National Park Week 2026 – How To Celebrate It?
Close your eyes and envision the crisp breeze brushing against your face, the gentle touch of nature on your skin, and the delightful fragrance of blooming flowers. Nothing quite rivals the healing power bestowed by Mother Nature. And the best part? You can revel in her magnificence every April, for FREE!
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What Is National Park Week?
National Park Week made its debut in 1991, marking the National Park Service’s 75th anniversary. Since then, this tradition has endured, with national parks, programs, and partners nationwide partaking in a week brimming with activities and events.
To find a park close to you, or one far away from you, check this resource page for details.
https://www.nps.gov/findapark/advanced-search.htm
National Park Week. April 19 – 27, 2025. The United States has a total of 63 national parks, with New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia being the latest one to be designated. In total, the national park system comprises 433 sites, which encompass memorials, national historic landmarks, heritage areas, and more.
It is a special time in the United States dedicated to celebrating and appreciating the beauty and significance of our national parks! It usually takes place in April and lasts for a week, offering a fantastic opportunity for everyone to explore these natural treasures.
Free Admission
Many national parks offer free admission during this week, making it easier for everyone to visit and enjoy the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and recreational activities.
This week is a fantastic opportunity for all nature lovers, as many national parks are offering free admission. It’s the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the great outdoors.
Picture yourself wandering through stunning landscapes, where majestic mountains meet lush forests, and vibrant wildlife roams freely. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, enjoying a peaceful picnic, or simply taking in the serene surroundings, the experience is truly rejuvenating. So grab your family and friends, and embrace the adventure of exploring these natural wonders without the usual cost!
Special Events
Parks often host a variety of events, including guided hikes, educational programs, and family-friendly activities. These events help visitors learn more about the parks’ ecosystems, history, and conservation efforts.
Promoting Conservation
National Park Week emphasizes the importance of protecting these natural spaces for future generations. It encourages people to connect with nature and understand the role they play in conservation.
Why It Matters
National Park Week is not just about enjoying the outdoors; it’s about fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and the environment. It reminds us of the beauty that surrounds us and the importance of preserving it. So, whether you’re a seasoned park-goer or planning your first visit, this week is all about celebrating the great outdoors together!
In 2025, several days throughout the year will allow visitors to enter many U.S. national parks and other federally managed public lands without paying entrance or standard amenity fees. These fee-free days are designed to encourage people to explore public lands and to celebrate nationally significant dates.
5 Simple Ways to Celebrate
Join the Conversation: Follow the excitement on social media by using #NationalParkWeek. Engage with our parks and programs, and share your own posts about your passion for parks to inspire others!
Plan a Visit: Discover a national park and come explore! Entrance fees will be waived on April 19, 2025, to kick off the celebration.
Participate in National Junior Ranger Day: Kids, gather your family and friends to celebrate National Junior Ranger Day! You can also earn your official Junior Ranger badge at most parks throughout the week.
Explore Your Community: Check out how National Park Service programs and partners are making an impact in your area. Look for national historic landmarks or national natural landmarks nearby, or enjoy recreational opportunities and spaces enhanced by these programs.
Get Involved: Consider volunteering or partnering with your local parks! Many parks will also be celebrating National Volunteer Week.
Fee-Free Days in 2025
The fee-free days in 2025 include:
- January 20 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
- April 19 (First day of National Park Week)
- June 19 (Juneteenth)
- July 16 (Bureau of Land Management anniversary)
- August 4 (Great American Outdoors Day)
- September 27 (National Public Lands Day)
- October 12 (First Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week)
- November 11 (Veterans Day)
On these dates, entrance fees are waived at many national parks, wildlife refuges, and other public lands. However, some costs, such as camping fees, special tours, or permits, may still apply depending on the site.
The initiative aims to make public lands more accessible, highlight their cultural and natural importance, and encourage outdoor recreation.
Which U.S. National Parks Are Free?
You can still take advantage of a free visit to any of these 23 parks that do not require an entrance fee. Plus, these parks are some of the finest national parks to explore in the US and its territories, known for their stunning natural beauty, rich history, and numerous recreational opportunities.
| National Park | Location |
|---|---|
| Biscayne National Park | Florida |
| Channel Islands National Park | California |
| Congaree National Park | South Carolina |
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Ohio |
| Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve | Alaska |
| Gateway Arch National Park | Missouri |
| Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve | Alaska |
| Great Basin National Park | Nevada |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Tennessee and North Carolina |
| Hot Springs National Park | Arkansas |
| Katmai National Park and Preserve | Alaska |
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Alaska |
| Kobuk Valley National Park | Alaska |
| Lake Clark National Park and Preserve | Alaska |
| Mammoth Cave National Park | Kentucky |
| National Park of American Samoa | American Samoa |
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | West Virginia |
| North Cascades National Park | Washington |
| Redwood National and State Parks | California |
| Virgin Islands National Park | Virgin Islands |
| Voyageurs National Park | Minnesota |
| Wind Cave National Park | South Dakota |
| Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve | Alaska |
How The Environmental Crisis In 1992 Made Me Environmentally Conscious
Reflecting on the environmental crises of 1991 reminds me of the detrimental impacts of our resource choices. I was 22 years old and just starting to pay attention to the world around me. That year were two major oil-related catastrophes I recall, including the infamous Gulf War oil spill, a monumental environmental disaster, and the deliberate ignition of over 600 Kuwaiti oil wells. The news showed devastating thick black blankets of smoke covering the skies.
At that time, I had no idea the lingering effects of those disasters or how petroleum use in everyday products could lead to the plastic waste crisis we are seeing today around the world on land and in the seas.
Awareness of the environmental perils associated with oil consumption has increased tenfold in recent years, yet the reduction in our dependence remains hasnt slowed much. Why wait for systemic change when my individual actions can make things better for the coming days and future generations?
Joining CleanHub To Cut Down On Plastics In The Ocean
I started selling Tangie products in plastic bottles. But several years into the business, I realized the plastic bottles were still part of the problem. Selling products with natural ingredients wasn’t good enough if I was still selling them in plastic bottles that were not being recycled.
Did you know that on average, it takes about 1.5 liters of petroleum to produce just one large laundry detergent jug! We all know recycling isn’t working as well as we hoped it would. In my area, they still pick up a recycling bin and a garbage can from the curb, but everything gets dumped into the same truck, and it is all incinerated. Sad truth.
Regarding the number of laundry jugs discarded in the United States per family, specific data varies, such as family size, laundry habits, and regional recycling practices. However, according to estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American family uses around 13 large plastic laundry jugs annually! Think of how many households there are just in your town. The number of just laundry jugs tossed into the trash must be staggering!
Unfortunately, a significant portion of these jugs ends up in landfills rather than being recycled, contributing to environmental pollution and resource depletion. This is one reason why we at Tangie joined forces with CleanHub to support one of their plastic collection hubs where they collect plastic waste and find usable options for it, BEFORE it enters the ocean. Collections centers like this are popping up around the world to combat ocean waste. We wouldn’t need them if we could stop the plastic waste at its source – the packaging!
Reducing our reliance on plastic offers a practical solution, one that not only benefits the environment but also saves money in the long haul. Embracing refillable containers can significantly diminish plastic waste. By opting for concentrated formulas that can be diluted at home, like this laundry concentrate, we can minimize packaging, shipping costs, and environmental impact.
Moreover, supporting brands committed to sustainability amplifies this impact. Some companies have already embraced this ethos, offering refillable laundry and hand wash concentrates that epitomize a zero-waste lifestyle.
Small Brands, Big Impact
Supporting homegrown brands with eco-conscious missionsyes like Tangie (seamless plug) further advances this cause. By championing products made in the United States and eschewing unnecessary shipping, we contribute to a more sustainable future.
As we embark on National Park Week festivities, let’s not overlook the interconnectedness between our laundry and the preservation of the beautiful natural wonders so many fought to be protected from industry.
By taking incremental steps to reduce our oil consumption—such as eliminating one more plastic bottle from our lives—we honor the sanctity of nature for generations to come. Get out there and enjoy the national park, and leave your dirty clothes at home. You can wash them later. :)
Celebrate National Park Week
The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, beckons us to enjoy the parks and use National Park Week as a reason to explore breathtaking landscapes, unearth tales of history and culture, lend a helping hand, and discover our personal slice of wilderness.
Each April, the National Park Service ensures there’s something for everyone. So, whether you’re seeking adventure or solace, find your park and embrace the splendor of the great outdoors.
Get Ready for Adventure
With the NPS App, navigating over 400 national parks across the US has never been easier. From tour details to accessibility information, this official app equips you with everything you need to plan an unforgettable excursion.
So, lace up your boots, pack your bags, and hit the trail—because nature’s calling, and it’s time to answer.
See you outside!
xo Angie Ringler
