Zion Junior Ranger

  • Open to all visitors four and older. There is no upper age limit.
  • Booklets are free. Pick one up year-round at Zion Canyon Visitor Center or Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, seasonally at the Human History Museum and Zion Nature Center, or download it ahead of time.
  • Complete booklet pages and attend a ranger-led program to earn the badge.
  • NPS says to allow several hours. The booklet sends you around Zion Canyon and is designed to be completed inside the park.
  • Left before you got the badge? NPS says it can mail one if you email photos of the completed pages and your mailing address.
  • There is also a Junior Ranger Night Explorer booklet and a Virtual Junior Ranger option for home.

Youth programs run at the Nature Center and other Zion Canyon locations in summer; check the park calendar. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.

Homeschool and education groups

  • Fee waivers: NPS says home school students may be granted academic fee waivers based on their course of study, if they meet their state’s home school requirements. Out-of-state applicants share their state’s requirements. Apply at least 30 days before the trip; fee stations cannot issue waivers (academic fee waivers).
  • Groups that do not qualify may be treated as a non-commercial organized group. Youth 15 and under are exempt from entrance fees.
  • Camping fees are not covered by a fee waiver.
  • Distance learning: free live programs with a ranger for classes and groups, including home school groups (distance learning).
  • Every Kid Outdoors: U.S. fourth graders can earn a free pass for their school year, through August 31.
A mule deer on the shaded Grotto Trail among green trees, Zion National Park.
Mule deer on the Grotto Trail, Zion National Park. Photo: Vulturesong, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Lesson ideas from NPS material

  • Night skies: why Zion is an International Dark Sky Park (our stargazing page).
  • Desert tortoise: a threatened species at the northeastern edge of its range (our nature page).
  • Flash floods: the Nature Center has flash flood videos, and the shuttle narration explains how the Virgin River cut the canyon.
  • Living soil: biological soil crust and why NPS says “don’t bust the crust.”

Related: toddler plans, printable checklist, all guides.

Quick FAQ

How old do you have to be for the Zion Junior Ranger program?

Four and older. NPS says there is no upper age limit.

Is the Zion Junior Ranger booklet free?

Yes. NPS says booklets are free at park visitor centers and can be downloaded ahead of time.

Can homeschoolers get an entrance fee waiver?

They may, if they meet their state’s home school requirements and apply at least 30 days ahead under the academic fee waiver rules.