NPS - National Park Service

04/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/19/2024 16:35

Celebrate National Junior Ranger Day at Florissant Fossil Beds Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Join us for a day of fun and learning as we celebrate National Junior Ranger Day! Junior Rangers of all ages can earn a variety of Junior Ranger badges and enjoy hands-on arts and crafts activities by visiting different learning stations and exploring the park. Regular park admission applies but there is no additional fee for the event. Children ages 15 and younger are always free. Check the park website for more information about fees and entrance passes.

"Junior Ranger Day occurs during National Park Week, when people are encouraged to celebrate and visit their national parks," said Superintendent Penny Wagner. "This event will be full of activities to enjoy and it is a perfect opportunity to learn more about your local national park site."

  • Take a tour inside of the historic 1878 Hornbek Homestead.

  • Join a Geology Talk with park volunteer Geologist, Dr. Bob Carnein, at the Demonstration Excavation Pit on the one-mile Petrified Forest Loop Trail.

  • Take a peek at the sun through a solar scope and maybe glimpse a solar flare!

  • Check out the Fossil Learning Lab in the Yurt tent located next to the picnic area. Participate in hands-on learning activities including rock sorting, demonstration excavation, animal pelts, microscopes, and other activities.

  • Meet Smokey Bear and our partners with the U.S. Forest Service and the Florissant Fire District to learn about wildfire prevention and check out the fire trucks and equipment.

  • Meet Rocky Ram and his team of Rangers from Pikes Peak- America's Mountain.

  • Get creative with the Friends of the Fossil Beds at their Art in the Park table. Learn the basics of watercolor and create your own masterpiece. All ages and skill levels welcome!

  • Meet our neighbors from the Florissant Library who will be handing out free books, providing supplies to design your own bookmark, and sharing information on upcoming summer events at the library for kids.

  • Explore theFossil Mobilewith Nancy Clare from the Florissant Fossil Quarry. The Fossil Mobile is a self-contained fossil lab featuring shale fossil displays of insects and leaves from ancient Lake Florissant.

  • Stop by the Goldbelt Byway Association's booth to learn more about The Gold Belt Tour, a National Scenic Byway, and pick up a Geology of the Gold Belt Byway activity book to earn your Junior Explorer Badge!