Free Entry to Every National Park Is Coming This Weekend

National Park Week is just days away and it’s a great excuse to go outside and explore many of the nation's scenic parks. More than 400 national parks across the country are joining in the celebration, from lakeshores and rivers to monuments and desert spaces. To commence National Park week, entrance fees will be waived on April 19.

To make the kickoff even more exciting, April 19 isn’t just a fee-free day—it’s also Junior Ranger Day. This special event is all about encouraging kids to explore, learn about nature, and get involved in protecting our national parks. Across the country, many parks will be hosting fun, family-friendly activities like scavenger hunts, educational games, ranger-led talks, and hands-on programs designed especially for younger visitors. It’s a great opportunity for kids to earn their Junior Ranger badges while connecting with the natural world in a memorable way.

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National Park Week is an ideal way to explore the nation's desert parks before the changing temperatures. However, with minimal staffing on hand, it's best to arrive prepared if you want to hike at Utah's Canyonlands National Park or California's Joshua Tree National Park, just to name a few. 

Be sure to check the NPS calendar for more events and celebrations happening throughout the week.