Why a National Park Vacation is Budget-Friendly
National parks offer an amazing value since most NPS sites charge by the vehicle and not by the person, like typical attractions. Of the 425 National Park Service sites across the U.S., only about 100 sites charge admission ($3 to $35). Some of the iconic parks, like Olympic National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, are free to enter year-round. The National Park Service charges reasonable fees for its parks. A week in Grand Canyon National Park is $35 for seven days. For even more value, you can camp in one of the park’s campgrounds. Most camping sites cost less than $30 a night, and even a package of hot dogs and gourmet marshmallows are a bargain when toasted over a campfire. It’s a getaway your family will remember for years. Note: Fee-free days do not include user fees like camping, boat launches, shuttle buses, ferry rides, parking fees and tour fees.Yellowstone National Park Guide
National Park Service Passes
If you are traveling to several national parks during a road trip or over the course of the year, a National Park Pass might be for you. I have bought the America the Beautiful Pass for years. An annual pass that is good for 12 months, including the month purchased.
All visitors can purchase the pass, including international visitors. With the larger parks charging $35 for a 7-pass, the savings can add up with three park visits.
For families, the Every Kid Outdoors Pass is just for U.S. students in Fourth Grade. Students can head to the official EveryKidsOutdoors.gov and answer a few questions to be eligible for the free pass. Parents or guardians can print out the digital paper pass to exchange for a physical card on their next National Park trip.
There are also passes for certain groups, such as U.S. Military members, seniors and NPS volunteers eligible for a free pass.
Grand Canyon National Park Guide
History of the National Park Service
The idea of a national park is an American innovation that the world has adopted. In 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the first area to be set aside for its protection, preserving it for future generations. On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service to govern the 35 national parks in the U.S. at the time. Since then, the National Park Service has blossomed into 421 National Park Service sites. Find the large national parks, national historical parks, national monuments, national recreation areas, national battlefields and national seashores in every U.S. State. Some parks feature vast, iconic scenery like Glacier National Park in Montana. Others are recognized for their historical significance like San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas or San Juan Island National Historical Park in Washington.What to Do in a National Park
The Park Ranger hosts free programming in the national parks. Ranger Programs are usually free and educational or experiential in nature. Visitors will find different programs available and usually focus on the special features of the park. During my visit in the parks, I’ve joined guided walks, attended night sky programs and even done historic building tours. There is general programming for adults. Then kids have their own programs. The NPS also offers special activities just for dogs visiting the parks as well.Ranger Programs
When you enter the park, stop by the Visitor Center. Along with maps, interpretive displays and current information on hiking, the Visitor Center provides the availability of Ranger Programs. Presented by Park Rangers, the free programs highlight the unique features of a National Park Service site. Some National Park Service sites offer special summer ranger programs especially for kids, Junior Ranger Programs.
Junior Ranger Program
Did you know that your kids could earn a Junior Ranger Badge or Patch at most National Park Service Sites for FREE? Some parks charge $3 for the program booklet, though these parks usually hand out patches. Junior Rangers are junior park rangers. Kids from 5 to 13 can join the ranks as they explore, learn and protect the U.S. National Parks. Most parks, over 200 national park sites in all, hand out free booklets specially designed for each park. Kids complete educational exercises in their booklet as they experience the national park in a kid-friendly way. Junior Ranger booklets are available at the park site’s visitor center, usually from the information desk. As you explore the park, the Junior Ranger booklet will point out the park’s highlights. With activities like mazes, matching, and word searches, my kids complete the majority of the booklet on their own. After completing the required activities, the kids turn in their booklets to the Park Ranger on duty at the Visitor Center. Then, Park Rangers will go over each booklet and discuss important biological or geological features or the history of the park. Finally, kids raise their hands to recite the Junior Ranger Oath, promising to explore, learn, and protect the National Parks. Kids are encouraged to tell their friends at home about their experiences. As a memento of their visit, each kid receives a free collectible badge or patch, depending on the park.Guide to Junior Ranger Badges
BARK Program
The National Park Service welcomes pets at some of its parks. Humans and pets need to practice the principles of the BARK program. For more information, you can also visit for visiting with pets page on the park’s webpage.
B–Bag waste and dispose of it in the trash
A–Always leash your dog for their safety and others
R–Respect wildlife
K–Know where you can go
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