Petrified Forest: Our Adventure

Even before we made out journey to Petrified Forest National Park, we started learning about it! Of course mommy did some research through the National Parks website, but Reagan learned a lot by reading Petrified Forest National Park, A True Book, by David Petersen. This book was very informative, and great for emergent readers. It is written in large easy to read font, and includes a glossary of important words at the back, as well as information for further research resources and on the park's Junior Ranger program. Even non-readers can follow along with an older sibling and enjoy the captivating color photos of the park. Reagan loved reading the book, and learning about what she would see at the park, the process of petrification, and the basic geology and fossil record of the area. I thought this book did an amazing job of presenting a lot of complex information in a way that is very approachable for children of all ages.

After reading about it, the kids were even more excited about our trip to the park, and couldn't wait to get there. We arrived just after opening, and they eagerly bounded into the visitor's center to have hands on experience with different types of rock and petrified wood, and collect their Junior Ranger workbooks. We were soon headed out on the road through the park. We stopped at several overlooks of the painted dessert and the badlands. The kids were very excited to look for things on the scavenger hunt that was a part of their ranger program. Then we stopped at the the Painted Desert Inn. The kids had a great time exploring the main building of the building that was once a hotel, and then a restaurant, and enjoying the views. Further down the road they were very excited to stop an see the few things where old Route 66 passes through the park. They weren't as excited about the Puerco Pueblo Anasazi ruins as we were, but enjoyed playing I Spy, finding petroglyphs on the rocks and deciding what they must mean. The best part of the trip was definitely going on hikes through the petrified forest, and getting to see and touch the logs. The kids did a great job looking for the answers to questions in the Jr. Ranger books here. they enjoyed measuring the logs, and looking at their different colors. Their favorite hikes were the Crystal Forest, and Giant Logs.

Both kids earned their Jr. Ranger badges, and each got to pick a piece of polished petrified wood in the gift shop. By the end of the day they were somewhat tired form all the hiking and excitement. But the next morning at home, they were asking when we could go back! We had such a great time, I'm sure we'll go back at some point in the future. :)