The California State Parks Junior Ranger Program is a free, fun, and educational program for kids ages 7–12. Over the course of the program, kids will learn about topics related to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, including our native plants, mammals, reptiles, insects, and more through engaging activities and hikes.
Each program is scheduled based on seasonality, staff availability, and resources. The best way to hear about upcoming programs is by signing up for our mailing list.
Are you a Girl Scout leader looking to sign your troop up for our Junior Ranger program? Email us directly at juniorrangers@torreypine.org and we’ll get back to you!
ATTENTION: We are not offering programs for Fall 2025. Apologies for the incovenience.
Junior Ranger Activity Book
Can’t join the program? Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a Torrey Pines Junior Ranger Activity Book (for ages 4–11+). Complete the activities for your age range, take the pledge, and become a Junior Ranger!
Once the activity book is completed, ask park staff or volunteers for the Junior Ranger Logbook to earn a stamp. Take your Logbook to your next California State Park, earn rewards, and gain first-hand knowledge of California. Each participating park has a unique stamp and badge!
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How much does it cost?
- Nothing, it’s free!
- What if my children already joined a specific Junior Ranger program in the past?
- We offer different themed sessions (e.g., Sharks, Mammals & Tracking, Nature Journaling). If your child has already attended a specific session and wants to sign up again, please note the material will be the same. Returning participants will be placed on a waiting list to allow new families a chance. If there’s enough space, your child will be enrolled.
- What is the lottery system?
- Instead of the traditional first-come, first-served approach, we use a more equitable lottery system for parent registrations. This means that when we announce a new Junior Ranger program, you will have a full week to sign up before we proceed with a random selection process for the available dates. Once the selection is complete, we will promptly notify the chosen parents via a confirmation email, confirming their child’s registration in the program. By adopting this lottery system, we are ensuring that each parent has an equal and fair chance of securing a spot for their Junior Ranger. Our ultimate goal is to make the program accessible to as many children as possible while maintaining a high-quality experience.
- I subscribed to your mailing list but have received no emails.
- If you filled out your information to subscribe to our mailing list and have not yet received an email it may be for the following reasons:
- The email ended up in your spam folder. Check your spam folder and add juniorrangers@torreypine.org to your contacts.
- We have not sent out any emails since you’ve signed up. Please be patient with us while we work on and schedule the next Junior Ranger program. We will email you to announce the next Junior Ranger program.
- If you filled out your information to subscribe to our mailing list and have not yet received an email it may be for the following reasons:
- How long does the program run for?
- Each program is different depending on the season, staff-availability and resources. A Junior Ranger program can run anywhere between 1 to 5 days, with each session being 90 minutes long. Information for each program will be available weeks before the program begins.
- Can I drop my kid off and come back?
- Yes! Take advantage of free parking and enjoy a hike in the Reserve. Return at the end of the session to pick up your child—don’t be surprised if they want to take you on another hike to share what they’ve learned!
- Can I stay with my kid(s)?
- This is a drop-off only program. We encourage parents to take the opportunity to walk around the beautiful Reserve while Junior Rangers is in session. If your child is not comfortable with your absence, we recommend grabbing our Junior Ranger activity book from the Visitor Center so they can still learn about Torrey Pines and receive a Junior Ranger badge!
- Are the programs held outside?
- Yes, the programs are generally held outside. There may be an activity that is held inside our historic, adobe Visitor Center/Lodge
- What is the adult to child ratio?
- 2 - 3 adults for every 8 chidren
- How much does parking cost?
- The parking fee is waived for parents on the days Junior Rangers is in session. You will receive a parking pass from Park Staff to display on your dashboard.
- Are there restrooms?
- Yes. Toilets are available at the beach parking lot. Portable toilets and handwashing stations are located at the West Lot at the top of the hill.
- What should my child(ren) wear to Junior Rangers?
- Clothing that is weather appropriate and closed-toed shoes are best.
- Are there any personal items my kid(s) should bring?
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and water are great (and important) items to have on hand!
- Backpacks (unless used for carrying water/sunscreen/medicine) can get in the way. If possible, please keep those at home or in the car. We provide the Junior Rangers with materials they will need for the activities.
- Can my kid(s) bring a snack?
- Please note that there is no food allowed in the Reserve. Plan ahead and eat breakfast before arriving. If you plan on having snacks after the program, you may have a picnic on the beach.
Didn’t find the answer to your question? Please email us at juniorrangers@torreypine.org and we’ll get back to you!