4th Grader FREE Annual NATIONAL PARKS PASS

I stumbled on this website in 2016. It was one of the best links I saved. When my son started 4th grade, we decided to let him make choices for our vacations or at least be part of where he wanted to go and take all of us on an excursion. On his list was camping, national parks and visiting some federal lands. Indirectly it gave him a chance to be part of the NPS Celebration of 100 years. President Barack Obama started this program in 2015 and it has been extended for the 2017-2018 school year. I am not sure how long this program will be around but I know its there till 2018!

He was so excited, intrigued at a Free pass and that exhilarating feeling that he would be instrumental in taking the entire family to one of his favorite parks for FREE !! So with a click of a button and an easy 3 questions on Every Kid in a Park, he got a print of his Free Pass that we recently utilized. Here are a few things to keep in mind for getting the pass.

1. This pass is ONLY for 4th graders. Home schooler equivalent and 10 years old.
2. You can visit National Parks, Federal Lands, Forests.
3. The paper print needs to be given to the ranger who will then exchange it for a plastic card. This is a great keepsake once the card is expired. 
4. The child needs to be with you in the car when exchanging. His/her signature or name will have to be written on the back of the card.
5. The child needs to be with you every time the card is used.
6. The child and the family is entitled to a FREE PASS for an ENTIRE YEAR!! 
7. It starts on September 1st 2017 and runs till August 31st 2018 of the 4th grade school year.
8. The Printed letter should be carried with you. If you lose it a fresh one will have to be printed. 
9. No electronic copies are allowed.
10. The card has a unique code so you cannot make copies and distribute it for others. 
11. Each child is encouraged to make his/her own.
12. Check the number of possibilites you can make use of with this card. 
13. There may be other exclusions, please check Every Kid in a park for more details.
14. Not all places on the list may accept the pass so you might want to call ahead just to make sure. Link HERE to check locations in your state.

Isn't this a great way to spend time with your kids and loved ones on an adventure? With so much going on in our lives, cell phone addiction, TV addiction and the social media that comes in between, this is a wonderful opportunity to get away for a few days and enjoy, learn about nature, breathe in some crisp fresh air, rejuvenate and come back whole hearted revived after a few days off from these worldly activities.

I believe, we would talk more with each other instead of being so engrossed with our heads lowered into our phones. A small life change in making sometime for ourselves with outdoor trips, make walking a necessity in life to be healthy and fit and to have a great relationship and rapport with people around us. Let us enjoy the natural surroundings that we so often tend to ignore.

If you like this post, please share it with your friends and family. It will surely make a difference in someones life and bring happiness and a Big Smile on your 4th Graders face. Please comment in the form below if you have utilized this Pass and do share your blog / or mention the place you visited with the Pass. I would love to read all about it.

BUT...

What if you don't have a 4th grader? There are fee free days allotted during the year. The only downside is the crowd that usually visit the park on that day/weekend. Free entrance days / week are available HERE.

So Long,

Savsmich