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For Kids and Their Grown-ups: America’s National Parks

About Blog Post Apr 18, 2024 by SCLSNJ Staff
For Kids and Their Grown-ups: America’s National Parks Created by Linda Tripp, collection development librarian April 20 marks the beginning of National Park Week, although technically this celebration lasts nine days, ending April 28 this year. Entrance fees will be waived on April 20 to kick off the celebration and to encourage everyone to enjoy their national parks in person. Start right here in New Jersey, with a visit to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Offering year-round recreation including hiking, paddling, fishing, and hunting, the Water Gap in the northwest part of our state offers gorgeous vistas of three states and the opportunity to explore “40 miles of the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi.”  Even closer to home, follow in the footsteps of General Washington and the Continental army with a visit to Morristown National Historical Park. The site “preserves the lands, features, and artifacts associated with the 1777 and 1779-80 winter encampments of the Continental Army and General George Washington's headquarters in Morristown.” Begin your visit at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center and explore the museum filled with items relating to pre- and post-Revolutionary America, then enjoy exploring the 27 miles of hiking trails. Head east to the ocean and New York Harbor where Gateway National Recreation Area, composed of three units spanning 27,000 acres, stretches from Sandy Hook in New Jersey, to Jamaica Bay and Staten Island in New York. Millions of visitors come each year for the beaches, lighthouses, historic structures, birdwatching, and much more. We’re so fortunate to live in a state with access to these gems, along with so many more within a day’s drive. Looking to plan your next vacation to one of America’s treasures? Explore the U.S. National Park Service website’s “Find A Park” search engine, where you can search by state, activity, and topic. The Library’s collection has titles for browsing, sharing and planning. Get started with Kate Siber’s ‘National Parks of the U.S.A.” and  “National Monuments of the U.S.A.” by Cameron Walker, then find more books for adults and kids on the book river located on the Library’s catalog home page.
From Acadia's seaside cliffs and coves to Zion's enchanting red valleys, this book from “Lonely Planet Kids” allows readers to explore America's 60 amazing national parks and discover each park's secrets and surprises, plus their best sights, activities, and animals to spot. 
Takes readers on a tour to honor America's great outdoors, from the volcanoes of Haleakalā National Park in Hawai'i to waterfalls of Yosemite to the churning ocean at Acadia National Park in Maine.
A collection of artistic maps capturing the geography and notable sights in each of the United State's 62 national parks, each accompanied by facts about the park's history and ecology.
Turn back the clock to 1872, when Congress established Yellowstone National Park as an area of unspoiled beauty for the "benefit and enjoyment of the people." Meet the visionaries, artists, and lovers of the American wilderness who fought against corruption and self-interest to carve out and protect these spaces for future generations.
Which national park is the best for stargazers? Has the coolest waterfalls? Features a grotto filled with bats? This engaging guide explores some of America's most stunning landscapes, including the Great Smoky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Denali, Haleakala, the Everglades, and more.  
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