Free National Parks Pass for All 4th Graders
We love visiting national parks and don’t mind purchasing the annual parks pass. But when we can get one for free, we don’t want to let that opportunity pass us by. Luckily, every fourth grader can get a FREE national parks annual pass that’ll get your entire family into any national park.
The caveat: The fourth grader must be traveling with you in order for you to use the pass. So that did limit our ability for a quick adult-only weekend getaway to Zion National Park. But that’s okay.
If you have a child in fourth grade, here’s how to claim and use your free national parks pass.
Visit the Every Kid Outdoors Website
Getting your free national parks pass for your fourth grader is easy. The pass is valid from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31 of the year your child attends fourth grade. You can get the free national parks pass on Sept. 1 or on June 15 – but it still expires on Aug. 31 of that year.
Here are some simple steps to help you along the way.
- Visit the Every Kid Outdoors website
- Help your 4th grader complete their Adventure Diary
- Print off the final document
The Adventure Diary is a short survey where the child can fill in information about the things they like to do. With the variety of national parks, national monuments and other recreation areas, there’s definitely something for every area of interest.
Check in at Your Local National Park
After completing the online application and printing out your paperwork, the next step is the hardest – going to a national park to get your actual parks pass. But it’s totally worth it.
The paperwork can be redeemed at any national park. I’ve visited several national parks and monuments across the country, but there are many more to visit.
When you pull up to the entrance gate, hand the ranger your paperwork. They’ll verify your fourth grader is in the vehicle with you and have them sign the card. Then you’re on your way. It’s pretty simple – the toughest part is breaking away from life and heading to explore your national parks.
Rules and Regulations about the 4th Grade National Parks Pass
The worst part of the free parks pass is that your fourth grader must be with you when you visit the park. So if you want to take a couple’s weekend getaway to a national park, you have two options: Pay the admission fee or bring your fourth grader along.
Note that the passes are not transferable either – so you can’t let someone else borrow it. If you forget your pass, they do not offer refunds on the admission fees, so be sure to keep it in your vehicle – that way you always have it with you when you travel.
The free fourth grade pass covers entrance or standard amenity day use fees at:
- Bureau of Land Management
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- National Park Service
- Bureau of Reclamation
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- U.S. Forest Service
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites
NOTE: Some fees, like camping and special tours are not covered. And, private businesses who manage some facilities may not honor the pass.
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We love the Kid in Every Park Pass! Our kids were 2 years apart so for the last 6 years we have had one every other year. Our next ones are in 1st grade this year so we have to wait a bit for our next free pass. The kids love to have their own pass and they love doing the Jr. Ranger program when we go to a National Park on vacation!!
We’re in the same boat. We had a free pass two years in a row because of how our kids’ ages are spread. But we have a lull this year, so we’ll likely explore Utah’s state parks and wait until our 3rd grader advances next year. But then, not sure I want to wait a full year without exploring a national park. 😉