20 Things to Do in 2020 in National Parks

A new decade is a fresh start to form new habits, take on new challenges, and have new experiences. We’ve compiled a checklist to set the tone for 2020 – one filled with history, culture, nature, and adventure.  

New Decade, Who Dis?

When you complete an item on this list, we want to hear about it! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin. Tag us and use #FindYourPark / #EncuentraTuParque in your post on social media.

1. Take the Find Your Park Quiz with a friend and make plans to visit your favorite result. 

2. Roll up your sleeves and volunteer in a national park. 

3. Tune in to the relaxing sounds of the parks with ParkTracks – online or at one of our tour stops in 2020. 

4. Start a Facebook Fundraiser benefiting the National Park Foundation in honor of your birthday.  

A visitor takes a picture with a park ranger at Lassen Volcanic National Park

NPS Photo

5. Take a safe selfie with a National Park Service employee and share it on social media (with their permission to post, of course). 

6. Subscribe to GoParks to receive the latest NPF news, information on how you can support our national treasures, and travel ideas for your next trip to the parks. 

7. See a different kind of park below earth’s crust. Spelunking and caving add just one more way to explore some of the unique places preserved within the National Park System.  

Ranger Murray dressed as a Buffalo Soldier, Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument

NPS Photo

8. Embark on your own #FindYourPark / #EncuentraTuParque journey by attending an event or activity at your local national park and immerse yourself in the many National Park Service sites that honor and preserve African American heritage. 

9. Make a national park-inspired playlist for your next adventure and share it on Spotify. Here’s some inspiration to get you started. 

10. Take the young person in your life to a national park to help foster a connection with nature, love of parks, and lifelong memories. Teach them the Leave No Trace Seven Principles. 

Camping at Dinosaur National Monument

NPS Photo / Jacob W. Frank

11. Get inspired, pack your tent, and take a sustained retreat in nature.

12. Take a hike! There are more than 18,000 miles of trails all across the United States – some are closer to you than you think. 

13. Visit a volcano – of the 169 active volcanoes existing in the United States today, many can be found within the boundaries of our national parks. 

Fishing on the Firehole River at Yellowstone National Park

NPS Photo / Jim Peaco

14. Disconnect from your phone and go fish in a national park. Learn more about what you’ll need and where to go. 

15. Encourage others to visit your favorite local national park. Share your photo and some details about your trip on our Share Your Park gallery. 

Visitors paddling at New River Gorge National River

NPS Photo / Gary Hartley

16. Go with the flow and paddle through a national park. 

17. Visit any of the more than 400 national parks on a fee free day. 

18. Research a nearby lesser-known park, make a plan to go there, follow through, and share pictures on social media using #FindYourPark / #EncuentraTuParque. 

Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument

NPS Photo

19. Follow the race to ratification and learn about women in our national parks.  

20. Dine outdoors! Plan ahead, pack a picnic lunch, head to a park, and eat al fresco. 

For more adventure inspiration, download our exclusive National Park Owner's Guides and get travel tips, planning ideas, and more at the NPF Blog to connect with the parks you love.  

Adventure is out there!