For Kids at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Have fun at Kid Corps!

This summer, 2024, come and experience a weekly kid focused event at Fort Clatsop! These events take place from 11 AM to 2 PM, with the list of events found below -

July 4th - Patriotic Beads

Come and learn about the value of trade beads on the expedition and make your own red, white, and blue necklace.

July 10th - Seaman's Day

It's Seaman's Day here at Fort Clatsop. What better way to learn about the large Newfoundland dog on the expededition then spending an entire day surrounded by them? Come and visit for lots of volunteer newfies and making your own dog ears to celebrate Lewis' companion.

July 23rd - Explorers: Possible Bags

The explorers had to carry a lot of supplies on them at all times in order to survive on the expedition. One of the ways they managed this is with the Possible Bag! A bag that could hold everything they can possibly need for survival. Come learn about these bags and how you can make your own.

July 30th - Clatsops: Weaving

The local Clatsop people weaved together cedar to create waterproof hats and baskets. Come learn more about the weaving process and, using paper, learn how to weave your own baskets too.

August 6th - Insects: Bug Eyes

Without insects the entire cycle of life as we know it would come to a halt. Come and learn about these valuable creatures and how they see the world by making your own set of bug eyes!

August 13th - Pollinators: Butterflies

Butterflies may have nothing to do with butter, but they're an extremely important part of the ecosystem! Come and learn about butterflies and other pollinators.

August 20th - NPS Celebration!

With Founders Day around the corner come and celebrate the National Park Service with us! Learn a little history of the park service and color your own NPS emblem how you see fit.

 

Young visitor and park staff talking in the rain

Adventure awaits kids and families at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park!

From sandy shores to hike-friendly headlands, we're all about hands-on history. Follow in the footsteps of the Corps of Discovery as you hike one of our many trails, check out the fun exhibits at our visitor center, or call on our friendly and helpful staff to make this a memorable visit.

Step into Fort Clatsop and experience what life was like for the Corps of Discovery more than 200 years ago. During peak seasons rangers in costume offer demonstration such as hide tanning, sewing, quill pen writing, candle making, and flintlock muzzle loading.

In the Visitor Center you'll find 2 park films to watch, a museum to explore, and a bookstore with children's books, games, and clothing.

Don't forget to ask to become a Junior Ranger! The activity book is free, fun, and creates opportunities for the whole family to learn together.

 

Junior Ranger & Park Ranger at Fort Clatsop

NPS Photo

What is a Junior Ranger?

Explore. Learn. Protect.

This Junior Ranger motto is recited by kids around the country; each taking an oath of their own to protect parks, continue to learn about parks, and share their own ranger story with friends and family.

The NPS Junior Ranger program is an activity based program conducted in almost all parks, including here at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park! Join the National Park Family by becoming a Junior Ranger, and earn badges at each National Park.

Interested youth complete a series of activities in a free activity book while they explore the park, share their answers with a park ranger, and earn a wooden badge unique to Lewis and Clark National Historical Park!