Top 5 National Park Family Programs
The best way to teach kids about nature is to immerse them in nature itself at one of our nearly 400 national parks. While rangers are on hand to help visiting families explore these open spaces on their own, sometimes the best introductions to an area or park are through the park service's interpretive programs. Here are 5 spring and summer programs worth the time.
Horseback Riding at Shenandoah National Park
Stargazing Inside Denali National Park
"Beetlemania" Lectures at Rocky Mountain National Park
Cruise the Shoreline of Acadia National Park
Sing About Animals at Yosemite National Park
Parents of young children (6 and under) often complain that family programs are too sophisticated for their tots. At Yosemite, however, the "Wee Wild Ones" was designed with these toddlers in mind. In spring, the free, 45-minute program is held during the day in front of the great fireplace at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. In summer, the program precedes evening events at Yosemite Lodge, the Falls Amphitheater and the Curry Village Amphitheater. Classes themselves include a lot of singing. Also on the agenda: reading books, playing games and making crafts--all of which pertains to animals native to the park (such as hawks, bears and big horn sheep). All participating children must be accompanied by an adult; no pre-registration is required.