Celebrate National Park Week with FREE admission and FREE events in many of the 424 national parks in the USA.
National Park Week 2023 is April 22-30, and encourages all of us to discover something new about their national parks and monuments, from the Statue of Liberty in NYC to Yosemite in California.
With at least one in every state, national parks provide close-to-home opportunities to engage the senses and experience something different during each visit.
Every park has remarkable features and lesser-known gems so consider adding some new places to your bucket list and explore a path less taken.
National Park Week Special Events and Programs
Each day has a different theme and events.
Connections on Saturday, April 22
On this fee-free day, Earth Day, and Park Prescription Day, visit a national park and enjoy the mental, physical, and psychological benefits associated with spending time in nature.
It is also the last day of National Volunteer Week, providing opportunities for public participation in stewardship projects.
Discovery on Sunday, April 23
With at least one national park in every state, explore one new to you for a dose of inspiration, education or recreation. What has been your favorite discovery in a national park?
Accomplishment on Monday, April 24
Goals are reached and dreams are realized in national parks every day. Celebrate your accomplishments such as visiting a particular park or conquering a recreational activity.
Tradition on Tuesday, April 25
Generations of visitors have made lasting memories recreating responsibly in these treasured places.
- Do you have a favorite national park tradition?
Gratitude on Wednesday, April 26
Are you grateful for a national park that has special meaning to you?
Would you like to acknowledge a favorite traveling companion
- Since it is #Workforce Wednesday, a ranger or employee who has impacted your national park experience?
Ingenuity on Thursday, April 27
Ingenuity is on display every day in parks, including in construction marvels, transportation innovations, resource management, and educational programs. What park feature do you find most interesting?
Inspiration on Friday, April 28
The landscapes of national parks are continual sources of artistic inspiration.
- Do you have a favorite poem, photograph, or painting based on a national park?
Fun on Saturday, April 29
Celebrate National Junior Ranger Day with fun and educational family friendly activities and earn a badge.
- Do you have a family favorite humorous story related to a national park visit?
Love on Sunday, April 30
Have you made or celebrated a love connection, such as a first date, engagement, or wedding, in a national park? Which park do you love the most?
- Is there a friend, family member or pet who you love to take to parks?
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Share Your Experiences with #MyParkStory
The National Park Service invites you to share your experiences by creating #MyParkStory.
#MyParkStory began on a road trip when I was 19 years old,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “I’ve had a lifelong love and respect for the natural world, but it was during a weeklong journey with friends to national parks while serving in the U.S. Navy that I experienced the amazing assortment of national parks and the stories they share.
I encourage everyone to use National Park Week as a catalyst to find “#YourParkStory.”
Some examples of experiences to share –
Learn how hoodoos happen, anhinga amble, critters chat, and chollas jump.
Bike, bird, walk, paddle, picnic, garden, fly a kite, identify trees, journal, paint, make a lei, sketch, go on a scavenger hunt, Run Through History, or Read with a Ranger.
Kids can join family friendly activities and earn a badge.
For more information about National Park week, please visit NPS.gov/npweek.
About the National Park Service.
All photos courtesy National Park Service
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 20+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA) and is a former Board Member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
Copyright (C) Evelyn Kanter
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