Free National Parks on Earth Day

Visiting the Grand Canyon National Park last year turned out to be one of those perfect days! It all started at the entrance gate. Imagine our surprise when we were told it was a free day in celebration of Earth Day.

For families on a budget, this can be a good time to take that outdoor adventure trip. National Park Week is celebrated every spring in late April. Although, the dates change from year to year, the week is focused around Earth Day, an international event that takes place on April 22, every year.

Many of the almost 400 US National Parks may be enjoyed free all year, but all the ones that charge an entrance fee are free, all week long, on National Park Week, and several other days, throughout the year.

One of the best things about exploring the National Parks is physical activity. With this in mind, a variety of special programs may be found at most of the National Parks, especially on Earth Day.

Guided hikes, educational talks, wildlife viewing, bird watching and many other activities for adults and children will be found at the parks to celebrate Earth Day awareness of the treasured natural environment.

To make the parks more meaningful and challenging, sign up children for the Junior Ranger Program. Rangers have their own special Junior Ranger's Day, during National Park Week, each year.

Free to join, junior explorers receive an activity booklet and are awarded stickers, badges and pins for completing various tasks at the many National Parks. This is a great way to engage children in physical outdoor activity, while teaching them to respect wildlife, plants and history.

All these National Parks are being preserved for everyone to explore. Enjoy and appreciate your beautiful natural landscape this Earth Day with friends and family.