Do you know the beauty that U.S. National Parks hold? However, each visit requires an entrance fee. But fear not, as today I bring you a golden tip: how to obtain an annual pass to U.S. National Parks for free!
Is Free Entry to U.S. National Parks Possible?
Yes, it is possible! Do you have a fourth-grade child?
You might be skeptical, thinking, “Can I really visit U.S. National Parks for free?” Yes, you can! There’s a way to obtain an annual pass to U.S. National Parks for free. This pass allows you to enjoy various natural landscapes throughout the U.S., including national forests, monuments, and more, free of charge.
How to Apply for the U.S. National Parks Annual Pass
How do you apply for the U.S. National Parks annual pass? Let’s skip purchasing the annual pass for $80. In the U.S., certain conditions qualify you for a free annual pass to U.S. National Parks.
For example, military personnel and their families, individuals with disabilities, U.S. National Park volunteers, and fourth-grade elementary school students are eligible. Let’s delve into the benefit that many Koreans may qualify for: the fourth-grade elementary school student benefit.
U.S. National Parks Annual Pass Application Site
- Go to the Every Kid Outdoors website.
- Click “Get your pass” and select fourth grade.
- Click through “Start your adventure.”
- Enter your zip code.
- Print out the paper.
- You can either keep it as a paper pass or convert it to a physical card.
Fourth-grade students in the U.S. are embarking on their history studies, and the U.S. government kindly provides them with the opportunity for free visits to U.S. National Parks.
The “Every Kid Outdoors” program currently provides this benefit to fourth-grade students from the 2023 to 2024 academic years. This pass is valid until August 31, 2024, allowing students to visit national parks with their families and friends for free. Since it’s renewed annually, it’s best to apply by September 1st.
Using the U.S. National Parks Annual Pass
Even paper passes are okay.
Once you apply, the paper U.S. National Parks annual pass cannot be transferred to others. If lost, you’ll need to request a new pass through the website.
Have you decided where to go?
Using the pass is quite simple. Just show it to the ranger at the park entrance. If there’s no ranger, place the pass on the vehicle dashboard.
If you’re curious about U.S. wildlife, check out the website operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
For more leisure activities, I recommend exploring tips on the website operated by the U.S. government.
Additionally, there’s a user-friendly website operated by the U.S. government for other parks.
The U.S. National Parks annual pass typically exempts vehicle entrance fees for up to three adults accompanying children under 16. It’s also valid for up to three adults when visiting by bicycle.
How to enjoy U.S. National parks
It’s important to check the website before visiting. Paper passes can be exchanged for plastic cards at the site.
To fully enjoy U.S. National Parks, essential items include water, snacks, shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, gloves, insect repellent, and downloading Google Maps.
The free pass for U.S. National Parks provides not only a means to save money but also an opportunity to deeply experience the great outdoors of the U.S. I recommend using the tips provided here to embark on adventures in U.S. National Parks.
Many aspire to visit iconic parks like Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and more. For those with fourth-grade children, it’s time to take on the challenge!
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