Kids' programs

Activities, programs & special events

Check out the next 3 months of events.

Junior Park Naturalist program

Here's your chance to learn more about the plants and animals around you as you explore Minnesota State Parks. You can earn patches and certificates as you complete activity books on the three major resource areas of the state: prairies, pinelands and hardwoods. Activities will help you locate native plants and study animal habitats. Plus you will get some tips on observing birds and bugs and fun facts about the natural world. You can work on activities at any state park. You can pick up an activity booklet at any park office or visitor center.

New! Teachers, educators, group leaders, and home schoolers, you can now download the activity booklets from our website.

Park Explorer series

Once you've completed the Junior Park Naturalist program, take the next step and expand your nature knowledge with the State Park Explorer programs. Choose from three explorer programs: the Nature Explorer, the History Explorer or a geology activity book. Earn points for participating in naturalist presentations and by completing fun and interesting projects and activities. Bring your completed books to any state park to receive your official Explorer patch. Park Explorer activity books are available for sale at Minnesota State Park Nature Stores and selected park offices.