national parks week Starting April 20, admission to all U.S. national parks will be free.
This includes all 429 locations within its range, as well as Capital National Parks like Grand Teton and Olympic. national park systemfrom the domestic battlefield to the coast.
Admission is free only on the first day, but special activities are planned during National Parks Week (and at many locations) Do not charge admission fees anyway).
“With countless options for things to do and see, there is something for everyone in our nation’s national parks,” National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in a statement.
Here’s what travelers should know:
What is the purpose of National Parks Week?
of first national park week 1991 marked the National Park Service’s 75th anniversary.
The next one was in 1994, and since then it has become an annual celebration proclaimed by the president across a growing list of America’s national parks, said National Park Service spokeswoman Kathy Kupper. .
“During National Parks Week and throughout the year, we encourage people to discover and enjoy natural, cultural, historical and recreational opportunities through national parks and National Park Service community programs,” Sams said.
How long is National Park Week?
National Parks Week actually lasts nine days. The exhibition period is from April 20th (Saturday) to April 28th (Sunday).
Each day we spotlight a different park-related theme.
- April 20th – Discovery
- April 21st – Volunteer
- April 22nd – Earth Day
- April 23rd – Innovation
- April 24th – Workers’ Wednesday
- April 25th – Youth Participation
- April 26th – Community Connection
- From April 27th junior ranger day
- April 28th – Art in the park
Travelers can find parks near them through the National Park Service and National Park Foundation. find your park site.
Which national parks are the most visited?Answers to your biggest questions about the park
Are national parks free on Earth Day?
This year is different. Earth Day is April 22nd.
Last year, this date coincided with the first day of National Parks Week, when parks are free to enter.
However, the first day of National Parks Week this year is April 20th.
When will all US national parks be free?
There are five more free admission days this year.
- April 20th – First day of National Parks Week
- June 19th – juneteenth
- August 4th – Great American Outdoors Day
- September 28th – National Public Lands Day
- Nov. 11– Veterans Day
In January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day also became a free admission day.
Certain groups, such as military personnel, veterans, and U.S. citizens and permanent residents permanent disability Admission is free any time of the year. A 4th grade student and her family are also eligible to visit the park for free through the Every Kid Outdoors program.
Please note that some parks may charge parking fees, access to certain facilities, or other fees even if admission is free.
What activities can I do when visiting a national park?
Activities vary by date and location. National Park Service Event Calendar. Junior Ranger Day events include an opportunity to build a biplane model. Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Learn about the history of Hidatsa village dogs in Alabama, bark ranger badge for your puppy Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site in North Dakota.
“Of course, we want our children to want to protect our parks and we want to make sure we pass them on to our future children, but in order to do that we need to encourage our children to protect our parks. We have to make sure that people can come,” Caitlin Campbell, the National Park Service’s interpretation and exchange coordinator, told USA TODAY. “Our main aim is to make sure children feel welcome at the park and know it is a fun and safe place to be.”
Throughout the year, children of all ages and abilities can participate in free Junior Ranger programs at parks and parks. online.
“They can probably find a junior ranger program fairly close to where they live,” she said. “They can celebrate (being) a junior ranger any time of the year, but we want them to celebrate during National Parks Week.”