Getting outside to soak up California’s sunshine is one of life’s simple joys. When we all care for California’s parks and public lands, together, we help these special places thrive for everyone, now and into the future.
One of the best ways to keep California’s parks healthy and vibrant is by inspiring the next generation to love and care for them. California State Parks offers fun, hands-on programs that help kids and youth connect with nature and learn how to protect our public lands.
Junior Rangers
Across more than 100 California State Parks, kids ages 7 to 12 can become Junior Rangers. They’ll hike trails, play games, observe nature, create art, experience history and practice science in some of California’s most special places.
At staffed Junior Ranger programs, State Parks staff and volunteers introduce participants to California’s diverse natural and cultural resources. Many parks also offer self-guided Junior Ranger Adventure Guides when a staffed program isn’t available.
The best part? Junior Ranger programs are free. When kids complete a program or Adventure Guide, they earn a wooden badge, a logbook to capture their adventures and a special park stamp.
Junior Lifeguards
The California State Parks Junior Lifeguards program is open to youth ages 8 to 16 to build water safety, teamwork and leadership skills while exploring California’s beautiful coast and waterways. Through open-water swimming, paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, bodyboarding and self-rescue, participants gain confidence, stay active and learn to respect our environment. Find a Junior Lifeguards program near you and dive into a new adventure.
PORTS
PORTS — Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students — brings California’s parks right to your classroom or home with free virtual programs for K–12 students. Through live and on-demand sessions, students can explore our state’s natural wonders and cultural stories from anywhere. Visit the PORTS website to discover what’s available.
Free Fourth Grade Pass
The Free Fourth Grade Pass, formerly Adventure Pass, gives California public school fourth graders and everyone in their vehicle free day-use entry to 54 participating California State Parks during their fourth grade year and the following summer. From beaches and redwood forests to mountains, deserts and historic sites, it’s a chance for families to explore California’s incredible outdoors, make lasting memories and enjoy adventures together. Get your free pass and start exploring today.
Alongside these great State Parks programs, Parks California helps even more kids get outside by supporting community-led initiatives and providing grant funding that connects youth with nature.
Share these fun-filled California State Park programs with the young adventurers and enjoy the outdoor spaces that are special to you. Sign up to stay connected and get the latest news from Parks California.
Through the Outdoors for All initiative, we support these State Park programs, building innovative partnerships and working with communities across California. Help make our parks welcoming and inclusive for all.