One of our nation’s best kept secrets has to do with fourth graders and national parks. Did you know that anyone who can squeeze into a car with a fourth grader can get into any of our national parks for free? It’s true. Originally called the Every Kid in a Park program established by former President Obama, and now called Every Kid Outdoors, the program enables America’s fourth graders to visit hundreds of parks, lands and water for an entire year—and bring their family along. Remember that these sites consist of protected wild land as well as historical sites (the home of Martin Luther King, Jr., for instance) and lakes, rivers and oceans.
The process is easy: the fourth grader visits the Every Kid Outdoors website and answers two short hypothetical questions like whether you’d choose a nature walk, time travel or going swimming, and then you can print out your pass. Show it at the entrance to any of the National Park Service offerings and the fourth grader, accompanied by up to three adults and any number of children under age 16, gets in free if the entry is based on a per-person schedule. If entry is based on a vehicle entrance fee, then that kid plus anyone who fits in the car with them gets in for free. If you’re especially awesome and are entering the site on bicycle, the pass allows all kids under 16 plus up to three adults.
Teachers, camp directors, homeschool parents and afterschool leaders, you can print passes out for fourth graders you’re not related to—there are even four lesson plans related to environmental science and the history of Native Peoples.
Q: This sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?
Fees for parking, camping, boat rentals and special tours aren’t covered. Some sites may be privately operated; check before you go.
Q: Why fourth graders?
According to the program website, research shows that kids ages nine to 11 are learning more about the world around them. This is the age that they’re most open to new ideas and most likely to connect to nature and our history. Additionally, in many states, fourth grade is the year in which you learn about local history, and the national park sites are a great place to apply that knowledge.
Q: Can anyone else use this pass?
No. It’s not transferable (and obviously, the fourth grader must be present at time of entry).
Q: Can we just show the pass on our phone?
No. It has to be printed out. If you don’t have a printer, go to the local library.
Q: What if we lose that piece of paper?
Just go to the website and sign up again. There’s no trickiness to it: the aim is to get fourth graders into the park! At some sites, the paper pass may be exchanged for a plastic pass which feels super official and fun.
Q: Does the pass last all year?
It lasts an academic year—in other words, this year’s pass expires Aug. 31, 2023.
Q: What if the ranger’s not at the gate to see the pass?
Put it on your dashboard.
Q: What’s the benefit?
Free entry into some of the most extraordinary landscape our country has to offer can be life-changing.
If children aren't in your plans, is there still a way to get in for free? Check out these free days for 2023.
How do we learn more about national parks before going? Check out this Netflix series hosted by former President Obama.
We heard something about a new tunnel at Niagara Falls? Yes, it is very cool, but unfortunately not covered by the pass!
And there's a new hotel at the Grand Canyon? Yes! Check it out.