Kids can earn a California State Park Junior Ranger badge right at the edge of one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles on the Central Coast.
Every Tuesday through the summer, State Park interpreters set up at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in Hearst San Simeon State Park with a hands-on craft or activity, and families are welcome to drop in anytime between 10:30 and 11:30 AM.
The program runs at the State Park table at the southern end of the Elephant Seal Rookery parking lot. It’s free, parking is free, and it’s geared for ages 7 to 12, though the rookery itself is a draw for all ages. While you’re there, the boardwalk overlooks hundreds of elephant seals hauled out on the beach, so it’s easy to pair the Junior Ranger activity with some of the best wildlife viewing the coast has to offer. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This is a wonderful, low-key way to spend a Tuesday morning up the North Coast with the family. No registration needed, just show up.
Heading up the coast this summer? The full HelloCambria event calendar has more to explore: https://hellocambria.com/events/
photo credit: https://learning.parks.ca.gov/visitors/youth/junior-ranger-program/
