Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve - For Kids (U.S. National Park Service)

NPS Photo by Patrick Myers

Sliding down a big dune

The Great Sand Dunes are made for kids!

You can play in the sand, roll or slide down a dune, splash in Medano Creek in spring and early summer, hike in the mountains, see cool interactive exhibits at the Visitor Center, and earn a Junior Ranger badge. There are no poisonous animals or insects in the dunes - they are safe for all ages. Many ranger programs are kid-friendly; ask at the Visitor Center for the best programs for kids during your stay in the park.

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Junior Ranger Booklet

The Junior Ranger Program at Great Sand Dunes is designed for kids ages 3-12, with activities for each age group. Complete the sections in the booklet for your age group, and earn a badge or a patch! Booklets require a minimum stay in the park of two hours for completion.

NPS Photo by Patrick Myers

Interactive exhibits such as the Video Microscope bring science learning to life in the Discovery Room at Great Sand Dunes.

Interactive Exhibits help kids of all ages learn about the park in the Discovery Room at the Visitor Center. Some exhibits are available all year, while others are by reservation only for groups. A geology rock and mineral table, small lightning tube, and other exhibits make learning fun for pre-schoolers to adults. Call our education specialist at 719-378-6344 for details.

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Hundreds of kids turn out each year for Junior Ranger Day!

Junior Ranger Day Join us Saturday June 13 2009 for a day of fun learning activities for kids. Crafts, outdoor skills, kid-friendly ranger programs, sand castle building, sand sculpturing and more!

NPS Photo by Melanie Rawlins

While backpacking in the high alpine mountains, these participants earned volunteer service hours, elective credit, and even scholarship money.

Attention San Luis Valley high schoolers! Check out the Ambassadors for Wilderness summer program. Learn skills, go backpacking, make new friends, have a blast!