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Canyonlands National Park
For Kids
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081017153233im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/templates/images/graphics/spacer.gif) |
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NPS Photo by Neal Herbert |
A local school group visits Mesa Arch at the Island in the Sky |
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Things to Do
Both Island in the Sky and the Needles have several short trails great for children. At the Island, kids enjoy peeking through Mesa Arch and climbing the back of the whale at Whale Rock. In the Needles, the Cave Spring Trail, featuring a cowboy camp and prehistoric pictographs, is always a hit. Pothole Point is another popular hike, especially if the potholes are full of water and the creatures that live in these small ecosystems. Be attentive when hiking with kids in Canyonlands, as there are unfenced overlooks throughout the park.
"Thanks for all the resources! These activities are always more fun when they're NOT mom and dad's ideas."
The Thompson Family
Ages 4, 5, 8, 10, and 12
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM
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There are three ways to earn a Junior Ranger badge at Canyonlands. Free Junior Ranger booklets are available at park visitor centers. Filled with fun activities, these books reveal the wonders of Canyonlands to kids and parents alike. After completing certain exercises, participants earn a Junior Ranger badge and signed certificate. Activities are designed for ages 5 and up.
At the Island in the Sky, you may also earn a badge for attending a Family Program or completing three activities from the Explorer Pack.
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Rangers at the Island in the Sky offer family programs twice daily from June 25th through early August. Everyone in the family gets involved with fun, hands-on activities about nature. Kids who participate will earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate.
Family Programs will resume in 2009.
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Both the Island in the Sky and Needles districts offer a unique tool for kids eager to explore and learn about the area: Explorer Packs. These packs contain many useful items, including binoculars, a hand lens, a naturalist guide and a notebook. Before you set out for the day, stop by the visitor center and check one out (deposit required).
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![Jr. Ranger Families Jr. Ranger Families](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081017153233im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CANY_JrRangerFamilies_sm.jpg) Jr. Ranger Families View photos of Junior Rangers at Island in the Sky. more... | | ![Web Rangers Web Rangers](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081017153233im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CANY_webranger.jpg) Web Rangers Become a Junior Ranger online! more... | | ![Looking for more? Looking for more?](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081017153233im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CANY_bookstore_planning.jpg) Looking for more? Guidebooks, maps and other publications are available in our bookstore. more... | |
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![Summer Monsoon Summer Monsoon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081017153233im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CANY_Monsoon.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
Much of canyon country's annual precipitation falls during summer monsoons. These dramatic storms often last less than twenty minutes but can cause powerful flash floods despite their brevity.
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Last Updated: March 11, 2008 at 16:40 EST |