Kids Can Earn a Free Junior Ranger Badge at Erie Canal Sites Across Central New York

If your kids love exploring, learning and earning cool rewards, here's a free summer activity to add to your calendar.

Erie Canal Junior Ranger Day Is Coming to Central New York

On Saturday, Aug. 1, families across New York can celebrate Erie Canalway Junior Ranger Day, a statewide event that lets kids discover the history of the Erie Canal while earning their very own Junior Ranger badge.

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The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at participating museums and historic sites throughout the Erie Canal corridor. Children will receive a Junior Ranger Activity Booklet and complete hands-on activities to earn their official badge.

Central New York Locations Participating in Junior Ranger Day

For families in Central New York, there are several locations close to home, including:

• Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome
• Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse
• Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum in Chittenango
• Camillus Erie Canal Park in Camillus
• H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego

What Kids Will Do During Erie Canal Junior Ranger Day

The program is designed to help children learn about the canal's rich history while encouraging them to spend time outdoors. Along the way, families can enjoy everything the Erie Canal has to offer, from walking and biking trails to boating, fishing, wildlife watching and picnicking.

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This year's event is especially fitting as New York continues celebrating the Erie Canal Bicentennial, marking 200 years since the historic waterway transformed transportation, trade and communities across the state.

Whether your family has visited the canal dozens of times or you're looking for a new weekend adventure, Junior Ranger Day is a fun way to explore local history together.

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Participation is free, but families should plan to visit one of the participating sites between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1 to pick up an activity booklet and begin earning their badge.

You can learn more about the Erie Canalway Junior Ranger Program and view all participating locations by visiting the Erie Canalway website.