Are you looking for an incredible, no-cost way to connect your 4th grader—and the whole family—with America’s breathtaking public lands? This week’s Friday Fav is the Every Kid Outdoors program, made possible through the U.S. federal government. You can explore more at the official site: Every Kid Outdoors.
🌿 What’s Every Kid Outdoors All About?
Every Kid Outdoors is a federal initiative that provides free access to national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, and more for fourth graders and their families.
✅ Who’s Eligible?
- All U.S. 4th graders, including home‑schooled or other learners who are 10 years old.
- You’ll get a paper voucher via the website (digital versions aren’t accepted in lieu of a printed pass).
⏳ How Long Is It Valid?
- The pass is valid for the duration of the 4th-grade school year and the following summer—typically September 1 through August 31.
🏞️ What’s Covered?
- Free admission for the 4th grader, all children under 16, and up to three accompanying adults at participating federally managed sites.
- If a park charges per vehicle, the entire carload is covered.
- Note: Special amenity fees (such as camping, boat tours, or guided experiences) may not be included.
📍 Participating Agencies Include:
- National Park Service
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- USDA Forest Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- Bureau of Reclamation
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
🛠️ How to Get Started
- Visit the Every Kid Outdoors website
- Complete a short educational online activity on the site
- Download and print your personalized voucher
- Bring the voucher to a federal recreation site to exchange it for a durable Interagency Annual 4th Grade Pass, or use the voucher alone at sites with unstaffed entrances
💡 Why It Matters
- Encourages outdoor discovery at a pivotal learning age—9–11 years old, when children are especially curious and starting to make real-world connections.
- Promotes family bonding, physical activity, and hands-on learning in natural or historical sites.
- Makes exploration budget-friendly—saving families the typical entry fees at over 2,000 federal sites.
🧳 Trip Planning & Tips
- Explore the interactive “Plan a Trip” section on the site to find nearby parks or plan a longer getaway.
- Reach out in advance to the specific site you plan to visit to confirm how the pass is honored and whether extra fees may apply (e.g. camping, tram rides, rentals).
- Print multiple copies of the voucher, especially if your family plans multiple trips.
📋 Quick Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible | U.S. 4th graders (age ~10), including home‑schooled kids |
| Cost | Free, including entrance for the student, kids under 16, and up to 3 adults |
| Valid | One school year plus summer (typically Sept 1 – Aug 31) |
| Access | Over 2,000 federal lands: parks, refuges, forests, and more |
| What’s not included | Camping, boat rentals, tours, or private/state park fees |
| How to get it | Visit the Every Kid Outdoors site, complete activity, print voucher, exchange at site |
Whether your fourth grader is curious about waterfalls, wildlife, historic landmarks, or star-gazing from a desert plain, Every Kid Outdoors is a terrific way to kickstart summer adventures—or enrich the school year with outdoor learning.
Happy trails—and happy memories—with your favorite 4th grader!
