Five Ways to Celebrate National Park Week with Your Family

Ring in spring with a visit to a national park during National Park Week, April 15 through 23. Throughout the country, hundreds of programs and events will encourage visitors to explore new places and enjoy new experiences.

A budding hiker takes steps on snow in Mount Rainier National Park. Photo by Robert Edrington.

Whether you're in Washington or on the road for National Park week, there is likely to be something nearby to help celebrate. Acting National Park Service Director Michael F. Reynolds says:

“There are 417 national parks and each one has a story to tell. There are endless options to discover someplace or something out of the ordinary. Whether one seeks relaxation, exhilaration, or inspiration, there is something for everyone in a national park."

Here are five fun ways you and your family can celebrate National Park Week.

Become a Junior Ranger

National Park Week starts with National Junior Ranger Day on April 15. Throughout the country, kids of all ages can take part in family friendly events and earn a park-specific Junior Ranger badge. 

Find junior ranger activities at Olympic National Park, Seattle's downtown Klondike Gold Rush Unit, or Fort Vancouver's National Historic Site. 

A young girl explores the foothills of Mount Rainier National Park. Photo by Kevin Bacher

Try Something New

Introductory programs during National Park Week might just get you hooked on a new interest. Connect with your history at Unsettled/Resettled -- a temporary exhibit on loan from the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington that tells the story of the Hunt Hotel's role in the resettling of the Japanese community in Seattle.

Or learn about history and culture during the 'In Their Footsteps' Speaker Series at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park. The speaker series is an opportunity to meet scholars, authors, and artists who focus on the Lewis and Clark expedition to Oregon territory in 1863.

Save Some Money

Free entrance to all national parks is available during the weekends of National Park Week. The 118 National Park Service sites that normally charge entrance fees will offer free admission on April 15, 16, 22, and 23.

There are also free or reduced rate annual passes available for active duty military families, fourth grade students, senior citizens, volunteers, and people with permanent disabilities.

Care for the Earth

Trails and wilderness need all the love they can get. Spend some time outside on Earth Day, April 22. Find a comprehensive list of opportunities here.

Fill a Park Prescription

April 23 is the end of National Park Week and the second annual Park Prescription Day. Supported by increasing scientific evidence, many medical doctors now write prescriptions for the outdoors as an antidote for ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression. While there are no official events scheduled in Washington, establish April 23 as an opportunity for your family to get outside. 

Spending time in nature can be beneficial to physical and mental well-being, no matter your age. Photo by Harry Ableman. 

Get inspired for a year of adventure

For Washington, National Park Week is a bit early to take full advantage of our stupendous national parks. If weather or conditions prevent you and your family from stepping on trail, peruse our hiking guide for inspiration for the coming hiking season.

See where you could take your kids in Olympic, Mount Rainier or the North Cascades National Park. Or explore Mount St. Helens National Historic Monument, the recently established San Juan Islands National Monument, Lewis and Clark National Historic Site, the Klondike Gold Rush Museum in downtown Seattle, or Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve.

Summer hiking is just a few months away. Are you ready? Photo by Rachel Emmans. 

Visit the National Park Service's website for trip planning information and a calendar of events. Use #FindYourPark, #EncuentraTuParque and #NPS101 on social media during National Park Week to join in the fun.