Florida is one of the states that we have completed all the National Park Junior Ranger Badges in. It’s the only state we have completed the state park program in, too. Below is some information on how to collect these badges (and patches!) for yourselves.
And yes, of course it’s WE! When you are a parent, especially of a slow-reader, you gotta do the work, too!
Big Cypress
Combined with Everglades and Biscayne, you can get a cool patch for getting all three badges. This is a hidden gem of a park. Way less popular (and maybe harder to get to) than Biscayne or Everglades. We were there right before the close, and the ranger let the kids help take down the American flag. It’s one thing to practice with towels at co-op. It’s another to get to do it in real life for a real reason!
The three parks share a booklet, and it can be printed on the Everglades website.
Biscayne
Combined with Everglades and Big Cypress, you can get a cool patch for getting all three badges. This park may still offer additional booklets and badges like Angler when you arrive. You may also call in advance to see what is available. Definitely take the time (and a picnic) to ride the ferry to the island.
The three parks share a booklet, and it can be printed on the Everglades website.
Canaveral National Seashore
The challenge with this badge is that the seashore is so windy, your papers might blow away. Otherwise, super sweet staff and easy-peasy. It might only be available at the north end (not near Kennedy Space Center.) Print the booklet here.
Castillo de San Marco
This was the kids’ very first badge. They offer a super simple 4-year-old-page, too. We recently heard there is now a patch for completing the entire booklet. This place is quite close and connected to Fort Matanzas and can be done together. Printable here.
De Soto
The video was a little too graphic for us. Wear your bug spray. Bring a hat. Enjoy the hike.
Currently, this park IS CLOSED due to hurricane damage. Also, there is a new booklet that is not yet printable. Contact them for a booklet and to see if it is doable without visiting the park.
Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas is off the coast of Florida and requires a plane or ferry to get to. It books up quickly and completely. The first time we went, we didn’t know this and went home disappointed. Although I think someone at Everglades had pity on us and checked the books.
The booklet is printable and very easy, although they seemed some frustrated we didn’t use their version. You can also get an underwater badge. Booklet also printable.
Everglades
Combined with Big Cypress and Big Cypress and Biscayne, you can get a cool patch for getting all three badges. The ranger was really sweet and let #3 “draw on a book” for a badge even though she wasn’t technically old enough.
The three parks share a booklet, and it can be printed on the Everglades website.
Fort Caroline
This is very near Timucuan and can easily be done together. Wear your bug spray. Pretty fast visit. Great little picnic spot. Printable here.
Fort Matanzas
When we were last there you could also get a patch specifically in Archaeology, for older children only. This place is quite close and connected to the Castillo and can be done together. Printable for park booklet here.
Gulf Islands
This badge can be picked up at a few spots along the Gulf Coast. This is one of very few badges for parks that we haven’t actually been to. We were trying to stop by as we drove through during Covid, and the Ranger stations were closed. They mailed us ours. Printable here.
Timucuan
This is very near Ft. Caroline and can easily be done together. Wear your bug spray. There’s a bit of a hike. Really neat old fort. Great picnic spot. Now offers a Senior Ranger Badge on site. Printable here.
