Submitted by the Washington State Parks

Now that Gov. Inslee has issued the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order to help combat the spread of COVID-19, many parents or guardians are wondering how to keep their young ones busy and engaged.

Washington State Parks wants to help. Parks staff have created a variety of activity sheets for children ages 4 and older to help them (and their families) discover the wonders of nature through fun exploration, games and creative activities.

More than a dozen activity sheets are on the agency’s Junior Ranger webpage, including an introduction to the Junior Ranger Program and activities to understand wacky weather and rain, explore constellations, craft a critter, learn about early explorers and more.

Once a child completes all the age-appropriate activity sheets, families can print off a certificate and have their very own ceremony celebrating their new Junior Ranger.

Some of the activities can be done inside the home; others can be done by exploring nature in one’s backyard, if that option is available.