With the days getting longer and warmer, it is the perfect time of year to start heading outdoors. And, with over 2,000 locations, National Parks and federal recreation lands can be an ideal place to start. Some families hesitate to head out to National Parks because of the cost. But, there are actually plenty of ways you can go to the park for free.
If you want to know how you can enjoy your National Parks without paying a dime, here are some options to explore.
Free Entrance Days for Everyone
Four times in 2018, you can go to the park for free by enjoying free entrance days. Everyone can get in without paying an admission fee, making these perfect days for some family fun.
While two of the days for 2018 have come and gone, there are still two more opportunities. In celebration of National Public Lands Day, September 22 will be free. November 11, Veterans Day, is also a date when you can go to the park for free.
There will probably be free entrance days in 2019 as well, though the dates are not yet set.
Veterans and Dependents Annual Pass
Current US military members and their dependents can get free annual passes to the National Park system. This means you can enjoy a day at the park any time you want at no cost.
Obtaining a veteran’s annual pass is easy. Just head to a federal recreation site and show them a valid military ID or common access card (CAC).
Annual 4th Grade Pass
Children in the 4th grade can get a free annual pass for their entire 4th grade school year. Access starts in September and is valid through the following August.
All you need to do is head to the Every Kid in a Park website to register. Then, exchange that pass for an Annual 4h Grade Pass at any federal recreation site that has a Standard Amenity or Entrance fee.
Volunteer Pass
If you complete 250 service hours with an Interagency Pass Program participating federal agency, you can get a free Volunteer Pass for the National Parks. It’s a nice perk for spending some time giving back, so, if you’re an avid volunteer, it’s worth exploring.
Other Ways to Go to the Park for Free
When it comes to a day outside, National Parks aren’t your only option. In fact, most states have a number of their own parks, and many cities do too.
Whether or not you can go in for free depends on state and local rules. However, even state parks that usually have entry fees typically have a few no-cost days a year. Further, the vast majority of city parks are free all year.
If you haven’t been to a park recently, consider planning a trip. April 23 is National Picnic Day, making it a perfect occasion to head outdoors. But, if you can’t make it to a park, even your backyard can do the trick. Grab some sandwiches and drinks, and enjoy a nice spring day right in your own neighborhood.
Do you have a favorite National Park? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Looking for more low-cost family fun? Check these out:
Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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