What Ranger Rick is and who it reaches
Ranger Rick is a monthly nature and wildlife magazine published by the National Wildlife Federation for children ages 7 to 12. Each issue contains photographs, illustrations, articles about animals and habitats, puzzles, activities, and stories designed to teach kids about the natural world. The magazine arrives in print form at your home.
The National Wildlife Federation has published Ranger Rick since 1967. The magazine is sold through direct subscription (you order it yourself), through schools and libraries, and occasionally through retail newsstands, though newsstand availability varies by region and is not may provide month to month.
A subscription means you receive a set number of issues over a set period — typically one year — without having to reorder each month. The magazine arrives on a schedule set by the publisher, usually monthly, though the exact arrival date can shift by a week or two depending on postal delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Ranger Rick subscriptions are sold directly through the National Wildlife Federation website and through authorized retailers, with prices varying by subscription length and any current promotions.
- A standard subscription delivers 12 monthly issues to your address over one year, with each issue arriving roughly 4 to 6 weeks after the cover date printed on it.
- You can pause, skip, or cancel a subscription at any time, though refund policies depend on whether you ordered directly from the National Wildlife Federation or through a third-party retailer.
- Digital access to some Ranger Rick content is available through the National Wildlife Federation's website and app, though a print subscription and digital access are separate purchases.
- Gift subscriptions are available and can be set to start when ready or on a date you choose, making them an option for birthdays or holidays.
Subscription length and cost
Ranger Rick subscriptions are sold in different lengths. A one-year subscription (12 issues) is the most common option. Some retailers and the National Wildlife Federation website also offer two-year subscriptions (24 issues) at a discounted per-issue rate. Prices vary depending on where you order and whether a promotion is running at the time.
The National Wildlife Federation website displays the current price when you visit. Third-party retailers — including Amazon, magazine subscription services, and school fundraising programs — may charge different amounts. Comparing prices across a few sources before ordering can save money, especially if you are buying a multi-year subscription.
Shipping is included in the subscription price when you order through the National Wildlife Federation or most major retailers. International subscriptions (outside the United States) typically cost more and may take longer to arrive; check the website for international pricing before ordering.
How delivery works and what to expect
After you place an order, the National Wildlife Federation processes it and your subscription begins with the next available issue. The first issue usually arrives 4 to 8 weeks after your order is confirmed, depending on which issue is currently being mailed out. Subsequent issues arrive roughly monthly thereafter.
The cover date on each magazine is typically two months ahead of when it actually arrives in mailboxes. For example, a magazine with "March" on the cover often arrives in January. This is standard practice in magazine publishing and does not mean your subscription is delayed.
Issues arrive via standard U.S. mail to the address you provide at checkout. Delivery times depend on your location and postal service performance. If an issue does not arrive within a reasonable timeframe (typically 6 to 8 weeks after the cover date), contact the National Wildlife Federation's customer service to report it.
Cancellation, pausing, and refunds
You can cancel a Ranger Rick subscription at any time by contacting the National Wildlife Federation's customer service. Cancellation stops future issues from being sent but does not reverse issues already mailed.
Refund policies differ depending on where you ordered. If you subscribed directly through the National Wildlife Federation website, they typically offer a refund for unmailed issues if you cancel within a certain window (often 30 days of purchase). If you ordered through a third-party retailer, that retailer's refund policy applies instead. Check your order confirmation or the retailer's website for their specific terms.
Some subscriptions allow you to pause delivery for a set period without cancelling, though this option is not available on all subscription types. Contact customer service to ask whether pausing is possible for your subscription.
Gift subscriptions and special offers
Ranger Rick subscriptions can be purchased as gifts. When you order a gift subscription, you provide the recipient's mailing address and can choose whether the subscription starts when ready or on a specific date you select. A gift message or announcement can sometimes be included, though options vary by retailer.
The National Wildlife Federation and third-party retailers periodically run promotions on Ranger Rick subscriptions, particularly around holidays and back-to-school season. Signing up for the National Wildlife Federation's email list or checking their website regularly can alert you to these offers. Prices and promotion availability change throughout the year.
Digital access and supplemental content
A print Ranger Rick subscription does not automatically include digital access. However, the National Wildlife Federation offers a separate digital subscription and a free mobile app that contains some Ranger Rick content, games, and activities. These are purchased or accessed independently of a print subscription.
Some articles and activities from past issues are available on the National Wildlife Federation website at no cost. A print subscription does not unlock additional digital content beyond what is already freely available.
Changing your address or subscription details
If you move or need to change the mailing address on your subscription, contact the National Wildlife Federation's customer service with your subscription number (found on your mailing label or order confirmation). Address changes typically take effect within one to two billing cycles, so issues may continue to arrive at your old address briefly.
You can also update your email address, payment method, or other account details through the National Wildlife Federation's website if you have an online account, or by calling customer service directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive the first issue after I order?
The first issue typically arrives 4 to 8 weeks after your order is confirmed. This depends on which issue is currently being mailed and your location. Subsequent issues arrive roughly monthly after that.
Can I change my mind and cancel within a few days of ordering?
Yes. If you ordered directly from the National Wildlife Federation, you usually have a window (often 30 days) to cancel and receive a refund for unmailed issues. If you ordered through a retailer, check that retailer's return policy. Contact customer service with your order number to start a cancellation.
What if an issue never arrives?
Wait 6 to 8 weeks after the cover date before reporting it missing, since mail delivery can be slow. If it still has not arrived, contact the National Wildlife Federation with your subscription number and the issue date. They can investigate and resend it or credit your account.
Is there a way to get Ranger Rick without a subscription?
Some libraries carry Ranger Rick in their periodicals section, so you can read it for free. Newsstands occasionally stock single issues, though availability is not may provide and varies by location. A subscription is the most reliable way to receive it regularly.
Can I buy a subscription for someone else as a gift?
Yes. When you order through the National Wildlife Federation website or most retailers, you can choose to send it as a gift and provide the recipient's address. You can set a start date and sometimes include a gift message.