Are you ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of America’s national parks? The National Park Service (NPS) invites everyone to plan early for their 2025 park adventures. With six free entrance days and enriching programs like the Junior Ranger Program, it’s a great year to visit!
2025 Free Entrance Days
There are 63 official US National Parks, and hundreds of additional NPS units, which include national monuments, national battlefields, national historic sites, national lakeshores, national seashores, and national riverways. While most parks are free to enter all of the time, approximately 100 out of 430+ national parks and historical sites charge an entrance fee. On these days, visitors can explore all national parks and historical sites without entrance fees:
- January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- April 19: First Day of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4: Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day
- September 27: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
Junior Ranger Program
Engage kids in park exploration with the Junior Ranger Program, offering activity booklets and badges to inspire curiosity about nature, wildlife, and conservation. It’s a perfect family-friendly adventure!
Free Annual Pass for 4th Graders
Families with 4th graders can enjoy a free annual pass through the Every Kid Outdoors program. Encourage a love of the outdoors with this opportunity to visit parks nationwide!
Iconic National Parks to Visit
For inspiration, add these must-see parks to your bucket list:
- Yellowstone National Park (WY/MT/ID)
- Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN/NC)
- Yosemite National Park (CA)
- Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
- Zion National Park (UT)
- Acadia National Park (ME)
- Everglades National Park (FL)
- Glacier National Park (MT)
- Olympic National Park (WA)
Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Explore: Visit NPS.gov to find a park near you.
- Book Early: Some national parks require advanced reservations for camping, lodging, or timed entry. Research and book early to secure your spot, especially for popular parks.
- Pick the right activity for you: Review the possible activities, including ranger-led programs, scenic hikes, tours, and more. Planning allows you to maximize your experience while balancing active days with relaxation. Consider your experience and skill level when picking your activity.
- Pack Smart: Plan like a Park Ranger and pack essentials like water, appropriate clothing, and maps. You can download park maps for offline use from the NPS App so you can find your way even if there’s no Wi-Fi. Note that water might be hard to come by in some parks, so make sure you bring your own, especially if you’ll be outside for a while.
Mark your calendar and prepare for a year of unforgettable outdoor adventures in 2025. Visit NPS.gov for more information!
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
