How to Take Advantage of the Fourth-Grade National Parks Pass
When I was a kid, we lived in middle-of-nowhere Wyoming. My parents owned a camper and took us on multiple trips to America’s National Parks. I have wanted to take my own kiddo as well as explore parks I haven’t seen. What better time than fourth grade, when our family can use the Every Kid Outdoors pass!
Read my post about taking my 4th-grader to Grand Canyon National Park
History of the Fourth Grade Pass
The pass was first introduced under President Obama in 2015 as the Every Kid in a Park Initiative. According to this news release, the initiative called “on each of our agencies to help get all children to visit and enjoy the outdoors and inspire a new generation of Americans to experience their country’s unrivaled public lands and waters.” The NPS already had a lot of elementary programming in place and kids 8-10 were deemed the perfect age group (I would agree). There has been bipartisan support for the program since its inception, largely because of the potential to increase civic engagement.
We have been watching the Ken Burns series “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” to learn more about the origins and development of the parks.
What is the Fourth Grade Pass?
This really is a pass that allows every 4th-grader in the U.S. and their families entrance to National Parks for FREE for a year. Simply go to the website, fill in the info, and print the pass. The first time you visit a park, take the paper to an entrance station. The kiddo gets an official badge after that. The pass is valid from September to August (think school year).
Read my post about taking my 4th grader to Petrified Forest. #FindYourPark
Is it only for outdoorsy people?
No!
I’ll be honest: I do not like camping. I love s’mores and being in beautiful places, but I’d rather sleep in a climate-controlled dwelling and be near a coffee shop at all times. I have vertigo and my husband has asthma, so we’re not exactly great candidates for long, mountainous hikes.
The great thing about the National Park system is the variety. Some are giant, some are small. You can spend as little or as much time as you want inside them. You do not need to own a lot of complicated gear or have a deep knowledge of wildlife and terrain.
You just need a 4th grader and a curious spirit.
Read my post about taking my 4th-grader to Joshua Tree National Park
Junior Ranger
The NPS rangers treat fourth graders like celebrities. My kiddo loves to roll her window down at the entrance stations and flash her pass. She has been cheered, high-fived, and congratulated multiple times. It’s also been a fun thing to chat with people we meet inside the parks. They are always curious to learn more about the program and ask her where she’s been.
The Junior Ranger program is not limited to fourth-graders but it does go along really well with the pass. Ask for a free junior ranger book at visitor centers in parks, make sure your kiddo completes it during the visit, then find a ranger counter to discuss what they have learned and collect their badge.
Read my post about taking my 4th-grader to Saguaro National Park
Other Tips
If you sign up as a member of a park conservancy, you get a 10% discount in National Park shops. Because my kiddo elected to collect pins at every park and we buy things like birthday gifts for family at the shops, the membership will pay for itself over the year. And it supports the parks!
Don’t live near a park? Intimidated to try it on your own? Link up with other 4th-grade families to plan and visit. Ask your school to plan a field trip. Check out the NPS Education Portal. Share your resources and knowledge!
The Fourth Grade Pass is a gift and I’m so thankful we are getting to use it!
