This Grandma was surprised to learn that, upon reaching the age of 62, I was entitled to a lifetime senior pass to all the national parks for $10. If you do not already have a pass here is the link to more information.
To coincide with the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service in 2016, the National Park Service will give all fourth graders and their families free admission to national parks and other federal lands for a full year. It is called the Every Kid in a Park initiative and part of the presidential effect to get school children outdoors and active. It will start next fall, when school begins again for the 2015-2016 year.
Family admission to national parks usually costs $80 for an annual pass, but fourth graders and their families will be able to get a free pass that will give them admission to national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other federal public lands and waters, The cost of the free passes for fourth graders will come out of a $20 million National Park Service budget for youth engagement programs. With the help of the National Parks Foundation, the Park Service will also provide grants for free transportation for schools that need it, and educational materials for teachers.
We are going to have a fourth grader in the family next school year. You can expect that all the fourth graders in the family are going to be inundated with national park information. To find a park or forest, wildlife refuge or other federal public lands and waters near you.
There are several lists of the top ten national parks for children and families. Check them out and see which you find works for your family. Consider making it a multi-generational vacation. Pass these articles along to the members of the family.
Parents Magazine has its top ten out of the 59 national parks in “Call of the Wild: Parents’ 10 Best National Parks For Families”. Yellowstone is number one.
National Geographic has its top ten in “Best National Park Adventures for Kids”. Again, Yellowstone is number one.
USA Today has its picks in “10 great places for family vacations in national parks”. For the third time, Yellowstone is number one.
Travel Channel has a different pick for number one in “National Parks for Families”. You guessed it. Yellowstone was number two.
Yellowstone is this Grandma’s favorite national park. There were some concerns about safety for children. Check everything out carefully. But, one thing is for sure. Everything is going to sell out quickly, especially for occupancy inside the parks themselves, which are the prime places to stay.
2015-2016 school year is the year to visit a national park if you have a fourth grader. Get a head start. Start planning one or more trips to a national park now.
Joy,
Mema
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