Every month, Carson City Park Rangers offer various ranger-led programs that include educational opportunities, historical fun and exciting adventures. All programs are offered for free and take place in one of the many Carson City parks and open space areas.
Online registration is often required so Park Rangers have a proper head count. All programs are subject to cancellation due to Park Ranger availability; registered participants will be notified. You can find more information about each program at the link here.
Kids to Parks Day
“Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors.” – National Park Trust
The community is invited to Mills Park from 10:00am – 2:00pm on Saturday, May 17, 2025, for the 7th annual Kids to Parks Day event here in Carson City! The celebration will include music, food, outdoor activities from local organizations, educational booths, and the Junior Park Ranger Olympics! The whole community is invited to join in on this fun day of outdoor play!
Schedule of Events:
10:00am – Mayor Lori Bagwell will read the Kids to Parks Day 2025 official proclamation and start the day
10:30am – Jr Park Ranger Olympics Official Start
1:30pm – Jr Park Ranger Olympics End
2:00pm – Kids to Parks Day event ends, kids encouraged to visit other parks and keep celebrating the day
The Junior Ranger Olympics will be a fun obstacle course consisting of 5 stages that’ll test Carson City Junior Park Rangers on the skills they need to become a future Park Ranger. Skills that will be tested include Packing a backpack, trail maintenance, physical agility, map and brochure sorting, first aid, and putting out a fire.
The course will kick off at 10:30 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. It’s open to kids in grade levels 1st – 3rd and 4th – 6th. Prizes will be given to all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the two age groups. All other winners will be given a special prize. Participants will be able to signup onsite for a timeslot within their age group.
Bone Appetit Bar-B-Que Grill will be offering food and drinks for the event and will have a special kid’s menu exclusively for Kids to Parks Day. Scoups Ice Cream & Soup Bar will also be offering ice cream options. Sip & Snap Co. will be offering a customized kids beverage menu and will have a photo booth.
Other booths offering activities include: America First Credit Union, Carson City Health and Human Services, Carson City Library, Carson City Railroad Association, Carson Ridge Disc Golf, Computer Corps, GNCU, Great Basin Institute, Mayor Lori Bagwell, Nevada Division of Minerals, Nevada State Parks, Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno Park Rangers, River Wranglers, Salvation Army, and W.O.L.F!
You can find more information about Kids to Parks Day at the link here.
Special thanks to all the businesses that are supporting this event through donations for the Jr. Ranger Olympics: Aces, Author: Jennifer Bentio-Kowalski, BlueZone Sports, Click Bond, Defy Sparks, GearHut, Nevada State Parks, Wild Island Coconut Bowl and Yogurt Beach.
If you’d like to be a volunteer for the event, set up a booth or activity, donate a prize to the Junior Ranger Olympics, or any other general questions, contact Carson City Park Rangers at parkrangers@carson.org or (775) 283-7035.
Parking will be available in and around Mills Park at 1111 E. William St. Carson City.
Geology Excursion
Join the Carson City Park Rangers and geologist Tom Gray for an adventure that truly rocks! On this hike we will be discussing the geology of Nevada and Carson City and looking at some cool examples along the way. We will hike to the top of Prison Hill to visit the Jurassic meta-volcanic rock and the Cretaceous from the Koontz Trailhead.
The hike is considered “more difficult” according to the IMBA Trail Rating System. Expect some rocky and sandy terrain with an incline for about 2 miles. We will be making longer stops during this hike as we discuss the history of different rock formations. Dress for the weather; bring plenty of water and wear closed toe shoes.
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Prison Hill – Koontz Entrance
Need to Know:
— Online Registration is required at
— Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
— Dogs are welcome but must remain on a 6-foot leash
Contact Information:
Park Ranger, parkrangers@carson.org. Phone: (775) 283-7035.
