There’s something about getting outside with your family and the dog that just resets everything. We’ve always loved hitting the trails together—whether it’s for a weekend away or a quick afternoon loop close to home. Our small dog is always up for the adventure, and I’ve found that time on the trail is one of the easiest ways to get the kids moving, off screens, and genuinely interested in where we are.
That said, not all kids jump at the idea of a walk in the woods. When mine were younger, the Junior Ranger program was a great way to keep them engaged. A simple booklet turned a regular hike into an adventure—suddenly we were solving puzzles, spotting wildlife, and learning about the park’s history, all while exploring together. It gave our hikes purpose and helped even the most reluctant little hiker stay curious.
Now, there’s another way to make those adventures fun for the whole family: the B.A.R.K. Ranger program. Built on the same interactive idea as Junior Ranger, this program focuses on helping kids understand how to enjoy nature with their dog—while keeping parks safe and clean for everyone. It teaches important trail etiquette like staying on leash, picking up after your dog, respecting wildlife, and knowing which areas are pet-friendly.
There’s usually a badge, tag, sticker, or certificate to earn at the end—something tangible to celebrate your child’s effort and your dog’s good trail manners.
So how does it all work—and what exactly do kids (and parents) learn along the way? Let’s take a closer look at what the B.A.R.K. Ranger program teaches, what kinds of activities are included, and how different parks bring it to life.
What the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program Teaches
At its core, the B.A.R.K. Ranger program is all about teaching kids how to be responsible dog owners while enjoying public lands. It gives children a simple framework they can follow to help protect wildlife, other visitors, and even their own pets—while still having fun outdoors.
The B.A.R.K. acronym stands for:
- B – Bag your pet’s waste
- A – Always leash your pet (maximum 6 feet)
- R – Respect wildlife
- K – Know where you can go
These four simple rules are the foundation of the program and are emphasized across every park that offers it. But how that message is delivered depends on the park.
Two Main Formats: Pledge Cards and Activity Books
Most parks offer one of two program formats, both designed to be simple, educational, and flexible:
1. The Pledge Card
This is the most common and easiest version. You pick up a B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge card at the visitor center or ranger station. The card briefly explains the four B.A.R.K. principles and may include a short checklist of things to observe or do on your visit. Once your child reads and agrees to the rules (and maybe answers a couple quick questions), they take the pledge with a ranger.
2. The Activity Book
These are a little more interactive and designed especially for younger children. Each B.A.R.K. activity book is unique to the park and includes a mix of fun activities that relate back to the B.A.R.K. principles.
Some parks give a certificate or sticker for free, and some offer a B.A.R.K. Ranger tag or badge for purchase in the park store as a fun keepsake.
A Look Inside: Valley Forge National Historical Park’s Activity Book
One standout example of a kid-friendly B.A.R.K. Ranger program is at Valley Forge National Historical Park in southeastern Pennsylvania. You can even view the full activity book online before your visit.
The booklet is designed to be both fun and educational, and it’s packed with engaging activities that reinforce the B.A.R.K. principles while teaching kids about the park’s history and wildlife. Here’s a look at what it includes:
- A fun crossword puzzle that reinforces the B.A.R.K. principles
- A maze featuring a true story about George Washington returning a lost dog to British General William Howe—with the reminder: “Don’t be like General Howe. Always keep your dog on a leash.”
- A silhouette matching game where kids guess animals found in the park based on clues
- A mini scavenger hunt where families visit different parts of the park to learn where dogs are allowed and where they’re not
By the time your child finishes the book, they’ve not only learned how to be a responsible dog owner, but also gained real-world knowledge of the park—all while keeping them active and engaged.
Where to Earn a B.A.R.K. Ranger Badge (2025)
Below is a partial list of U.S. National Parks and Historic Sites that currently offer B.A.R.K. Ranger programs. We have included basic information about the location, what the program offers (pledge card or activity book), and what your kids may earn after completing it—like a badge, certificate, or tag.
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
Valley Forge National Historical Park – Pennsylvania
Offers a detailed activity book designed for kids (see above). Kids take a pledge and receive a metal Valley Forge B.A.R.K. Ranger tag.
Acadia National Park – Maine
Provides a pledge card and checklist of activities to do with your dog. After taking the pledge, families can purchase a special B.A.R.K. collar tag at the Eastern National bookstore in the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area – Pennsylvania/New Jersey
You can pick up a B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge card at the visitor center, then snap photos of your family following the rules—leashing your dog, cleaning up, and staying on pet-friendly trails. Show the photos to a ranger or email them in to earn your badge or tag.
This park also runs pop-up “Pup-Up” stations during special events. Kids complete interactive activities with their dogs and earn a certificate and badge.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park – New Jersey
Features a kid-friendly booklet and pledge. Families who complete the steps receive a certificate and a park-specific collar tag.
Shenandoah National Park – Virginia
Offers a basic pledge card at the visitor centers. After reviewing the B.A.R.K. rules and taking a photo of your pet following one of the rules, dogs are sworn in and may receive a certificate or badge depending on availability. We visited this park a few years ago and found it has many dog-friendly trails, making it a good option for a fall hike.
Rock Creek Park – Washington, D.C.
Runs in-person B.A.R.K. Ranger events, often at the Nature Center. Families take the pledge and earn a badge during scheduled programs. Check the events calendar in advance.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts – Virginia
Uses a short activity checklist and pledge to introduce families to the B.A.R.K. principles. Afterward, kids may receive a unique Wolf Trap collar tag.
C&O Canal National Historical Park – DC/MD/WV
Families can take the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge at visitor centers or attend seasonal “Paws in the Park” walks. Dogs who participate may receive an official C&O B.A.R.K. Ranger tag. The towpath is perfect for relaxed, dog-friendly hiking.
Gateway Arch National Park – Missouri
This urban park takes a flexible approach: families show proof that their dog is following B.A.R.K. rules (a photo or video will do), and rangers offer a small keepsake prize. It’s an ideal stop for families passing through St. Louis. They also offer pop-up events throughout the year.
Western U.S.
Yosemite National Park – California
Offers a printed pledge card available at any visitor center. After completing the card and a few simple activities, families can purchase a B.A.R.K. Ranger badge at Yosemite Conservancy bookstores. Just keep in mind that dog access in Yosemite is very limited.
Zion National Park – Utah
Provides a verbal B.A.R.K. pledge at visitor centers. After participating, kids receive a sticker. The Pa’rus Trail is the main dog-friendly path and is for cooler-season hiking with kids and pups.
Petrified Forest National Park – Arizona
Welcomes dogs on almost all trails. Families pick up a pledge card and review the rules; some locations offer pet treats. Certificates are free, and B.A.R.K. tags are available for purchase at the visitor center.
Olympic National Park – Washington
The B.A.R.K. program is available in the Kalaloch area. Families visit the Kalaloch Ranger Station, take the pledge, and receive a B.A.R.K. Ranger badge. While many park trails are off-limits to dogs, this beachside area offers a fun and pet-accessible option.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site – Washington/Oregon
Launched a self-guided B.A.R.K. Ranger tour in 2025. Families walk the trail at their own pace, reading signs and completing tasks. At the end, they will receive a certificate and can purchase a B.A.R.K. Ranger tag from the visitor center bookstore. It’s a great blend of history and pet-friendly exploring.
Finding Even More B.A.R.K. Ranger Programs
The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is growing quickly, and it’s not just found at big parks like Yosemite or Valley Forge. Dozens of national historical parks, historic sites, monuments, and even some local park systems have adopted their own versions.
Each site runs the program a little differently—some use pledge cards, others have activity books or special events—and many offer unique tags or certificates your kids can collect. The easiest way to find participating locations is to visit the National Park Service B.A.R.K. Ranger page or search “[park name] + B.A.R.K. Ranger” before you go.
A Few Quick Tips Before You Go
- Check availability: Not every park offers the program year-round. Some are event-based, others may only offer materials seasonally.
- Bring a leash (max 6 ft): This is a rule across all national parks—no retractable leashes that extend beyond the limit.
- Call ahead or check online: Visitor center hours change with the seasons, and supplies (like tags or booklets) can run out.
- Pack accordingly: Bring waste bags, water, and pet-safe trail snacks to keep your dog (and your kids!) happy on the hike.