Do you have a 4th grader? Yay for you because fourth graders in the United States and their families will gain free admission to all of America’s National Parks, federal lands, and waters. This initiate was started during the 2015-2016 school year. You can read more about our experience at Rocky National Park (click here).
Why do 4th graders get in free to National Parks?
The White House has an “Every Kid in the Park Pledge” (click here). The program is made possible by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation.
We’ve spent our past 2 family vacations in National Parks. You can see some of our favorite hikes in Rocky National Park (here) and Zion National Park (here). I’ve traveled with 4 children, which included 4th graders (my son and my niece) each time. There is something special about this age. They appreciate it, they are struck by the beauty. They’re ready for adventure!
I’m sure this is also the reason my parents chose age 10 (approximately 4th grade) to do special intergenerational trips to national parks with their grandkids too.
The goal of this initiative is to introduce children to outdoor recreation.
The goal of this initiative is to introduce children to outdoor recreation. Parents just need to sign up on line. They will receive a voucher that allows the student and an entire carload of passengers free admission for one year. This is actually a really great deal, an annual pass can run $50.
When I was in Rocky Mountain National Park, I attended a Park Ranger presentation. He challenged all of us to do something to pass along this heritage to our family and others. This is what I’m doing here, using my blog as a platform to let you know of this wonderful resource and invaluable family experience.
Use this as an opportunity to get your children to see nature firsthand. More learning can occur on a family vacation then during a week at school, especially if it happens in a National Park.
Take part in this amazing initiative! Connect your 4th grader and your family to a free year in the National Parks!
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