Did You Know That National Parks Give Visitors The Opportunity To Admire Their Beauty For Free?
National Parks are a great way to celebrate nature and the beauty of the planet. Did you know that every […]
Cate Staff
National Parks are a great way to celebrate nature and the beauty of the planet. Did you know that every year the National Park Service (NPS) announces several “free days?” “Whether on an entrance fee-free day or throughout the year, we encourage everyone to discover their national parks and the benefits that come from spending time outdoors,” said Chuck Sams, NPS Director, in a statement.
“National parks are for everyone and we are committed to increasing access and providing opportunities for all to experience the sense of wonder, awe, and refreshment that comes with a visit to these treasured landscapes and sites.”
With more and 420 national parks in the United States and only 110 having admission fees, there are over 310 opportunities (a.k.a national parks) that are totally free to visit during the year.
Check out the dates that are left in 2022 and what dates you can plan ahead for in 2023.
“It’s Fo Free! And I Said Sure!”
2022:
You have one more opportunity this year to enjoy a free day at a national park and that’s on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11.
2023:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 16
- First Day of National Park Week – Sunday, April 16
- Anniversary of the Great American Outdoor Act – Friday, August 4
- National Public Lands Day – Sunday, September 24
- Veterans Day – Saturday, November 11
There’s More Where That Came From
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Fourth Graders + Families
From September 1 through August 31, fourth graders in the United States get free entry into National Parks all thanks to the Every Kid in a Park program and the Every Kid Outdoors Act.
According to Every Kid in a Park, when entering a location that charges per vehicle, everyone in the car with the fourth grader will get in for free. If the park charges per person then the fourth grader and up to three accompanying adults will be admitted for free.
People With Disabilities
Any U.S. resident who “has been medically determined to have a permanent disability… that severely limits one or more major life activities,” can receive a free lifetime Access Pass, offered by the National Park Service.
U.S. Military Members + Their Dependents
Current U.S. military members and their dependents, Reserve, and National Guard members can get an annual America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Military Pass for free.
U.S. Military Veterans
All veterans need to is present one of these forms of identification to get free access to national parks for life:
- Department of Defense Identification Card (non-expired CAC Card)
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- Veteran ID Card
- Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card
The national parks that charge per person can cost anywhere from $5 to $35. However, the parks that allow you to pay per vehicle are typically cheaper as a whole.
And, according to the National Park Service, 80 percent to 100 percent of the money stays in the park where it was collected.
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So, what are you waiting for? Time to plan your next national park adventure with family and friends!