Did you know that all current 4th graders can get into all National Parks for FREE for the 2015-2016 school year. With just a few simple steps (read a little info, write a quick essay and download your pass) you could be exploring some of the most beautiful places in the country all spring and summer long!
Visit the link HERE to do the paperwork, and then discover just how beautiful our country is. There is so much to see, even in your own backyard! Remember this pass works for NATIONAL parks (not for state or county parks). I am pretty pumped because I have a 3rd grader this year, which means we can sign up for the pass on September 1st. You better believe we will be doing some serious park hopping next year!
Here are answers to a few questions you may have:
Official rules
- The pass is for U.S. fourth-grade (or home-school equivalent) students.
- The pass is for the 2015 to 2016 school year. It expires August 31, 2016.
- Students can’t transfer the pass to anyone else.
- We can’t accept electronic versions of this paper for access or to exchange for a pass.
- There’s no way to request a refund later if you forget the pass when you visit.
- If you lose your pass, get a new one by visiting the website and signing up again.
- Educators can get one paper pass for each of their fourth-grade students.
- This program only provides passes for fourth graders.
- Current third graders can get their fourth-grade passes starting September 1, 2016.
How it works
- Show your pass to a ranger when you enter. If there is no ranger, leave it on the dashboard of your car.
- If you visit a site that charges entrance fees per person— The pass admits all children under 16 and up to three adults for free.
- If your group visits a site that charges vehicle fees – The pass admits all children under 16 and all adults in up to one passenger vehicle. Commercial vehicles can’t use a pass to get in.
- If you arrive at a site on bicycle— The pass admits all children under 16 and up to three adults on bicycles.
- The pass doesn’t cover things like camping, boats, and special tours. Also, some sites are managed by private operators. They may not honor the pass. Check with the site ahead of time to find out.
- The pass doesn’t cover fees for local, city, or state parks and recreation areas unless they say that they accept this pass.
- Paper passes can be exchanged for plastic passes at certain sites.
Want to see the fun we had at Capitol Reef National Park? Click HERE. Also, what are your top picks for parks with kids? I would love to hear any and all recommendations!
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Frequently Asked Questions: The Free National Parks Pass for 4th Graders
Who qualifies for the free National Parks pass for 4th graders?
Every current U.S. fourth grader, including the homeschool equivalent, qualifies for the school year through the Every Kid Outdoors program. The pass is tied to that fourth-grade year and cannot be transferred to another person.
How do I get the 4th grade national parks pass?
Go to the official Every Kid Outdoors website, have your 4th grader complete the short online activity, and print the paper voucher. You can trade the voucher for a sturdier pass at many national park sites. Bring the paper version, because electronic copies are not accepted.
What does the free national parks pass cover?
At per-person sites it covers the 4th grader plus up to three adults; at per-vehicle sites it covers everyone in one non-commercial vehicle. It covers national park entrance only, not camping, tours, or state and local parks.
Does the pass work at state parks too?
No. The free National Parks pass for 4th graders covers national parks and federal lands only. Local, city, and state parks are not included unless they specifically say they accept it.
