April 19 through 27 is National Park Week. And to celebrate, the National Park Service is offering free admission to all parks on Saturday, April 19.
Plus, April 19 is National Junior Ranger Day. Kids can earn an official Junior Ranger badge at most parks throughout the week. And locally, they can participate at both Wolf Trap National Park and Prince William Forest Park.
Join park rangers at the Pine Grove Picnic Pavilion at Prince William Forest Park from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for their Junior Ranger activities. Kids will make native plant seed balls with members of the Merrimac Farms Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists. A ranger will also lead the group in nature arts and crafts such as stamps, leaf etchings, and drawing pictures of favorite park scenes. All craft supplies will be provided, and kids can complete an activity book to be sworn in as a Junior Ranger.
The Wolf Trap program is from noon to 3 p.m. and is a self-guided activity in the park. Registration is not required, and Junior Ranger books and other materials will be available at the Meadow Kiosk. The books and badges are available year-round, but special activities are planned for April 19.
Feature image courtesy National Park Service
