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In-park Junior Rangers activities and log book

A group of families standing next to a small lake with vegetation around it and looking out over the lake, some using binoculars.

Discover a new park during the summer months, as we explore, learn about, and respect nature at selected Santa Clara County Parks! 
Youth ages 7-12 are invited to explore the parks with their families in seasonal 1-hour guided programs.
Participants who attend 3 or more activities* and complete a Junior Ranger logbook can earn their Junior Ranger badge and certificate throughout the year.

*To earn the Junior Ranger badge, participants must attend at least 1 staff-guided interpretive program in a park, and the other 2 activities can be self-guided hikes or a digital mission in a park through the Agents of Discovery app.

  • For a complete list of upcoming interpretive programs, visit our events page.
  • For more information on Agents of Discovery, visit our Agents of Discovery page.
  • Following completion of 3 different park adventures, Junior Rangers can send a picture of their completed logbook to [email protected], and park staff will follow up to send out a badge and certificate.  

Download Junior Ranger Log Book

Mail in your completed Junior Ranger logbook anytime during the year to Attn: Michelle Armijo, Santa Clara County Parks & Recreation Dept., 5965 Silver Creek Valley Road, San Jose, CA 95138 

All Junior Ranger activities are free, but parking fees may apply. To ensure safety, a parent or guardian must participate with anyone under 18 years old.

What are people saying about this program?

“In the Junior Ranger program, I felt like I was with everyone else, and not alone. I was happy being with new friends and with nature. My life changed through the course of the program. It made me feel like I was more involved. When I wasn’t doing anything I felt lazy, tired and bored. And now I feel energetic and amazing. The program helped me so much.” – 2017 Junior Ranger

“I wanted you to know what a life changing experience Junior Rangers has been for my son and how he is carrying those experiences forward with him.  Ranger Mike and the Junior Ranger program has made such a positive impact in my son’s and our family’s life, enriching it beyond expectations.” – 2017 Junior Ranger Parent

Junior Ranger outings

Sunday, June 8, 1:15-2:45 PM: Alviso Slough Tour

Come aboard the Slough Schooner to explore Alviso Slough’s unique salt marsh habitat where the Guadalupe River flows into the Bay. Discover how people have shaped and protected these coastal wetlands over time. Due to the nature of this outing only ages 8-12 allowed (1 child/1adult per family).

Saturday, June 14, 10-11 AM: 10 essentials for hiking

Join us for an introduction to basic first aid and learn about the 10 essentials to pack to stay safe while hiking. 

Saturday, July 12, 10-11 AM: Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park

Join us as we play traditional games, view the ancient petroglyphs, and discover what has made Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park such a special place to Indigenous people for thousands of years.

 

Saturday, July 26, 6-7 PM: Evening hike

Join us for a Junior Ranger evening hike to learn more about nocturnal animals and their adaptations for surviving at night.

Thursday, July 31, 10-11 AM: Evidence of wildlife

Junior Rangers will explore the Mockingbird Trail looking for evidence of wildlife while discovering how they survive as well as protect themselves in a special habitat.