Get outside and learn in Minnesota!
Kids
Looking for a new way to explore Minnesota State Parks? Join the Junior Park Naturalist Program! Junior Park Naturalists explore Minnesota's natural spaces and learn about bugs, birds, plants, and other critters all across the state. Along the way, Junior Park Naturalists will earn rewards for their explorations!
There are three free activity booklets you can pick up at any Minnesota state park office or visitor center. Fill it out to become an official Junior Park Naturalist!
Grownups
Whether you're looking for a classroom activity or something to do outdoors with your kids, you don't have to wait until you can get to a park. You can get them started with activities right away, in any convenient outdoor natural area—just download the biome booklets below. You may print some or all of the activities for your curriculum, or complete the entire program up to the point of visiting a state park.
For kids to complete the program and get their free Junior Park Naturalist patch, they'll need to visit any Minnesota state park and attend a Junior Naturalist program or complete a service project. Call 651-259-5597 if you need to discuss other arrangements to obtain certificates or patches.