National Parks Free for 4th Graders!
Attention all 4th graders! This is your year to visit the National Parks … for free!
It’s part of the U.S. government’s effort to get kids outside and into some of the amazing national parks across the country.
So, with the help of a parent, teacher or adult caregiver, check it out and download your free National Parks pass. You can learn more and redeem your pass at EveryKidInAPark.gov .
Which of the 58 national parks and other sites to choose from?
You can learn more here: National Geographic’s easy overall guide . And here: National Park Service .
The idea is that these amazing public lands belong to all of us and are like living classrooms.
And there’s something for everyone between wildlife , forests , coral reefs , sand dunes , mountains , glaciers , caves , arches , volcanoes and history — all in our country! And that’s just a glimpse.
Sequoia National Park in California has the largest single living tree in the world, called General Sherman.
The highest point in North America is Denali (formerly known as Mt. McKinley, President Obama recently renamed it). It’s in Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska and is 20, 237 feet tall!
California and Alaska are the states with the most national parks – both have eight each.
Two national parks are above the Arctic Circle ( this one and this one ) … and one below the equator !
The most famous national park is probably the Grand Canyon in Arizona. But the most visited one is Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.
Yellowstone was the first national park, designated as one in 1872. After more parks were added, the National Parks system was created in 1916.
It’s been called “America’s best idea.” The nearly 70 million visitors to the parks last year might agree!
Here is President Obama’s announcement about it earlier this year:
Documentary film maker Ken Burns made a documentary about the National Parks as well.
And here are some educational resources about the National Parks from the National Parks Education and Outreach section of their website. And a great guide about Yosemite from LiveOnceLiveWild.com.
Hopefully there’s a park near you. And it might be fun even if you’re not in 4th grade 🙂
Which park would you want to visit?
Dear Claudia,
I came back to the site today to look up the archives for Felix Baumgartner and the Verruckt water coaster and I found the new article! I am jumping for joy right now!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I’m jumping for joy for your nice comment!Thank you! I am back to posting twice a week. Thank you for your encouragement 🙂