Junior Ranger Day at Fort Pickens

Join Gulf Islands National Seashore at Fort Pickens for Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, August 22, during #NationalParkWeek.
A free saltwater fishing program will take place at the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier from 9 am - 12 pm. Participants receive a Junior Ranger Angler badge.

All fishing equipment and gear is provided, including fishing poles, bait, and lifejackets for kids. Equipment and gear are available first-come, first-served. If fishing from the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier, no Florida fishing license is required. For shoreline fishing, youth under the age of 16 do not need a license. Adults over the age of 65 with valid proof of age and Florida residency, such as a Florida Driver's License, do not need a license. Florida resident adults can obtain a free Saltwater Shoreline Fishing license. All other adults are required to have a license to participate in shoreline fishing. Licenses are available at www.gooutdoorsflorida.com.

Then drop in at Fort Pickens from 11 am - 4 pm, to learn more about nature and history from our National Park Service rangers and our community partners.

Joining us for the 2026 event is Florida Public Archaeology Network - Northwest Region, Historic Pensacola, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, and Pensacola MESS Hall.

Note: Activities are accessible to people with special needs. Programs are subject to change and/or cancelation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Entrance fees still apply.