Every Kid Outdoors — formerly called Every Kid in a Park — is a program run by the United States National Park Service giving every fourth grader in the country free admission to America’s national parks. The program was created by President Barack Obama in 2015 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and it was renamed and reauthorized in 2019.
All kids in the fourth grade have access to their own Every Kid Outdoors pass at everykidoutdoors.gov. Every Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, this pass provides free access to national parks across the country for fourth graders and family members. The pass means free entrance for all children under 16 and up to three adults in the same vehicle. Educators can also request passes for their fourth-grade students.
The pass does not cover parking fees, camping, boating, special tours or some sites that are managed by private operators. Because the pandemic upended travel in 2020, current fifth graders are still eligible this year only to use the pass through Aug. 31, 2021. Find details at nps.gov or everykidoutdoors.gov