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Free Entry to National Parks and NYS Parks for Fourth Grade Families

Every Kid Outdoors Pass for 4th Graders Provides FREE Access to Thousands of Parks Across America

By Kate Fletcher, Macaroni KID Binghamton Publisher November 11, 2024

Calling all families with curious fourth graders!  Did you know there's a way to explore some of America's most stunning national parks and New York State Parks completely free?

Every Kid Outdoors Program

This awesome program, run by the National Park Service, grants fourth graders and their families free entry to over 2,000 national parks, forests, monuments, and wildlife refuges. Think breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and tons of outdoor adventures – all waiting to be discovered!

Ready to embark on your family adventure? 

Here's what you need to know:

  • Eligibility: This offer is open to all current fourth graders (including homeschoolers and free-choice learners who are 10 years of age). Students may obtain and use the pass September 1 through August 31 of their 4th grade year.  
  • How to Get Your Pass: Head over to everykidoutdoors.gov and complete a short online adventure diary. Once finished, print your pass and hold onto it!
  • How to Use It: Simply present your printed pass to gain free entry. At sites that charge per vehicle, anyone in your vehicle is admitted for free. At sites that charge per person, up to 3 accompanying adults are admitted free. When entering by bicycle, up to 3 accompanying adults on bicycles are admitted.

Where to Use Your Every Kid Outdoors Pass

National Parks: Explore 400+ historic sites, memorials, lakeshores, seashores, and more.

National Forests: Recreate in 150+ forests across nearly 200 million acres.

Wildlife Refuges: Visit 500+ refuges including at least one in every state and U.S. territory  

Reclamation Areas: Enjoy water-based activities at reservoirs, rivers, and surrounding areas.  

Conservation Areas: Explore monuments, off-highway vehicle areas, conservation areas, and more.  

Recreation Areas: Enjoy sites in 43 states managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  

Marine Areas: Explore 15 national marine sanctuaries and 2 marine national monuments.  

New York State Parks: The National Park Service's Every Kid Outdoors pass will grant free entry to New York State Parks for your 4th grader (must be present in the vehicle) and up to 3 accompanying adults (free entry applies to vehicle entry fee). This pilot program also extends free entry to house tour fees at state historic sites for the pass holder and their 3 adult companions.

With the Every Kid Outdoors program, your fourth grader and the whole family can create unforgettable memories in some of America's most incredible natural and historical treasures.  



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