Every Kid Outdoors is a program that allows all fourth graders and their families free access, all year, to all national parks, lands and waters.
The goal of the Every Kid in a Park program is to inspire fourth graders to visit our federal lands and waters. By targeting fourth graders every year, the program works to give every child in the United States a chance to explore their federal lands and waters by the time he or she is 11 years old.
Fourth graders can visit everykidoutdoors.gov/fourth_graders, complete an online activity, and download a personalized pass for print and unlimited use at federal lands and waters locations for one year. The current pass period expires on August 31, 2025.
Official rules
- The pass is for U.S. fourth-grade (or home-school equivalent) students.
- The pass is for the 2024 to 2025 school year. It expires August 31, 2025.
- Students can’t transfer the pass to anyone else.
- Electronic versions of this paper are not accepted.
- No refunds are given for previously purchased passes, or if you forget your pass when you visit.
- If you lose your pass, get a new one by visiting the website and signing up again.
- Educators can get one paper pass for each of their fourth-grade students.
- This program only provides passes for fourth graders.
How it works
- Show your pass to a ranger when you enter. If there is no ranger, leave it on the dashboard of your car.
- If you visit a site that charges entrance fees per person— The pass admits all children under 16 and up to three adults for free.
- If your group visits a site that charges vehicle entrance fees – The pass admits all children under 16 and all adults in up to one passenger vehicle. Commercial vehicles can’t use a pass to get in.
- If you arrive at a site on bicycle— The pass admits all children under 16 and up to three adults on bicycles.
- The pass doesn’t cover things like parking fees, camping, boats, and special tours. Also, some sites are managed by private operators. They may not honor the pass. Check with the site ahead of time to find out.
- The pass doesn’t cover fees for local, city, or state parks and recreation areas unless they say that they accept this pass.
- Paper passes can be exchanged for plastic passes at certain sites.
Info for teachers
The program is also aimed at teachers of fourth graders, who can get passes for their students for field trips, as well as educational information.
If you’re a teacher of fourth-graders, or a scout leader or community leader who works with fourth graders, visit everykidoutdoors.gov/educators.htm the site to learn how to get passes for your students.
