OLYMPIA – March 25, 2020 – Now that Gov. Inslee has issued the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” orderto help combat the spread of COVID-19, many parents or guardians are wondering how to keep their young ones busy and engaged.

Washington State Parks wants to help. Parks staff have created a variety of activity sheets for children ages 4 and older to help them (and their families) discover the wonders of nature through fun exploration, games and creative activities.

Graphic of Washington State Parks Junior Ranger Program mascots and motto: Play. Learn. Protect.

More than a dozen activity sheets are on the agency’s Junior Ranger webpage, including an introduction to the Junior Ranger Program and activities to understand wacky weather and rain, explore constellations, craft a critter, learn about early explorers and more.

Once a child completes all the age-appropriate activity sheets, families can print off a certificate and have their very own ceremony celebrating their new Junior Ranger.

Some of the activities can be done inside the home; others can be done by exploring nature in one’s backyard, if that option is available.