Explore Yosemite Family Program
This hands-on program, conducted by Yosemite naturalists, is for families with children of any age. Half-day sessions depart from Curry Village in the morning and the afternoon. Topics may include geology, pond study, wildlife and Yosemite stories. Limited to 20 participants, a parent or guardian must be present. Sign up at any tour desk or call (559) 252-4848 for advanced reservations. The Program is offered for a fee.

Starry Skies over Yosemite Valley
Spend an hour under a star-studded sky and learn about constellations, planets, meteors and stories of the night sky (spring, summer and fall). Sign up at any tour desk. There is a fee.

Special Children's Programs
The children's center at Le Conte Memorial Lodge features a variety of offerings. Check Yosemite Today for more information or call (209) 372-4542.

Explore Nature with a Camera
Shutterbugs ages seven to 12 can join a Kodak photographer for a one-hour workshop. The program departs from The Ahwahnee (summer only, conditions permitting). Check the Yosemite Park Visitor Guide.

Happy Isles Nature Center
See wildlife exhibits and a display of Yosemite at night or play in the children's corner. You can also get an Explorer Pack here. This excellent nature center is geared toward kids, with dioramas of animals and hands-on exhibits of plants, trees and rocks in Yosemite. At the "scat" exhibit, in between giggles, kids learn how to spot deer droppings, owl pellets, and bear, bobcat and coyote "scat" (poop). The gift shop also has an excellent collection of kids' books of Miwok tales, nature in Yosemite and stories about John Muir.

Miwok Village
Behind the Visitor Center is a replica of a Miwok village, the Indian Village of Ahwahnee. The village represents the way of life for the Southern Sierra Miwok who lived in Yosemite Valley since the 18th century. The heart of the village is a "roundhouse," a bark covered ceremonial building, still used today by Native Americans. There's lots to see: a sweathouse, Miwok cabin, chief's house and granary for storing black acorns, one of their staple foods, and a diorama of a bear hunt.

American Indian Cultural Program
Demonstrators interpret some customs of Yosemite's native peoples in the Indian Village (summer only) and Indian Cultural Exhibit (year-round) at Yosemite Museum in the valley. An ambassador for Yosemite and the National Park Service specializes in educating visitors about Miwok traditions such as food preparation and basket weaving.

Go into the Field
Join the Yosemite Institute on their fun and challenging residential field science program, a five-day introduction to Yosemite's outdoor classroom. Other custom programs for all ages are also available. Contact the Yosemite Institute for more information.

Old-Fashioned Campfires
Join an interpreter (spring, summer and fall) around a campfire for stories, songs and s'mores. Check the Yosemite Park Visitor Guide for nights offered. Limited to 65 participants. Sign up at the Yosemite Concession Services desk. There is a fee.

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