400—that’s the number of national park sites in the United States—and if you have a kid in fourth grade, you can see them all for FREE (yup, you read that right). Through Every Kid Outdoors, a national-funded government initiative, your fourth grader and their guests (hi mom and dad) can get a free pass to explore all of America’s federal lands and waters spanning millions of acres. Whether it’s Acadia in Maine, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, or Hawaii’s Volcanos, the sky’s the limit to where your family can go and do. Read on for how to use it locally and nationally, and start planning that summer vacation now. (featured photo credit: istock/ Tom Mendola)
Fourth Graders Can Visit National Parks For Free
How being in nature helps kids learn
If you’ve got kids ages 9-11, then here’s a fact that you might not know: These tweens are in a unique developmental stage where they begin to understand how the world around them works in more concrete ways. What this means is they are more receptive to new ideas and most likely curious about nature and the environment. That’s why Every Kid Outdoors is a great opportunity—your family can enjoy these federal lands and waters during this crucial stage of learning. The ultimate reward? Inspiring stewardship of these outdoor spaces for future generations.
Ready to plan?
Though you might want to plan a spring break or summer vacation around one of the bigger parks around the country, you can start using it now. We found four home-grown NJ destinations that accept Every Kid Outdoor passes, so you don’t have to travel far. And when you do hit the road, following park etiquette, like picking up litter and being mindful of animals or habitats, will teach your kids how to respect and preserve the parks so their kids and grandkids can someday enjoy it too.
Here are 4 awesome NJ parks you can go to now
Morristown National Historical Park
Despite limited resources, Morristown served as quarters for the Continental Army on two occasions—the winter of 1777 and again during the Hard Winter of 1779. Follow the army and George Washington’s trail through the park via the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National History Trail.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
Paterson Great Falls, America’s first planned industrial city, offers historic mills, tours, and stories of Alexander Hamilton.
New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve
This is truly a special place—it’s classified as a United States Biosphere Reserve and, in 1978, was established by Congress as the country’s first National Reserve. It includes portions of seven southern New Jersey counties and encompasses over one million acres of farms, forests, and wetlands.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park (The park is closed from January 1, 2025-March 9, 2025).
Thomas Edison National Historical Park features America’s greatest inventor’s home and laboratory in its original condition.
