City of Reno Announces 2026 Junior Ranger Program Schedule

The City of Reno is excited to announce the 2026 Junior Ranger Program schedule for residents to take part in. The program provides a fun, educational opportunity for participants of all ages and abilities to explore Reno's parks and earn their official Junior Ranger badge.

New this year, the program will have two activities per month at six different Reno parks on rotation from January through December 2026. Each activity offers participants the chance to connect with nature, learn new skills, and creates good stewardship in our parks and outdoor spaces.

Those looking to participate in this year's program can pick up a free Junior Ranger Guide at any City of Reno recreation facility or access it online. The guide encourages participants to collect stickers by completing activities hosted by the park rangers. Once participants complete six activities and collect six stickers, they will be invited to a swearing-in ceremony in January 2027 where they will be given their official Junior Ranger Badge.

The first Junior Ranger Program event will be at Idlewild Park on Friday Jan. 9 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The activity will teach participants how to go birding and observe a diverse group of birds with a City of Reno Park Ranger.

All activities are free to attend. Children under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian present for all events. Participants do not need to RSVP, but are encouraged to arrive on time, as activities are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

2026 Junior Park Ranger Program Schedule:

• Jan. 9, 8-10 a.m., Idlewild Park
• Jan. 24, 1-3 p.m., Mira Loma Park
• Feb. 4, 3-5 p.m., Mayors Park
• Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Huffaker Park
• March 4, 3-5 p.m., Paradise Park
• March 21, 1-3 p.m., Valley Wood Park
• April 18, 10 a.m.-noon, Mayors Park
• April 29, 3-5 p.m., Mira Loma Park
• May 16, 8 a.m.-noon, Paradise Park
• May 27, 3-5 p.m., Valley Wood Park
• June 13, 10 a.m.-noon, Idlewild Park
• June 24, 5-7 p.m., Huffaker Park
• July 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Valley Wood Park
• July 31, 10 a.m.-noon, Idlewild Park
• Aug. 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mira Loma Park
• Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-noon, Huffaker Park
• Sept. 23, 3-5 p.m., Paradise Park
• Oct. 2, 4-6 p.m., Valley Wood Park
• Oct. 24, 6-8 p.m., Mayors Park
• Nov. 7, 8 a.m.-noon, Idlewild Park
• Nov. 18, 3-5 p.m., Mira Loma Park
• Dec. 12, 1-3 p.m., Paradise Park

For more information about the Junior Ranger Program and activities scheduled for each date, visit the City's Parks Activities page.