mountain scene
mountains on a sunny day

Summertime is the perfect season to get outdoors, and America’s national parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable adventures for families to enjoy. Do you know that the US National Parks system encompasses 423 national park sites, with 63 of them having the “National Park” designation in their name? Did you know that 4th graders, military members (current or former), and disabled individuals can get a free parks pass, while seniors can obtain reduced fee cards? In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to obtain these passes and highlight some of the best national parks to visit in the summer, with a focus on kid-friendly activities.

The Free 4th Grade Parks Pass:

The Every Kid Outdoors initiative offers a free annual national parks pass to 4th graders and their families. This pass provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. To obtain the pass, visit the Every Kid Outdoors website, and follow the instructions to download and print your pass. Remember, the pass covers entrance fees for the 4th grader, accompanying family members, and even friends!

Additional Passes:

Military members (current or former) and disabled individuals can obtain a free America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Seniors (age 62 and older) can purchase a lifetime pass or an annual pass at a reduced fee. More information about these passes can be found on the U.S. Geological Survey website.

Top National Parks to Visit in Summer:

  1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

Yellowstone, America’s first national park, offers countless opportunities for family fun. Kids will love exploring the geothermal features like Old Faithful Geyser and the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring. There are also great hiking trails suitable for all ages, and a Junior Ranger program that encourages children to learn about the park’s history and wildlife.

  1. Acadia National Park (Maine)

With its rocky coastline and lush forests, Acadia is a great destination for families looking to escape the summer heat. Enjoy the many kid-friendly hiking and biking trails, or take a scenic drive along the 27-mile Park Loop Road. Don’t forget to visit the Jordan Pond House for a delicious popover, a local favorite.

  1. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

The awe-inspiring Grand Canyon is a must-see for families. The South Rim is the most accessible and offers stunning views of the canyon. For a memorable experience, consider walking the Rim Trail, a relatively easy path suitable for kids. Remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as temperatures can soar in the summer.

  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)

The Great Smoky Mountains offer families a mix of natural beauty and cultural history. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, there’s something for everyone. Younger children will enjoy exploring the Cades Cove area, where they can spot wildlife, walk through old homesteads, and participate in the Junior Ranger program.

  1. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks (Utah)

These two neighboring parks in southeastern Utah offer a fantastic combination of unique geological formations and family-friendly activities. In Arches National Park, kids will be amazed by the more than 2,000 natural stone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. Canyonlands National Park, divided into four distinct districts, offers opportunities to explore vast canyons, mesas, and buttes. Both parks have kid-friendly hiking trails and educational ranger-led programs.

So Many National Parks! Each One Unique

Obviously, you can find the parks on line. If you think or know you might love visiting national parks, a physical copy may be nice for you. There are so many options. I’m a big fan of National Geographic, which has produced several National Geographic guides to the National Parks. The National Geographic Guide book gives an overview of each park with beautiful pictures, as you’d expect, so, inspiring, but not enough information to really plan a trip. Their Atlas of the National Parks is a gorgeous coffee table book, also really inspiring pictures. My favorite of their books about the national parks is the National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States. This book contains far more sites and information than the other two, as well as incredible pictures. Highly recommend!

Heading out on Your National Park Adventure

With the free 4th grade parks pass and other available passes, your family can explore the wonders of America’s national parks without breaking the bank. This summer, my family is excited to check out Arches National Park with our 4th grader, taking advantage of the incredible sights and educational programs the park has to offer. Make your family’s summer memorable by visiting these fantastic destinations, and be sure to participate in the kid-friendly activities and educational ranger-led programs. To help remember where you’ve been and where you can go, consider getting a beautiful and fun Scratch off Poster of the US National Parks. Happy exploring!

By LaraL