Last Updated on January 1, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh
Visiting our National Parks is a treasure and there’s always a good reason to visit, but throughout the year guests can get into the parks with no admission fee! The park admission fees are waived for visitors on these special calendar days. The blend of natural beauty, adventure, and a sense of connection to the land, makes every NPS trip special. Here are the 2025 FREE National Park Days to put on your calendar and plan trips around.
Did you know that only 110 of the 424 National Park Service sites charge an admission fee? Always check to see if the NPS site you’re visiting charges a fee or not. The National Park Service waives entrance fees for five days during the year.
If you want to save some cash, plan your National Park visit around these five day! Our family’s favorite National Park sites we’ve been to so far include Cape Lookout National Seashore and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
2025 Free National Park Days When Admission Fees Are Waived
Vacationing at a National Park naturally saves you some money. Once you’re in the park, many of the recreational activities are free. Hiking, birding, geo-caching, snorkeling, and swimming are just a few of the National Park activities our family enjoys. Plus, don’t forget about the Junior Ranger program for kids!
Free National Park entrance days for 2025 are:
- January 20: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- April 19: First day of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth
- August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- September 27: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
Of course, there are a few caveats. The entrance fee waiver for entrance fee-free days does not cover amenities or user fees for activities such as lodging, camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.
How To Save Money Beyond Free National Park Days
If you want to visit a National Park outside Free National Park Days, I recommend buying a National Park Annual Pass. These Federal Recreational Lands Pass get you into any of the 424 National Park Service Sites and work at over 2,000 recreation sites that charge a daily park admission fee. It’s a must if you’re planning several National Park visits throughout the year. The park pass covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
There’s also the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass for $80USD. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Additionally, along with the America the Beautiful Pass, there are four other passes are available to qualified visitors:
- Senior Annual Pass for US Citizens and permanent residents 62+ years old
- Senior Lifetime pass for US Citizens and permanent residents 62+ years old
- Military Annual Pass for current US Military and dependants
- Military Lifetime Pass for Gold Star Family Members and Veterans
- Access Pass for US citizens and permanent residents with permanent disability
- 4th Grade Pass for US 4th Graders
- Volunteer Pass for Federal recreation site volunteers with 250 hours of service.
These passes cover the entrance fees and standard amenity fees (day-use fees) at lands managed by NPS, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Land Management/Reclamation.
Our family takes advantage of the 4th Grade Pass for our children. Combine the 2025 Free National Park Days for the rest of the family and your 4th grader is already covered through their pass. It’s an easy way to stretch the system and make it work in your family’s favor.
Use a Printable National Parks Checklist to start planning your visits for the year! Keep track of the NPS sites you’ve visited as a family and which ones you still need to see.
5 Best Free Things To Do In U.S. National Parks With Kids
Now that you’ve marked the calendar for the 2025 Free National Park Days, plan to take advantage of even more free things to do in the parks. There are a lot of recreational activities to do, depending on which park you’re visiting, but there are some activities that kids just love.
Instilling a love for our National Park at a young age is so special. The key is to embrace the opportunities to explore, learn, and create lasting memories together in the great outdoors!
1. Junior Ranger Program
Almost all national parks offer a Junior Ranger Program for children. These programs typically involve a series of activities like completing a booklet, going on hikes, or learning about the park’s wildlife, history, and geology. Once they complete the activities, kids can take an oath and receive a badge or certificate. It’s both fun and educational!
2. Picnicking
A family picnic in a beautiful national park setting is a simple yet enjoyable way to spend the day. Many parks have designated picnic areas with tables, grills, and access to trails or scenic views. Kids can enjoy playing in nature after a meal, making it a great way to relax while surrounded by natural beauty.
3. Ranger-led Programs and Talks
Many national parks offer free ranger-led programs, which are fantastic for families. These can include guided nature walks, talks about local history, or interactive activities. Check the park’s visitor center or website for scheduled programs, and make sure to participate if your kids are interested in learning more from a knowledgeable park ranger.
4. Geocaching
Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunt where participants use GPS to find hidden “caches” left by others. Many national parks have official geocaching programs, and it’s a fun and exciting way for kids to explore the park while learning about navigation and the environment.
5. Star Gazing
Many national parks are designated as Dark Sky Parks, where light pollution is minimal. On a clear night, the stars put on a show. Stargazing is free, and it’s a magical experience for kids to look up and see the Milky Way, planets, and constellations. Some parks even host free stargazing programs, where rangers provide telescopes and guide visitors through the night sky.