Kid-Friendly Options

Auto-touring and some moderate hikes are perfect if you are bringing children with you on your visit to Big Bend. Some hike suggestions are; Lost Mine Trail, Santa Elena Canyon, Grapevine Hills Trail and The Window View Trail. If you're looking for a great family photo op, the famous "Balanced Rock" can be seen on the Grapevine Hills Trail. Another great activity to help your kids get involved in learning about the park is the Junior Ranger program. Through activities, puzzles and and experiences, kids will be able to receive a Junior Ranger badge or patch and a certificate. The required activities to become a Junior Ranger include; taking a hike, visiting a historic area, attending a ranger-led program and completing their age group's pages of activities in the Big Bend Junior Ranger workbook, which can be downloaded [here](https://www.nps.gov/bibe/learn/kidsyouth/upload/juniorrangerbook.pdf) if you are too excited to wait until you get to a visitor center! Participating in the Junior Ranger program is a fun way for kids and adults alike to see parts of the park. If the Junior Ranger program isn't for you, consider a family float down the Rio Grande. Be aware that the heat and subsequent dehydration will affect your children more severely so make sure they wear appropriate clothing and drink lots of water.