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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
For Kids
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| Don McGowan photo courtesy of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. | | Ranger-led programs offer children an opportunity to explore the park. |
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Bring the whole family for a hands-on exploration of the diversity of life within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Together, you will discover the wonders of the Smokies and learn of ideas to preserve natural and cultural treasures in your own backyard.
Kids—if you're between the ages of 5-12, you can become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for $3.00 at any park visitor center or at the Cades Cove or Elkmont campground. Complete the activities in the booklet then stop by a visitor center to talk to a ranger and receive your Junior Ranger badge.
Read through the schedule of ranger-led programs to find Junior Ranger programs especially for children.
The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a year-round residential environmental education center in the Smokies which offers workshops and programs for everyone, from grade school children to Elderhostel groups and teachers. Programs may include hiking, slide shows on flora and fauna, mountain music, living history, and wildlife demonstrations. A fee is charged. For more information, call (865) 448-6709.
The Smoky Mountain Field School offers weekend workshops, hikes, and adventures for families. For more information and a schedule of programs, call (865) 974-0150.
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True story of a bear cub who fell asleep in a dumpster and was inadvertently picked up by a garbage truck. Has a happy ending and some important lessons to protect wildlife.
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Fantastic tale of a young girl’s vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Wandering from her tent late on summer’s night, Sara finds an invitation she just can’t resist – to watch the Salamander Ball from behind a tree!
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Learn about carnivorous plants, vomiting vultures, snot otters, ant lions, and other weird, creepy stuff that really lives in the Smokies.
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Salamander Capital of the World!
At least thirty species of salamanders live in the park.
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Black Bears
An estimated 1,500 black bears live in the park.
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Wildlife Watching
Open areas such as Cades Cove and Cataloochee are good places to view wildlife.
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All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory
Join other citizen scientists and volunteers in discovering new species in the park.
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Did You Know?
At 480 feet, Fontana Dam, located on the southwestern boundary of the park, is the tallest concrete dam east of the Rocky Mountains. The dam impounds the Little Tennessee River forming Fontana Lake and produces hydroelectric power.
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Last Updated: June 07, 2007 at 15:01 EST |
