A Guide to Junior Ranger Badges You Can Earn at Home

By Courtney Johnson

If your explorer is looking to earn additional junior ranger badges and learn more about dinosaurs, the night sky, the underground railroad, and so many other subject areas, there are many options to do so that do not necessitate visiting a national park. Click on the links below to download each National Park Service booklet, and simply mail in the completed booklets to receive your badge!

Cave Scientist

Head underground to learn about caves and karsts, and what cave scientists do. Discover what troglofauna (or animals) live in caves and what cave bacon, soda straws and popcorn look like. Before they earn their badge, each scientist will learn more about where to find caves and karsts throughout the United States, and how to both preserve them and keep safe while exploring. 

Historic Preservation Junior Ranger (best for ages 7 and up)

Learn how the work of Lyndon B. Johnson, Theodore Roosevelt and the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association all helped to preserve history. Visit the ruins of Mesa Verde, see Mount Vernon, and learn how your explorers can also help preserve historical sites for future generations to come.

Junior Archeologist

Dive into the past and learn how people lived, worked and survived long ago. Study what archeologists do and what tools they use to preserve history. Finish the badge by learning how everyone can help preserve sites.

Junior Paleontologist

If your child speaks dinosaur, this is the badge for them. They will learn about the job of a paleontologist, the methods they use to preserve bones and fossils, and the tools that make it all possible.

Junior Ranger In Space

How did humans land on the moon? What is the moon made of? Answer these questions and more with the Ranger in Space booklet. Please note that this one does not have a special badge or patch, but your ranger can create their own badge at home.

Let’s Go Fishing Badge

If your kiddo is always shouting, “Fish on,” this badge, which reviews rules and regulations, safety, and how to have fun while catching dinner, is the one. This badge can be completed at home or during a special event at a national park.

Lewis and Clark Junior Web Ranger (best for ages 7 and up)

This badge is different, in that it only requires you to research and answer questions specific to the travels of Lewis and Clark, and to mail answers in, as with the others. Search for details on their expedition, what states they explored and who they worked with along the way.

Midwest Archeological Junior Ranger (best for ages 6 and up)

Based on the archaeological sites found throughout the Midwest, rangers will learn what artifacts have been found, the age of the artifacts, and what tools were used to extract them. They will also learn how archaeologists piece these moments of history together to tell the story of the past in the Midwest.

Night Explorer Badge

If starry skies and special named moons excite your junior ranger at home, this is the perfect badge for them. Explore planets, and learn about the constellations and the phases of the moon. This badge can be completed at home or during a special event at a national park.

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

Read about the journey of the Cherokee Indians as they were forced from their land and headed to Oklahoma. This badge also explores how the Cherokee rebuilt their lives after moving west.

Underground Railroad Ranger

Highlighting a very important part of U.S. history, badge earners will learn about the daily lives of slaves, and their road to freedom. The efforts of freedom seekers like Harriet Tubman and others are introduced, along with facts about the underground railroad.

Underwater Explorer

Venture under the water’s surface, learn about different aquatic ecosystems, and discover what creatures live beneath. Rangers in training will learn how to protect their favorite aquatic animals while learning about why water is critical to the survival of humans, animals, and the planet.

Wilderness Explorer (best for ages 8 and up)

Junior Rangers will learn about the Wilderness Act, created by the BLM, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service, as they become wilderness explorers. Interview friends and family to see what the wilderness means to them. Examine where wild places are found and how to stay safe in them. This badge can be completed at any wilderness area, including ones in your backyard.

World Heritage Junior Ranger

For this badge, you need to send in a quick email to receive the pdf. Rangers in training will learn what a world heritage site is, which world heritage sites can be found in our national parks and how to preserve these sites.

*Please note that the CDC has recommended NPS Officers telework during this time. Delays in processing badges should be expected.

Courtney Johnson is a freelance sports and parenting writer based in Erie, Colorado. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband AJ and six-year-old daughter Emma. Follow her adventures at http://adventureswithmylittleray.com.