NPS Prepares for 'Kids in Parks' Theme

With spring in the air, the country’s 391 National Park Service sites are perfect places to
get out and experience the beauty of the season. President Bush has proclaimed April 19
through 27 as National Park Week and encourages everyone to enjoy the natural wonders and
inspirational history found in parks across the country. The theme of this year’s National
Park Week is “Kids in Parks.” Approximately 200 parks will commemorate the second annual
Junior Ranger Day on April 26, with plenty of fun-filled activities such as fishing
lessons, wildlife walks, night star parties, scavenger hunts and reptile experiences. A
complete list of National Park Week and Junior Ranger Day activities and events is
available at www.nps.gov/npweek The
“Kids in Parks” theme will continue throughout the year as parks expand and improve
youth-oriented ranger programs, educational exhibits, and Junior Ranger activities. About
300 National Park Service sites have Junior Ranger programs that encourage children to
“Explore-Learn-Protect” national parks. In addition to seeing the wandering wildlife and
spectacular scenery for which national parks are famous, visitors to many parks will find
new or remodeled visitor centers, upgraded exhibits, and new uses of technology such as
podcasts and cell phone tours.