On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy its unique hydrothermal wonders. Yellowstone’s abundant and diverse wildlife are as famous as its geysers, with nearly 300 species of birds, 16 species of fish, five species of amphibians, six species of reptiles, and 67 species of mammals roaming the park. Watch videos to learn what you need to know about Yellowstone’s preservation the most important bison herd in the United States.
Inside Yellowstone
Download Junior Ranger activity book to discover Yellowstone’s wonders—its geysers, hot springs, mudpots and fumaroles, waterfalls and wildlife. The National Park Service works to preserve Yellowstone for the enjoyment. education, and inspiration of all people. Park partners, volunteers, and visitors all help. Learn how to get involved.
Yellowstone is a seasonal park, so plan your visit by learning about the current conditions, operating seasons and hours, road conditions, lodging and eating options, and available activities.
Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. Yellowstone bison are exceptional because they comprise the nation’s largest bison population on public land and are among the few bison herds that have not been hybridized through interbreeding with cattle.
Learn more about the near extinction and recovery of these remarkable animals, how they make it through harsh winters, and what their survival says about our ability to share the landscape with another species.
Video: Explore Bison Cam
Video: Attractions in Yellowstone and Nature Documentary - 4K (Ultra HD) Episodes 1 & 2
Download the trip planning guide and checklist. Make your fun adventure a safe one too! No one plans to get hurt while out exploring in a National Park. However, nature is unpredictable, structures are historical, and your equipment can unexpectedly fail. Planning can be the key to a fun and safe adventure. Remember, safety starts with you!
Explore the National Parks to learn about how nature must intersect, cross and intermingle into our daily lives and how to take advantage of all the parks, mountains, forests and public lands.
Nature Explorer Mission
Six short videos and accompanying hands-on activities are free to view, share, and download. Children will be introduced to the natural world unveiled by Sesame Street, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation.
Educational Resources
Continue the exploration of nests, seasons, and habitats with these exciting activities! Families may live a distance from National Parks, but you can still take your children on a Nature Scavenger Hunt, complete a Nature Journal, and earn a special Sesame Street Park Ranger badge!
Children will:
National Park: Nests Learn what park rangers do. Discover different birds, insects, and other animals, what their nests look like and what they are made of. Be introduced to how birds and animals take care of their babies. Make a bird feeder allowing them to explore even more about birds.
National Park: Families Learn what park rangers do. Discover animals and their families. Discuss what a family is and the similarities and differences between human families and animal families Draw their own family portrait and an animal family portrait.
National Park: Seasons Learn what park rangers do. Learn about the four seasons. Use their senses to explore each of the four seasons and create a journal
National Park: Habitat Learn what park rangers do. Discover different habitats and the animals that live there. Explore a tree habitat outside and then do an art activity to create a tree habitat.
Download the trip planning guide and checklist. Make your fun adventure a safe one too! No one plans to get hurt while out exploring in a National Park. However, nature is unpredictable, structures are historical, and your equipment can unexpectedly fail. Planning can be the key to a fun and safe adventure. Remember, safety starts with you!
All downloads in this category include any Junior Ranger activity books available in each state park. Explore additional subcategories with activities to download for special exhibits, events and National Park Service programs. Be sure to check out other articles in this section for links to resources, information and videos.
When available, we provide all our content with a Spanish version in our public download section. You can find additional material from sources listed in all our articles.