Your Fourth Grader Can Get the Entire Family Into National Parks for Free

 

Did you know that having a fourth grader in your family could help you visit national parks and other public lands for free?

Through the federal Every Kid Outdoors program, eligible fourth-grade students can receive a free pass that provides admission to more than 2,000 participating federal parks, forests, wildlife refuges, historic sites and recreation areas.

That means one child’s pass could help your entire family enjoy unforgettable adventures without paying the usual entrance fees!

What Is the Every Kid Outdoors Program?

Every Kid Outdoors is a federal program created to help children and their families experience America’s public lands.

The pass is available to students currently enrolled in fourth grade, including children completing the fourth-grade equivalent through homeschooling or other free-choice learning programs.

For the 2025–2026 school year, the current pass remains valid through August 31, 2026. A new program year begins September 1.

Who Is Eligible?

The free pass is available to:

• Students attending fourth grade in the United States
• Fourth graders attending a U.S. military school
• Homeschooled children completing the fourth-grade equivalent
• Eligible students participating through qualified educational and youth organizations

The pass belongs to the fourth grader and cannot be transferred to another child or family.

Who Gets in Free?

The number of people covered depends on how the participating location charges admission.

At a location that charges by vehicle, the pass generally covers:

• The fourth grader
• Every child under age 16
• All adults traveling together in one private passenger vehicle

At a location that charges admission per person, it covers:

• The fourth grader
• All accompanying children under age 16
• Up to three accompanying adults

Commercial vehicles are not covered.

How to Get Your Free Pass

Getting the Every Kid Outdoors pass is surprisingly easy.

1. Visit the official Every Kid Outdoors website.
2. Select Get Your Pass.
3. Choose the option for fourth graders.
4. Have your child complete the short online adventure activity.
5. Print the personalized paper pass.
6. Bring the pass when visiting a participating location.

You must bring the physical paper pass. A photograph or electronic copy of the paper pass may not be accepted.

Families may also obtain a digital version through Recreation.gov. At certain participating federal sites, the paper pass can be exchanged for a more durable plastic pass.

If you lose the pass, your child can return to the website, complete the activity again and print another one.

What Does the Pass Cover?

The pass covers standard entrance or day-use admission at participating federally managed lands and waters.

Depending on the destination, your family might be able to:

• Visit a national park
• Explore a national forest
• Tour a historic battlefield
• Visit a national wildlife refuge
• Hike to a waterfall
• Explore ancient dwellings
• Spend the day at a federal recreation area
• Visit a marine sanctuary
• Enjoy a family picnic
• Participate in a Junior Ranger program

The National Park Service says families can use the program at more than 2,000 federal lands and waters across the country.

What Isn’t Included?

The pass does not normally cover additional expenses such as:

• Camping fees
• Parking fees charged separately
• Boat rides
• Guided tours
• Special programs
• Reservation fees
• Equipment rentals
• Concessions
• Privately operated attractions

State, county and local parks are not automatically included, although individual locations may choose to accept the pass.

Always contact the park or check its official website before traveling to confirm that the pass is accepted and determine whether reservations or additional fees are required.

Family Trip Ideas

You don’t have to plan an expensive cross-country vacation to use the pass. The Every Kid Outdoors website says most families live within approximately two hours of a participating location.

Here are some affordable trip ideas:

Plan a National Park Day Trip

Pack sandwiches, snacks and refillable water bottles from home. Choose a short family-friendly trail, visit the welcome center and ask whether your children can complete a Junior Ranger activity.

Explore American History

Use the pass to visit participating historic sites, monuments, battlefields and preserved homes. Let your fourth grader research the destination before your visit and act as the family tour guide.

Create a Wildlife Challenge

Visit a wildlife refuge or public recreation area and see how many animals, birds, plants and insects your family can identify. Bring notebooks so the children can record or draw what they find.

Begin a Family Park Passport

Create a homemade passport with one page for every location you visit. Add photographs, drawings, ticket stubs and notes about everyone’s favorite part of the trip.

Let Your Fourth Grader Choose

Give your child several participating destinations and allow them to select the family adventure. After all, they are the reason everyone gets to enter for free!

Don’t Let This Free Opportunity Expire

Children are only eligible during their fourth-grade year, so families have a limited amount of time to enjoy this special benefit.

If you currently have a fourth grader, visit the official Every Kid Outdoors website and print the pass today. A few minutes online could open the door to an entire year of affordable family adventures.

America’s parks, forests, historic places and natural wonders are waiting—and your fourth grader may already have the family’s free ticket!