National Park Week

Get to Know Your National Parks

Each spring, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, invite everyone to celebrate National Park Week. This year, from April 20 – 28, YOU are invited to get to know your national parks. 

Did you know…America’s national parks include more than:

• 84 million acres of spectacular scenery, historic landmarks and cultural treasures
• 17,000 miles of trails
• 43,000 miles of shoreline
• 27,000 historic and prehistoric structures
• 100 million museum items
• 12,000 campsites

Join us for National Park Week and hike, learn, share, and give back in the nation’s 401 national parks!

Get a Free Pass to the Parks

Did you know…that from Monday, April 22 – Friday, April 26, the national parks waive all entrance fees?  So, whether it is your first trip, or the latest of many memorable park experiences, there couldn’t be a better time to get out and explore!

Together, we are owners, protectors and lovers of this land. Whether you are visiting, volunteering or interested in sharing your experience with the world, below you will find all the resources you need to make your National Park Week trip a memorable one.

Visit a National Park

Did you know…that with 401 parks coast-to-coast, every American is less than 100 miles from a national park experience? National Park Week is the perfect opportunity to explore and enjoy these amazing places — so check the calendar of events, lace up your boots, pack your bag and set out on a national park adventure uniquely your own!

Did you know…that last year, more than 800,000 children became Junior Rangers? Parks across the country will offer kid-friendly programs on National Junior Ranger Day – Saturday, April 20!

Support Your Parks

Did you know…that all of America’s parks belong to YOU?  Take this opportunity to learn how you can take an active role in preserving these special places. Help us pass along our country’s rich history and beautiful landscapes to the next generation.

Did you know…because of your support, last year NPF programs helped bring thousands of students, first-time visitors and families to the national parks? Here is just a glimpse of what you helped accomplish:

• America's Best Idea engaged more than 7,400 participants – many first time national park visitors – in learning about natural, cultural, and historical resources, exercising, developing career interests, and sharing the story of national parks with their peers.
• Active Trails brought more than 3,000 park visitors out to events to help build or improve 80 miles of land and water trails as well as to discover and explore new parts of the park via foot, bicycle, and kayak.
• Ticket to Ride funded transportation for 30,000 students to visit their local national park. Rangers interacted with the classes before and after their field trips to instill awe and wonder in learning about the park and the rich resources within its boundaries.

Did you know…that last year, more than 257,000 people volunteered in a national park? Join the fun and become a National Park Service VIP.