Discover kid- and family-friendly recreation on BLM-managed public lands in Arizona

Public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are home to some incredible places. On public lands, kids and their families can connect with nature, spark curiosity, and create lasting memories.

As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, families have a unique opportunity to explore some of America’s remarkable public lands — many of them right here in Arizona.

Across BLM-managed public lands in Arizona, there are many recreation opportunities that are great for kids and families. Many BLM-managed public lands are also free to visit, making adventures with your family even more affordable. 

Some even have interactive activities for you to try, like Junior Ranger books and Agents of Discovery mission mobile games.

Junior Ranger and Agents of Discovery activities

Two illustrated Junior Ranger booklets for Agua Fria and Sonoran Desert National Monuments held in front of the Bureau of Land Management Phoenix District building under a partly cloudy sky.
Agua Fria National Monument and Sonoran Desert National Monument Junior Ranger books are available online or at the Phoenix District Office in Phoenix. (Photo by Chris Wonderly/Bureau of Land Management)

Special activities can make visits to public lands fun and educational. These include Junior Ranger programs and books as well as mobile games like Agents of Discovery. 

People of all ages, especially children, can become official Junior Rangers by completing activity books that teach about wildlife, fossils, geology, and more. Select national monuments, national conservation areas, and wilderness areas also have activity books.  

Junior Ranger books are available in person at select BLM offices and partner sites. Consider calling or emailing the nearest BLM office ahead of time before visiting because quantities may vary. You can also download the activity books online and print them at home, making it possible to uncover the wonders of public lands from anywhere at any time. 

In Arizona, these include:

Limited quantities of Arizona and BLM National Junior Ranger books may also be available in person at the Arizona State Office in downtown Phoenix.

Looking for more fun? Agents of Discovery is a free, educational app that turns outdoor exploration into a mission-based game. You can download and play on mobile devices at participating BLM locations or at home.

Missions on or about BLM-managed public lands in Arizona include:

  • Ironwood Forest National Monument

    • Ironwood Forest National Monument Mission

  • Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

    • Historic Empire Ranch Mission

  • San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

    • Fairbank Mission

    • Murray Springs Clovis Site Mission

    • San Pedro House Mission

Every Kid Outdoors passes for fourth graders

Do you know any fourth graders? The Every Kid Outdoors program allows fourth graders and their families, including home-schooled and free-choice learners, to see America’s natural wonders and historic sites for free.

To obtain a pass, fourth grade students and their families can visit the Every Kid Outdoors website, participate in a short educational activity, and then download a paper voucher to print and bring with them to visit public lands and waters all across the country. Every Kid Outdoors passes are available in person at BLM offices across Arizona as well.

With summer coming up soon, now is the perfect time to get a pass. These passes are free, non-transferable, and valid for the duration of the fourth-grade school year through the following summer (September-August).

  • If you know a student that was in the fourth grade or homeschool equivalent during the 2025-2026 school year, they can get and use an Every Kid Outdoors pass through August.

  • If you know a student that will be in the fourth grade or homeschool equivalent in the 2026-2027 school year, they can get their passes starting in September.

Educators, which includes teachers and adults who engage with fourth graders through youth-serving organizations, can also download an activity and print paper passes for their students as well. For more information on the Every Kid Outdoors program, places to visit, and ways to obtain a pass, visit EveryKidOutdoors.gov.

Where to go

People sitting and standing on a dock at sunrise overlooking calm lake waters with colorful clouds reflecting on the surface.
The Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club Youth Fishing Clinic brought kids and their parents to Mittry Lake in 2019. This annual event was sponsored by BLM and Arizona Game and Fish Department and drew about 900 people. (Photo by the Bureau of Land Management)

Here are just a few additional ideas of great places to take your kids on BLM-managed public lands in Arizona. Many of these sites are free, but some charge a fee.

Visitors (and their children) should be prepared for a wide range of conditions and take proactive steps to ensure their own safety. Prepare for changing weather, uneven terrain, limited cell coverage, and the realities of backcountry travel.

Always check with your local BLM field office for the most up to date information! The BLM is here to help. Find more recreation opportunities on our website.

Badger Springs Recreation Area and Trailhead

  • Where is it: Near Cordes Junction and Cordes Lakes

  • What’s great for kids: Short distance from Phoenix north along Interstate 17, relatively flat trail that leads to petroglyphs

Betty's Kitchen Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area and National Recreation Trail

  • Where is it: Near Yuma past Laguna Dam

  • What’s great for kids: Features picnic tables, a fishing pier, and short interpretive trail

Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area

  • What’s great for kids: Features a shaded wildlife viewing area with interpretive signs; Junior Ranger book available online and at the Safford Field Office

Burro Creek Recreation Site and Campground

  • Where is it: Between Wickenburg and Kingman along Highway 93

  • What’s great for kids: Features a watchable wildlife exhibit and an interpretive desert garden as well as access to Burro Creek via hiking trails from the campground

Condor Viewing Site

  • Where is it: Within the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument near Jacob Lake

  • What’s great for kids: Features interpretive signs and picnic tables; location of annual California condor release event

Dankworth Village

  • Where is it: Near Safford

  • What’s great for kids: Within a state park (Dankworth Pond State Park); features a relatively short trail to a replica Native American village

Fairbank Historic Townsite

  • What’s great for kids: Fairbank Schoolhouse contains a museum, bookstore, and gift shop; occasional hikes led by the Friend of the San Pedro River; Agents of Discovery Mission available; Junior Ranger book available

Historic Empire Ranch

Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site

  • Where is it: Near St. George, Utah

  • What’s great for kids: Features gravel trail with a viewing platform showcasing Native American petroglyphs 

Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse

  • What’s great for kids: Restored historic schoolhouse is open to the public; features covered picnic tables; Junior Ranger book for nearby Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument available

Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground

  • Where is it: Near Gila Bend

  • What’s great for kids: Features interpretive trails and panels about Native American and natural history 

Parker Strip Recreation Area

  • Where is it: Near Lake Havasu City 

Rock House Visitor Center and Recreation Area

  • Where is it: Located along the Colorado River within the Parker Dam Recreation Area, south of Lake Havasu City

  • What’s great for kids: Features hands-on educational displays and creative one-of-a-kid art projects to keep young visitors engaged and informed about the area. Families can also enjoy safe wildlife viewing opportunities and watch the boats passing by on the adjacent river.

San Pedro House

  • Where is it: Located east of Sierra Vista

  • What’s great for kids: Serves as the primary visitor center for the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area; offers easy, flat walking paths and active wildlife viewing. The visitor center provides educational books and nature guides. Volunteers are on-site to show kids local animal bones and pelts. As an Agents of Discovery app location, people can download the app and complete missions while visiting the area.

Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

  • Where is it: Near St. George, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada, along Interstate 15

  • What’s great for kids: Features scenic trails leading to the Virgin River and picnic tables with grills and/or fire pits

Story by:

Michelle Ailport, Public Affairs Specialist

Blog Topic:
Recreation
Youth and Educators
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