Did you know your 4th grader holds the key to an entire year of free adventures at hundreds of national parks, forests, monuments, and more across the United States?
Thanks to the Every Kid Outdoors program, all 4th grade students – along with their families – can enjoy free admission to federal public lands and waters for a full year!
What Is Every Kid Outdoors?
Every Kid Outdoors is a federal program designed to connect children and their families to nature and history. By providing free access to our nation’s most beautiful and iconic places, the program encourages exploration, learning, and outdoor fun.
This includes access to:
- National Parks (like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon)
- National Forests
- National Wildlife Refuges
- Bureau of Land Management lands
Who Qualifies?
All U.S. 4th grade students — whether they attend public, private, charter, or home schools — are eligible for the Every Kid Outdoors pass. The pass is valid for the 25 - 26 school year, from September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026.
And here’s the best part: the pass covers entry for the entire family traveling with the 4th grader, including siblings under 16 and up to three accompanying adults!
How to Get Your Free Pass
It’s easy and takes just a few minutes!
- Visit https://everykidoutdoors.gov
- Have your 4th grader complete a short virtual "diary entry"
- Download and print the personalized paper pass
🛑 Note: You’ll need to bring the printed pass with you (digital versions on phones are not accepted), and some sites may require you to exchange it for a more durable card.
See the full list of rules here. We encourage you to read through the rules to ensure you have the best trip possible with no (bad) surprises!
Why Take Advantage?
- Affordable family fun: Save on entrance fees while creating unforgettable memories.
- Hands-on learning: Let your child’s classroom learning come to life with real-world experiences in nature, history, and science.
- Healthy living: Encourage screen-free time, fresh air, and physical activity.
- Optimal age: Research shows that kids ages 9 to 11 are beginning to learn about the world around them. They are curious and want to soak in new knowledge!
Plan Your Adventure
Whether you're visiting a nearby historic site for an afternoon or planning a full vacation to a national park, this is the perfect time to explore. Popular destinations fill up fast, so check for reservation requirements at nps.gov or the site’s individual webpage.
We have 11 National Parks right here in Florida, so you don't have to travel too far to take advantage of your pass.
National Parks in Florida
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- Biscayne National Park
- Canaveral National Seashore
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- De Soto National Memorial
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Fort Caroline National Memorial
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Timucauan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Click here to find National Parks in any state or region and start planning your adventure!
Your child only gets to be in 4th grade once — don’t miss out on this golden opportunity to explore, learn, and make memories together as a family. The Every Kid Outdoors pass is more than just free entry — it’s an open door to discovery, curiosity, and connection with the incredible landscapes and stories that define America.
Start your adventure today at https://everykidoutdoors.gov and let the exploring begin!
👉 Share the news! Know another family with a 4th grader? Share this article so they can get a pass, too!
