National Park Week starts soon--plan your free visit

Grand Canyon National Park

America’s national parks have been called our country’s greatest idea. As an ardent fan of these beautiful natural treasures, I certainly agree, and there’s no better time to visit than National Park Week, a nine-day celebration that starts of April 22, 2023.

Bryce Canyon National Park

It’s not a coincidence that this special week starts on Earth Day. Entrance fees will be waived  on April 22 to encourage folks to enjoy a national park in person. While you may be familiar with the most famous ones that actually have “National Park” in their names, keep in mind that there are more than 400 national parks, many with different naming designations. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types, so there may be a national park closer to where you live than you realize.

Zion National Park

With an extended time frame for this year’s celebration, each of the nine days has been given a special theme around which events and information are focused. Sunday, April 22 kicks off the week with a theme of Connection. April 23 is Discovery, April 24—Accomplishment, April 25—Tradition, April 26—Gratitude, April 27—Ingenuity, April 28—Inspiration, April 29—Fun, and April 30—Love.

Big Bend National Park

Saturday, April 29 is also National Junior Ranger Day, so it’s a perfect time to introduce children to the magic of our parks. They can earn a Junior Ranger Badge while learning to explore, learn, and protect each park visited. Even better, this will encourage them to leave the screens at home and to focus on the great outdoors.

Yellowstone National Park

Following the themes, people are invited to share their own stories about national parks using #MyParkStory or follow others’ stories at #YourParkStory. You can tell what a particular park has meant for you or describe adventures you have had in a national park. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/your-park-story.htm

Yosemite National Park

To find a park near you or special events that are taking place in different facilities go to https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm You can also find out more regarding what the National Park Service does through programs and partners to preserve natural and cultural heritages and provide recreational opportunities in places across the U.S. 

Enjoy the photos of some of our favorite national parks that I've shared in this post.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Grand Canyon National Park from the Colorado River

Everglades National Park

Glacier National Park

Great Smokey Mountain National Park

Volcano National Park, Hawaii