The weather is getting colder and we’re all staying closer to home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dream about your next outing or trip to a National Park. Here are five fun ways to take a virtual visit right now.
Check out a webcam
See what the weather and current conditions are like at your favorite park, and you might even spot some indigenous birds or wildlife. Look out in different directions from Mount Rainier or catch the sunrise or sunset, patiently wait for Old Faithful to spout in Yellowstone National Park, spot bald eagles in California’s Channel Islands or stay closer to home with a peek at the forests of Shenandoah National Park (pictured above).
Listen to a podcast
Join Rangers Alexandra and Mike to tour and learn about the history behind some of the most popular spots in Death Valley like Dante’s View, Badwater and Zabriskie Point; explore the volcanos, night skies and amphibians in Hawaii’s parks; or hear the stories of people past and present as they tell stories of discovery, hardship, love, humor and adaptation in Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley.
Become a junior ranger
Kids can view special places in National Parks from the comfort of their home, complete interactive and printable activities including activity guides, project and coloring pages and watch wildlife, geysers and other parts of nature in real time as part of the online junior ranger program. Some parks will even mail participants a junior ranger badge in return!
Play a game
In “Where the Park Am I?”, try to identify which of the 400 National Parks in the U.S. and U.S. territories you are viewing using only 360-degree images. Listen to audio clips of wildlife and birds to figure out “What’s making that sound?” Go on a scavenger hunt in Canyonlands National Park or challenge yourself or somebody else to a game of Virtual National Park Bingo using park websites, social media and your own home and neighborhood.
Take a virtual visit
Tour Channel Islands National Park with Jordan Fisher and Crater Lake National Park with Dierks Bentley to see the expansive beauty of these remarkable places, head to Alaska to learn about the research and see the landscape of Denali, or be awe-struck by hike or rafting tour through the Grand Canyon.
Want more? Head to the NPS website for even more virtual activities. Then get inspired for your next in-person visit by taking the Find Your Park Quiz to learn where you might want to plan your next trip!
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