We have had so much fun exploring National Parks in the USA lately, and I decided to do some research about books for each of them. This list of National park books for kids grew and grew, but I’d love to add any that you know of if I missed them! I link to this list from my post about the 45+ best gifts for someone who loves national parks as well, go check it out.
Remember you can request that your local library buys or borrows books for you, although a lot of these are out of print and pretty darn cheap. Check out this post for how I prepare for our trips, including finding books to read about the area!
In addition to book research, I’m working on DIY travel maps for our family, but if you want a parks specific one, this National Parks Travel Quest Poster look so fun!
We have been having fun doing both the Junior Ranger programs and also the National Parks passport program; you can usually buy the passport books at the gift shops or you can buy the traditional, small passport (we have this one!) or the bigger, kid’s passport, both online. Once you’ve earned badges, try one of these junior ranger badge display ideas at home!
You can pin this post of National park books for kids for later, using this link and photo:
National park books for kids
General National Parks reading books
- All Aboard! National Parks: A Wildlife Primer (board book) by Haily & Kevin Meyers
- National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber
- National Parks: A Kid’s Guide to America’s Parks, Monuments and Landmarks by Erin McHugh
- National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide USA Centennial Edition: The Most Amazing Sights, Scenes, and Cool Activities from Coast to Coast! by National Geographic Kids
- National Park Service: The Story Behind the Scenery by Horace M. Albright
- You Are Home: An Ode to the National Parks by Evan Turk
General National Parks activity books
- Junior Ranger Activity Book: Puzzles, Games, Facts, and Tons More Fun Inspired by the U.S. National Parks! by National Geographic Kids
- National Geographic Kids Funny Fill-In: My National Parks Adventure by National Geographic Kids
- Kids’ Travel Journal by Peter Pauper Press
- National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas: Maps, Games, Activities, and More for Hours of Backseat Fun by Crispin Boyer
- National Parks Coloring Book by Peter F. Copeland
- 59 Illustrated National Parks Coloring Book by Anderson Design Group
National Parks apps/podcasts that are family-friendly
- Everybody’s National Parks is a podcast that includes kid-friendly notes
- Just Ahead app or Gypsy app that both offer travel guides on the go
Non-fictional national park books for kids
Acadia National Park
This is such an amazing park, check out my post with tips for visiting Acadia National Park with kids before you visit!
- Who Pooped in the Park? Acadia National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- Ten Days in Acadia: A Kids’ Hiking Guide to Mount Desert Island by Hope Rowan
- Acadia National Park (Rookie National Parks) by Audra Wallace
- Acadia (True Books: National Parks) by Audra Wallace
- Acadia: The Story Behind the Scenery by Bill Clark
Arches National Park
- Utah’s Big Five National Parks: Adventuring with Kids by Harley & Abby McAllister
- Arches National Park (True Books-National Parks) by David Petersen
- Arches: The Story Behind the Scenery by David William Johnson
Badlands National Park
- Badlands: The Story Behind the Scenery by Joseph W. Zarki
Big Bend National Park
- Who Pooped in the Park? Big Bend National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- Big Bend: The Story Behind the Scenery by Carol E. Sperling
Biscayne National Park
- Biscayne: The Story Behind the Scenery by L. Wayne Landrum
Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curicanti National Recreation Area
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curicanti National Recreation Area: The Story Behind the Scenery by Paul Zaenger
Black Hills National Forest
- Destination – Black Hills: The Story Behind the Scenery by Beverly Pechan
Bryce Canyon National Park
- Utah’s Big Five National Parks: Adventuring with Kids by Harley & Abby McAllister
- Bryce Canyon National Park (True Book) by David Petersen
- Bryce Canyon: The Story Behind the Scenery (Discover America: National Parks) by John Bezy
Canyonlands National Park
- Utah’s Big Five National Parks: Adventuring with Kids by Harley & Abby McAllister
- Canyonlands: The Story Behind the Scenery by David W. Johnson
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Canyon De Chelly: The Story Behind the Scenery by Douglas & Barbara Johnson
Cape Cod National Seashore
- Good Night Cape Cod National Seashore (board book) by Adam Gamble & Mark Jasper
Capitol Reef National Park
- Utah’s Big Five National Parks: Adventuring with Kids by Harley & Abby McAllister
- Capitol Reef: The Story Behind the Scenery by Virgil & Helen Olson
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Carlsbad Caverns: The Story Behind the Scenery by Edward J. Greene
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New True Books) by David Petersen
Chaco Culture National Park
- Chaco Culture National Park (True Books: National Parks) by David Petersen
Channel Islands National Park
- Channel Islands: The Story Behind the Scenery by Peter C. Howorth
Congaree National Park
- Not specific to Congaree, but relevant to the ecosystem Who Needs a Swamp? by Karen Patkau.
Crater Lake National Park
- Crater Lake: The Story Behind the Scenery by Ronald G. Warfield
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Cuyahoga Valley (True Book National Parks) by Joanne Mattern
Death Valley National Park
- Who Pooped in the Park? Death Valley National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- Death Valley National Park (True Books: National Parks) by David Petersen
- Death Valley: The Story Behind the Scenery by Bill Clark
Denali National Park
- Denali National Park and Preserve (True Books: National Parks) by David Petersen
- Denali: The Story Behind the Scenery by Don S. Follows
Devil’s Tower National Monument
- Devils Tower: The Story Behind the Scenery by Stephen L. Norton
Dinosaur National Monument
- Dinosaur: The Story Behind the Scenery by Allen Hagood
Everglades National Park
The Everglades was so much fun for spotting wildlife, check out my post about tips for visiting the Everglades with kids before you go!
- Everglades National Park (Rookie National Parks) by Karina Hamalainen
- Everglades (True Book National Parks) by Karina Hamalainen
- Everglades National Park (True Books: National Parks) by Wende Fazio
- Everglades: The Story Behind the Scenery by Jack De Golio
- Not specific to Everglades, but relevant to the ecosystem Who Needs a Swamp? by Karen Patkau.
Glacier National Park
- Who Pooped in the Park? Glacier National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- Glacier (A True Book: National Parks) by
- What I Saw in Glacier: A Kid’s Guide to the National Park by Ellen Horowitz
- Glacier National Park: Adventuring with Kids by Harley & Abby McAllister
- The Totally Out There Guide to Glacier National Park by Donna Love
- Glacier National Park (Rookie National Parks) by Joanne Mattern
- Glacier: The Story Behind the Scenery by Kathleen E. Ahlenslager
Glen Canyon – Lake Powell National Park
- Glen Canyon-Lake Powell: The Story Behind the Scenery by Ronald E. Everhart
Grand Canyon National Park
- Who Pooped in the Park? Grand Canyon National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- Where Is the Grand Canyon? by Jim O’Conner & Who HQ
- Grand Canyon National Park (Rookie National Parks) by Lisa M. Herrington
- Grand Canyon (A True Book: National Parks) by Joshua Gregory
- Good Night Grand Canyon by Mark Jasper & Adam Gamble
- Grand Canyon: The Story Behind the Scenery by L. Greer Price & Merrill D. Beal
- Grand Canyon North Rim: The Story Behind the Scenery by Connie Rudd
- Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
Grand Staircase – Escalante
- Grand Staircase – Escalante: The Story Behind the Scenery by Joyce Badgley Hunsaker
Grand Teton National Park
- Who Pooped in the Park? Grand Teton National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- What I Saw in Grand Teton: A Kid’s Guide to the National Park by Julie Gillum Lue
- Grand Teton National Park (Rookie National Parks) by Jodie Shepard
- Grand Teton (True Books: National Parks) by Joshua Gregory
- Grand Teton: The Story Behind the Scenery by Hugh Crandall
Great Sand Dunes National Monument
- Great Sand Dunes National Monument (True Books: National Parks) by David Petersen
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you’re headed there, don’t miss my list of 8+ kid friendly hikes in smoky mountain national park!!
- Great Smoky Mountains Activity Book (Color and Learn) by Paula Ellis
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Rookie National Parks) by Lisa M. Harrington
- Great Smoky Mountains (True Books: National Parks) by Josh Gregory
- Great Smoky Mountains: The Story Behind the Scenery by W. Eugene Cox
- Who Pooped in the Park? Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Steve Kemp
Haleakala National Park
- Haleakala National Park (True Books: National Parks) by David Petersen
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (True Books, National Parks) by Sharlene & Ted Nelson
- Hawaii Volcanoes: The Story Behind the Scenery by Janet L. Babb
Independence National Historical Park
- Independence National Historical Park: The Story Behind the Scenery by Ronald Bruce Thomson
Isle Royale National Park
- Isle Royale National Park (True Books: National Parks) by Joel Kalbacken
- The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale: Restoring an Island Ecosystem by Nancy Castaldo
Jewel Cave National Monument
- Jewel Cave : The Story Behind the Scenery by Karen S. Rosga
Joshua Tree National Park
- Joshua Tree (True Book National Parks) by Jodie Shepard
- Joshua Tree: The Story Behind the Scenery by Delcie Vuncannon
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Lake Mead & Hoover Dam: The Story Behind the Scenery by James C. Maxon
Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Lassen Volcanic: The Story Behind the Scenery by Ellis Richard
Mammoth Cave National Park
- Mammoth Cave: The Story Behind the Scenery by Joy Medley Lyons
Mesa Verde National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park (New True Book) by David Petersen
- Mesa Verde: The Story Behind the Scenery by Linda Martin
Monument Valley National Monument
- Monument Valley: The Story Behind the Scenery by K.C. DenDooven
Mount Rainier National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park (Rookie National Parks) by Joanne Mattern
- Mount Rainier (A True Book: National Parks) by Joanne Mattern
Mount Rushmore National Monument
- Little Miss HISTORY Travels to MOUNT RUSHMORE by Mrs. Barbara Ann Mojica
- Where Is Mount Rushmore? by True Keley, Who HQ, & John Hinderliter
- Mount Rushmore: The Story Behind the Scenery by Lincoln Borglum
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
- Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument (True Books: National Parks) by Sharlene & Ted Nelson
North Cascades National Park
- North Cascades: The Story Behind the Scenery by Saul Weisberg
Olympic National Park
- Who Pooped in the Park? Olympic National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- Olympic National Park (Rookie National Parks) by Audra Wallace
- Olympic National Park (True Books: National Parks) by Sharlene & Ted Nelson
- Olympic: The Story Behind the Scenery by Henry C. Warren
Petrified Forest National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park (True Book) by David Petersen
- Petrified Forest: The Story Behind the Scenery by Sidney Ash & David May
Redwoods National Park
- Who Pooped in the Redwoods? : Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- Good Night Redwoods (board book) by Adam Gamble & Mark Jasper
- Redwood the Story Behind the Scenery by ??
Red Rock National Conservation Area
- Who Pooped in the Park? Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
Rocky Mountain National Park
Read about our visit to Rocky Mountain National Park with kids here!
- “Hey Ranger!” Kids Ask Questions About Rocky Mountain National Park by Kim Williams Justesen
- Who Pooped in the Park? Rocky Mountain National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- Rocky Mountain National Park (Rookie National Parks) by Lisa M. Herrington
- Rocky Mountain (True Books: National Parks) by Jennifer Zeiger
- Rocky Mountain: The Story Behind the Scenery by Michael T. Smithson
Saguaro National Park
- Saguaro National Park (True Books-National Parks) by David Petersen
Santa Catalina Island National Park
- Santa Catalina Island: The Story Behind the Scenery by Terrence D. Martin
Sequoia & King’s Canyon National Park
- Who Pooped in the Park? Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- Little Miss HISTORY Travels to SEQUOIA National Park by Mrs. Barbara Ann Mojica
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon: The Story Behind the Scenery by William C. Tweed
Shenandoah National Park
- Who Pooped in the Park? Shenandoah National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- Shenandoah: The Story Behind the Scenery by Hugh Crandall
Sonoran Desert National Monument
- Sonoran Desert: The Story Behind the Scenery by Christopher L. Helms
- The Sonoran Desert by Day and Night (Dover Nature Coloring Book) by Dot Barlowe
- Who Pooped in the Sonoran Desert? – Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
Virgin Islands National Park
- Virgin Islands National Park: The Story Behind the Scenery by Alan H. Robinson
Wind Cave National Park
- Wind Cave: The Story Behind the Scenery by Ronald A. Terry
Yellowstone National Park
We loved our trip here, check out my mega post of tips for visiting yellowstone with kids before you go!
- “Hey Ranger!” Kids Ask Questions About Yellowstone National Park by Kim Williams Justesen
- Who Pooped in the Park? Yellowstone National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- What I Saw in Yellowstone: A Kid’s Guide to the National Park by Durrae Johanek
- Buddy Bison’s Yellowstone Adventure (National Geographic Kids) by Ilona E. Holland
- Yellowstone National Park for Kids, Preteens, and Teenagers: A Grande Guides Series Book for Children by Stephanie Del Grande
- Yellowstone (True Books: National Parks) by Audra Wallace
- Yellowstone (Wonders of America) (early reader) by Marion Dane Bauer
- Hello, Yellowstone! (board book) by Martha Zschock
- Good Night Yellowstone (board book) by Adam Gamble & Mark Jasper
- Yellowstone National Park: Adventuring with Kids by Harley & Abby McAllister
- Yellowstone National Park (Rookie National Parks) by Audra Wallace
- Yellowstone: The Story Behind the Scenery by Roger Anderson
Yosemite National Park
- Who Pooped in the Park? Yosemite National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson
- My Yosemite: A Guide for Young Adventurers by Mike Graf
- Good Night Yosemite (board book) by Adam Gamble & Mark Jasper
- The Super Silly Yosemite Sticker and Activity Book: Puzzles, Games, Mazes and More! (activity book) by Katherine Brumage
- Yosemite National Park (Rookie National Parks) by Audra Wallace
- Yellowstone & Grand Teton Activity Book by Paula Ellis
- Yosemite National Park: Adventuring with Kids by Harley & Abby McAllister
- Yosemite (True Books: National Parks) by Audra Wallace
- Yosemite: The Story Behind the Scenery by William Jones
- Magic Tree House: Camp Time in California by Mary Pope Osbourne
Zion National Park
- Utah’s Big Five National Parks: Adventuring with Kids by Harley & Abby McAllister
- Zion National Park (Rookie National Parks) by Jodie Shepard
- Zion (True Books: National Parks) by Tamra Orr
- Good Night Zion (board book) by Adam Gamble & Mark Jasper
- Zion: The Story Behind the Scenery by Frank R. Hayde & David L. Rachlis
Fictional national park books for kids
Acadia National Park
This is such an amazing park, check out my post with tips for visiting Acadia National Park with kids before you visit!
- Mysteries in Our National Parks: Out of the Deep: A Mystery in Acadia National Park by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
- The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Acadia National Park by Jeff Alt
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Running Scared: A Mystery in Carlsbad Caverns National Park by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
Death Valley National Park
- Mysteries in Our National Parks: Valley of Death: A Mystery in Death Valley National Park by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
Denali National Park
- Mysteries in Our National Parks: Buried Alive: A Mystery in Denali National Park by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
Everglades National Park
The Everglades was so much fun for spotting wildlife, check out my post about tips for visiting the Everglades with kids before you go!
- Mysteries in Our National Parks: Deadly Waters: A Mystery in Everglades National Park by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
- Field Trip Mysteries: The Everglades Poacher Who Pretended by Steve Brezenoff
- Double Trouble in the Everglades by Mary Morgan
- Everglades by Jean Craighead George
- Hoot by Carl Hiassen – this isn’t specifically focused on the Everglades but touches on them and wildlife local to that area.
Gettysburg National Military Park
- Spies in Disguise at Gettysburg by Mary Morgan
Glacier National Park
- Mysteries in Our National Parks: The Hunted: A Mystery in Glacier National Park by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
Grand Canyon National Park
- Brighty of the Grand Canyon by Marguerite Henry
- The Ghost of the Grand Canyon by Carole Marsh
- Mysteries in Our National Parks: Over the Edge: A Mystery in Grand Canyon National Park by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
- Field Trip Mysteries: The Grand Canyon Burros That Broke by Steve Brezenoff
- Twisted Trails in Grand Canyon by Mary Morgan
- Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
- Mysteries in Our National Parks: Night of the Black Bear: A Mystery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
- The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through the Great Smoky Mountains by Jeff Alt
- The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball by Lisa Horstman
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
- Rage Of Fire by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
Mesa Verde National Park
- Mysteries in Our National Parks: Cliff-Hanger: A Mystery in Mesa Verde National Park by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
Mount Rushmore National Monument
- The Face at Mount Rushmore by Mary Morgan
- The Mystery at Mount Rushmore by Carole Marsh
- Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures #1: The Mount Rushmore Calamity by Jeff Brown
- Field Trip Mysteries: The Mount Rushmore Face That Couldn’t See by Steve Brezenoff
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Stolen Treasures at the Pictured Rocks by Mary Morgan
Redwoods National Park
- Operation Redwood by S. Terrell French
- Redwoods by Jason Chin
Rocky Mountain National Park
-
The Mystery in the Rocky Mountains by Carole Marsh
Shenandoah National Park
Virgin Islands National Park
- Mysteries in Our National Parks: Escape From Fear: A Mystery in Virgin Islands National Park by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
Yellowstone National Park
We loved our trip here, check out my mega post of tips for visiting yellowstone with kids before you go!
- The Mystery at Yellowstone National Park by Carole Marsh
- Mysteries in Our National Parks: Wolf Stalker: A Mystery in Yellowstone National Park by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
- Field Trip Mysteries: The Yellowstone Kidnapping That Wasn’t by Steve Brezenoff
- Snow Den at Yellowstone by Mary Morgan
Yosemite National Park
- So Big! Yosemite (board book) by Melissa Iwai
Zion National Park
- Mysteries In Our National Parks: Ghost Horses: A Mystery in Zion National Park by Gloria Skurzynski & Alane Ferguson
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