Wisconsin Explorer Program
Wisconsin State Park System
Share Nature With Your Children
Today, many children are growing up in structured environments that don't allow much time or freedom to play outdoors. By helping them connect to things they discover in nature, you nurture values of good stewardship and build strong bonds that will last for a lifetime.
Make tracks to the nearest state park property and ask for a free Wisconsin Explorer booklet. Inside you'll find nature activities, scavenger hunts, games, hikes and crafts to help your child explore Wisconsin's great outdoors. Kids who complete the requirements will earn collectible state symbol patches. Don't just sit there — get out and start exploring together! Call the park property ahead of time to check if Wisconsin Explorer booklets are available there and when the office is open.
Wisconsin Explorer Program Grows With Kids
There are three age levels in the Wisconsin Explorer program (3-5 years, 6-8 years and 9 years and up). Three themes help kids explore different parts of the great outdoors. The 2026 theme is Solving Mysteries, with Discovering Secrets coming next in 2027 and Exploring the Extremes in 2028. With nine booklets, a 3-year-old can begin the program this year and participate until age 11 without repeating a booklet.
Collect All Nine Patches
Kids who start the program at age three can collect all nine state symbol patches. Kids are only eligible to earn one patch per calendar year. To receive a patch, turn the form in at any participating State Park System property. Please call the park office ahead of time for office hours and to make sure the property has patches.
- Ages 3-5
- Sugar maple – state tree (2026)
- American robin – state bird (2027)
- Honeybee – state insect (2028)
- Ages 6-8
- Red granite – state rock (2026)
- Muskellunge – state fish (2027)
- Whitetail deer – state wildlife animal (2028)
- Ages 9+
- Trilobite – state fossil (2026)
- Wood violet – state wildflower (2027)
- American badger – state animal (2028)