Scavenger hunts, craft demonstrations, puppet shows, artillery displays, and nature hikes are just some of the hundreds of free special events taking place in national parks during National Park Week.

A list of activities, to be celebrated this year from April 17 through 25, is available at http://www.nps.gov/npweek/index.htm

“Throughout the country, from busy cities to remote wilderness areas, national parks are places of history, recreation, and inspiration,” said acting National Park Service Director Dan Wenk. “During National Park Week visitors, especially children, are encouraged to discover their national parks through many extra programs and special events."

They have not announced the dates yet, but there will be a

4th Annual National Junior Ranger Day

This year - '10 - they are saying more than 300 National Park Service sites will host youth-oriented activities throughout the week. That's 75 more sites than last year - '09 - ! We're moving up in the world ! And maybe they will be holding an event close to your home this year, if they weren't already holding one nearby last year. Usually the day of April 25th is reserved for the annual National Junior Ranger Day.

“The Junior Ranger program is the National Park Service’s signature program for young visitors,” said Wenk. “Throughout the year children earn badges and certificates after completing age-appropriate park related activities at their own pace. On Junior Ranger Day many parks will have additional special events and guided programs. Children will also receive commemorative 2009 Junior Ranger Day pins and certificates.”

One of the biggest fans of the Junior Ranger program is 13-year-old Barrett Young. Young has earned more than 240 badges and says that completing Junior Ranger exercises makes each park more meaningful.

“Traveling with my family around the country has allowed us the opportunity to visit many national parks,” said Young. “I like the Junior Ranger program because the activities and games make learning about parks fun. I think even my parents have discovered things they didn’t know about parks while they were helping me with activities.”

Among the many activities on Junior Ranger Day, young visitors can learn nautical skills at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, participate in military drills at Civil War sites, make dinner bells with a blacksmith in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, “Live Like a King” at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, interact with wolves at Petroglyph National Monument, create Native American coup sticks at Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, and learn how to “Leave No Trace” at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.