Colorado Vacations
Vacation Planning Guide for Visiting Colorado with the Kids
Vacation Planning Guide for Visiting Colorado with the Kids
Ranger Programs for Families Visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Programs for Families at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve:
Kids and their big people can partake of programs offered by the National Park Service at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Sand Dunes National Park
and Preserve
Travel Guide for Families
BEST FAMILY ATTRACTIONS AT GREAT SAND DUNES
RANGER PROGRAMS
FOR KIDS
AMENITIES: PICNIC AREAS, RESTAURANTS, CAMPGROUNDS, AND LODGING
TOWNS NEAR GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK
GREAT SAND DUNES QUICK GEOLOGY GUIDE
GREAT SAND DUNES QUICK WILDLIFE GUIDE
GREAT SAND DUNES QUICK HISTORY GUIDE
TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR FAMILIES
WHAT MAKES THE GREAT SAND DUNES SPECIAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Sand Dunes National Park
and Preserve
Travel Guide for Families
BEST FAMILY ATTRACTIONS AT GREAT SAND DUNES
RANGER PROGRAMS
FOR KIDS
AMENITIES: PICNIC AREAS, RESTAURANTS, CAMPGROUNDS, AND LODGING
TOWNS NEAR GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK
GREAT SAND DUNES QUICK GEOLOGY GUIDE
GREAT SAND DUNES QUICK WILDLIFE GUIDE
GREAT SAND DUNES QUICK HISTORY GUIDE
TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR FAMILIES
WHAT MAKES THE GREAT SAND DUNES SPECIAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Photo: At the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, kids can play for hours in Medano Creek, near the base of the dunes.
Did You Know? The Great Sand Dunes National Park offers the best place in North America to see a rare hydrological phenomenon called surge flow. During the spring runoff, when the creek at the foot of the dunes swells, ripples grow into sand waves or bores, which can be an inch high or a foot deep. These bores roll downstream, and create endless entertainment for kids and their parents playing in the water. |
Campfire Programs are held nightly in the amphitheater from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check at the visitor center for topics and a schedule.
Ranger walks through various areas and ranger talks on the back porch of the visitor center are scheduled throughout the summer. Look especially for ranger talks designed especially for kids. These often have many of the answers kids need to fill out their Junior Ranger booklets (see below.) Check at the visitor center for times.
The Great Sand Dunes Junior Ranger Program offers kids from 3 to 12 years old a great opportunity to learn about and interact with the natural resources and people of this national park and preserve. Activities vary according to age group, and include safety checklists, Dunes Bingo, explorations, and art activities. Children who complete their booklet and take the Junior Ranger pledge earn a badge.
Educational Programs, including lesson plans, field trip plans, and other teaching aids are available on the website for teachers of grades K through 12.