Family vacations don’t have to cost thousands of dollars. Get creative this year and get back into nature. As you are planning your vacations for this year, don’t forget to look into the national parks; especially on the days that admission is free.
Free Admission Days
In honor of the National Parks Service turning 100 this year, they are offering numerous days in 2017 when admission to any national park is free to everyone. These days are:
- February 20 – Presidents Day
- April 15-16 and 22-23– National Park Week – (only the weekends are free)
- August 25 – The birthday of the National Park Service
- September 30 – National Public Lands Day
- November 11-12 – Veterans Day
National Parks Across United States
There are more than 400 national parks available across the United States. Of those, 120 normally charge an entrance fee. Some of those parks that charge an entrance fee and would offer free admission on those select days include:
- Grand Canyon Nation Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Yosemite National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado
- Everglades National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Cape Cod Nation Seashore
- Glacier National Park
- Zion National Park
With all these national parks, plus many more across the United States, there is sure to be some adventure waiting for you and your family to explore. Plus, with free admission you can save money.
What Free Admission Means
The free admission applies to entrance fees, commercial tour fees and transportation entrance fees. Other fees including camping, tours and concessions are not free unless indicated by the park. The entrances fees can range in price from $3 to $30.
There are also options to get free passes to the national parks, which include if:
- You are an active duty military
- You are a citizen with a permanent disability
- You are a fourth grade student and you participate in the Every Kid in a Park program
Annual Passes
If exploring the national parks sounds exciting to you, you can purchase an annual pass for $80. The annual pass is good for the entrance fee and standard amenity fees for up to four adults. Children under 15 are admitted free. This pass is available to anyone and can be bought in person at a federal recreation site or online. If you are planning numerous trips to national parks across the United States or the same park many different times, an annual pass might save money, depending on the entrance fee.
Start Exploring
Skip the lines, crowds and excess money usually spent on typical family vacations. This year save money while you explore the beautiful nature our country has to offer. Take advantage of the free admission fees offer at the National Parks and enjoy exploring.
