of food storage lockers or other means of keeping food out of reach of wildlife.
- Keep your campsite clean. Collect any food packaging and food scraps in a waste bag and dispose of the waste in the campground's receptacle before you leave the camp or turn in for the night.
- Do not feed wildlife. Not only will they become more aggressive toward you, they will be more likely to be a nuisance for campers who use the site after you.
- Do not take food inside your tent. While it's tempting to have that midnight snack on hand, it will attract wildlife.
Outdoor Participation
Running, including jogging and trail running, was the most popular activity among Americans when measured by both number of participants and by number of total annual outings.
Walking for fitness was the most popular crossover activity. 45.8% of all outdoor participants also walked.
Adults who were introduced to the outdoors as children were more likely to participate in outdoor activities during adulthood than those who were not exposed to the outdoors as children. 38% of adults who were introduced to the outdoors during childhood grew up to enjoy outdoor activities as adults. Only 17% of adults who do not currently participate in any outdoor activities had outdoor experiences as children.
Adventure Activity Resources
All downloads in this category include Junior Ranger activity books available in each state park. Explore additional subcategories with activities to download for special exhibits, events and National Park Service programs. Be sure to check out other articles in this section for links to resources, information and videos.
Public Downloads
All items are free to view, share, and download.
Public Downloads - Español (Spanish)
When available, we provide all our content with a Spanish version in our public download section. You can find additional material from sources listed in all our articles.
Download Environmental and Educational Activity Guides, Information, and Resources
A National Park Service Index 2012-2016
DownloadSize 6.24 MB
All Seasons Safety Activity Book
DownloadSize 8.45 MB
An Overview of Nature eBook
DownloadSize 43.9 MB
Do Not Feed Wildlife Poster
DownloadSize 225.98 KB
Environmental Games and Activities
DownloadSize 3.4 MB
Finding My Forest Tools to Re-connect with Nature Education Activity Guide
DownloadSize 3.54 MB
History of the National Park Service from Wikipedia
DownloadSize 1.05 MB
History of Women In the National Park Service
DownloadSize 538.42 KB
Leave No Trace Activity Playbook
DownloadSize 12.41 MB
Spend Time in Nature Parent Guide
DownloadSize 375.16 KB
Download National Park Service Activities, Information, and Resources
The National Park Service offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities and activities for visitors to experience and enjoy their public lands.
Download National Park Information and Resources
All National Registry of Natural Landmarks Listing by State and County
DownloadSize 570.89 KB
Do Not Feed Wildlife Poster
DownloadSize 225.98 KB
Every Kid in a Park Logo
DownloadSize 112.91 KB
Frederick Douglass Hat National Park Service Teaching with Museum Collections Lesson Plan
DownloadSize 154.77 KB
Introduction to World Heritage
DownloadSize 1.01 MB
Map Learning Park Symbols
DownloadSize 101.24 KB
Map of Recreational Visitors at each National Park
DownloadSize 571.43 KB
Map of Yellowstone National Park
DownloadSize 3.67 MB
National Park Service Definitions for Fire and Wildfire
DownloadSize 357.84 KB
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes
DownloadSize 761.21 KB
The Roland W Robbins Excavations 1948-1953 Massachusetts Archaeology Saugus Iron Works eBook
DownloadSize 16.45 MB
Trip Planning Guide National Park Service
DownloadSize 1.81 MB
Washington DC National Mall Map
DownloadSize 2.3 MB
Download National Park Activity Sheets
1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Classroom Investigation Activities
DownloadSize 6.71 MB
Activity Page Match the Animal Paw Prints
DownloadSize 267.46 KB
Alphabet Forests and Trees Coloring Book
DownloadSize 153.06 KB
Arizona Junior Ranger Habitat Crossword
DownloadSize 567.29 KB
Be Bear Aware Activity
DownloadSize 84.23 KB
California Gold Word Puzzle - Activity Page
DownloadSize 56.34 KB
California Gold Word Puzzle - Answer Sheet
DownloadSize 80.32 KB
Every Kid in a Park Citizen Science Activity Sheets
DownloadSize 956.62 KB
Every Kid in a Park Environmental Stewardship Activity Sheets
DownloadSize 924.85 KB
Every Kid in a Park Exploring Federal Lands and Waters Activity Sheets
DownloadSize 306.22 KB
Every Kid in a Park Our Nation’s Native Peoples Activity Sheets
DownloadSize 1.28 MB
Finding My Forest Tools to Re-connect with Nature Education Activity Guide
DownloadSize 3.54 MB
Flag Puzzle Connect the Dots
DownloadSize 255.13 KB
George Washington Carver Coloring and Activity Book
DownloadSize 3.77 MB
Lion Dance Coloring Page
DownloadSize 603.42 KB
Match Baskets Coloring Page
DownloadSize 875.46 KB
Missouri Junior Ranger Harry S Truman National Historic Site Word Search
DownloadSize 1.26 MB
New York Fort Stanwix National Monument Puzzle Worksheets
DownloadSize 1.01 MB
Star Gazing Activities
DownloadSize 1.7 MB
Toad Coloring Sheet
DownloadSize 863.6 KB
Wild and Scenic Rivers 1968-2018 Flyer Coloring Sheet
DownloadSize 4.47 MB
Wildflower Homestead National Monument of America Coloring Book
DownloadSize 844.66 KB
Download National Park Bear Activities and eBooks
Be Bear Aware Activity
DownloadSize 84.23 KB
Bear Aware Coloring Book
DownloadSize 1.05 MB
Bear Safety Information for National Park Lands
DownloadSize 1.75 MB
Bears of Brooks River 2015 Alaska Katmai National Park and Preserve eBook
DownloadSize 101.92 MB
Bears of Brooks River 2016 Alaska Katmai National Park and Preserve eBook
DownloadSize 101.77 MB
Bears of Brooks River 2017 Alaska Katmai National Park and Preserve eBook
DownloadSize 126.07 MB
Bears of Brooks River 2018 Alaska Katmai National Park and Preserve eBook
DownloadSize 17.26 MB
Do Not Feed Wildlife Poster
DownloadSize 225.98 KB
Download National Park Brochures and Handouts
Brochure Bear Paw Battlefield Map
DownloadSize 1.13 MB
Brochure California Fishing
DownloadSize 12.79 MB
Brochure Every Kid in a Park National Park Service
DownloadSize 3.74 MB
Brochure How to Become a California State Parks Volunteer
DownloadSize 949.53 KB
Brochure Scout Ranger Program National Park Service
DownloadSize 5.03 MB
Civil War to Civil Rights Trading Cards Park List
DownloadSize 75.17 KB
Download National Park Fishing Activities and Identification Handouts
15 Awesome Alaska Fish Coloring Book
DownloadSize 5.46 MB
Alaska Sport Fishing Guide
DownloadSize 1.9 MB
Fish Identification for Common Fish Species
DownloadSize 7.93 MB
Fish Identification for Common Fish Species PowerPoint
DownloadSize 12.02 MB
Fishing ABC Coloring Book
DownloadSize 3.37 MB
Freshwater Fish Consumption Video
DownloadSize 2.22 MB
Guide to Salmon Identification and Fishing
DownloadSize 2.93 MB
Let's Go Fishing National Park Service Junior Ranger Activity Book
DownloadSize 10.77 MB
Mercury Fish Consumption Video
DownloadSize 3.01 MB
Salmon Lifecycle Coloring Book
DownloadSize 1.56 MB
Saltwater Fish Consumption Video
DownloadSize 2.76 MB
Shellfish Consumption Video
DownloadSize 3.05 MB
Tropical Fish Consumption Video
DownloadSize 2.46 MB
Download Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Park Activities, Information, and Resources
Buffalo Soldier Harold Warren Jr. Interview
DownloadSize 223.39 MB
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Group Photo
DownloadSize 634.36 KB
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Jr-Ranger-Badge-CMS
DownloadSize 29.02 KB
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Junior Ranger Challenging Puzzle
DownloadSize 3.37 MB
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Junior Ranger Challenging Puzzle Answer Key
DownloadSize 3.87 MB
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Junior Ranger Challenging Puzzle Clues
DownloadSize 5.16 MB
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Junior Ranger Challenging Puzzle Clues Answer Key
DownloadSize 4.81 MB
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Junior Ranger Crossword Puzzle
DownloadSize 2.71 MB
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Junior Ranger Crossword Puzzle Answer Key
DownloadSize 1.93 MB
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
DownloadSize 730.64 KB
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument Official Introductory Film
DownloadSize 688.26 MB
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument Official Introductory Film Image
DownloadSize 89 KB
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers WebQuest Quiz Worksheet
DownloadSize 774.12 KB
Download Glacier National Park Activities, Exhibit, Audio, and Images
Enjoy some of the best places and views of Glacier National Park: Going-To-The-Sun Road, Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, Scenic Point Trail, Iceberg Lake Trail.
Download Glacier National Park Activities
Answer Key Glacier National Park Activities
DownloadSize 2.11 MB
Disappearing Glaciers - Connect the Dots Glacier National Park Activity
DownloadSize 957.31 KB
Four Nations - Matching Game Glacier National Park Activity
DownloadSize 1.47 MB
Glacier Bay Bears Sea Lions Gulls and Jays Coloring Sheet 2
DownloadSize 6.23 MB
Glacier Bay Mountains Streams Eagles and Salmon Coloring Sheet 3
DownloadSize 4.07 MB
Glacier Bay Outdoor Fun on the Water Coloring Sheet 1
DownloadSize 4.28 MB
Glacier National Park East Tunnel Video
DownloadSize 19.11 MB
Glacier National Park Oberlin Bend Video
DownloadSize 15.04 MB
Glacier Plants and Animals from A to Z Glacier National Park
DownloadSize 2.7 MB
Glacier Wildlife Coloring Book Glacier National Park
DownloadSize 491.48 KB
GlacierRaw - Bighorn Sheep Video
DownloadSize 8.51 MB
GlacierRaw - Bull Moose Video
DownloadSize 9.88 MB
GlacierRaw - Mountain Goat Kids Video
DownloadSize 6.62 MB
Habitats are Homes - Matching Activity Glacier National Park Activity
DownloadSize 294.94 KB
Leave No Trace - Short Answer Questions Glacier National Park Activity
DownloadSize 1.83 MB
Living Lightly - Crossword Puzzle Glacier National Park Activity
DownloadSize 1.19 MB
Making Peace - Short Answer Glacier National Park Activity
DownloadSize 1.26 MB
Montana Junior Ranger Glacier National Park Activity Book
DownloadSize 17.95 MB
Moving Through Glacier's History - Fill in the Blanks Glacier National Park Activity
DownloadSize 1.19 MB
Native Names - Cryptogram Glacier National Park Activity
DownloadSize 990.89 KB
Native Names - Word Search Glacier National Park Activity
DownloadSize 947.41 KB
Plants and Animals From the Alphabet Coloring Book Glacier National Park
DownloadSize 6.18 MB
See America First - Maze Glacier National Park Activity
DownloadSize 463 KB
Tree Coloring Book Glacier National Park
DownloadSize 2.49 MB
Tree Key 13 Different Conifers in Glacier National Park
DownloadSize 1.18 MB
Web Rangers National Park Service Wrangell-St Elias Activity Book
DownloadSize 596.65 KB
Wildflower and Shrub Coloring Book Glacier National Park
DownloadSize 2.91 MB
Wise About Wildlife - Fill in the Blank Glacier National Park Activity
DownloadSize 1.25 MB
Download Glacier National Park Exhibit
A Wildlife Superpowers Exhibit Glacier National Park Video
DownloadSize 108.12 MB
Glacier National Park Exhibit Audio and Images
DownloadSize 146.24 MB
Glacier National Park Exhibit Audio Files
DownloadSize 18.34 MB
Glacier National Park Exhibit Images
DownloadSize 20.6 MB
Download Glacier National Park Audio
Cliff Hangers Audio File Description
DownloadSize 1.72 MB
Cliff Hangers Audio File More About Goats
DownloadSize 397.09 KB
Head Bangers Audio File Description
DownloadSize 1.65 MB
Head Bangers Audio File More About Sheep
DownloadSize 363.96 KB
Meadow Excavator Audio File Description
DownloadSize 1.55 MB
Meadow Excavator Audio File More About Grizzlies
DownloadSize 612.02 KB
Mountain Explorer Audio File Description
DownloadSize 1.86 MB
Mountain Explorer Audio File More About Wolverines
DownloadSize 647.78 KB
Super Hider Audio File Description
DownloadSize 1.99 MB
Super Hider Audio File More About Ptarmigan
DownloadSize 547.37 KB
Super Reapers Audio File Description
DownloadSize 2.09 MB
Super Reapers Audio File More About Pika
DownloadSize 454.42 KB
Super Seekers Audio File Description
DownloadSize 2.15 MB
Super Seekers Audio File More About Weasels
DownloadSize 617.26 KB
Super Sleeper Audio File Description
DownloadSize 1.67 MB
Super Sleeper Audio File More About Marmots
DownloadSize 342.62 KB
Download Glacier National Park Images
Cliff Hangers Wayside Glacier National Park Exhibit
DownloadSize 2.18 MB
Head Bangers Wayside Glacier National Park Exhibit
DownloadSize 2.69 MB
Meadow Excavator Wayside Glacier National Park Exhibit
DownloadSize 2.94 MB
Mountain Explorer Wayside Glacier National Park Exhibit
DownloadSize 2.48 MB
Super Hider Wayside Glacier National Park Exhibit
DownloadSize 2.13 MB
Super Reapers Wayside Glacier National Park Exhibit
DownloadSize 3.41 MB
Super Seekers Wayside Glacier National Park Exhibit
DownloadSize 2.48 MB
Super Sleeper Wayside Glacier National Park Exhibit
DownloadSize 3.16 MB
Video Playlist: National Park Service
