I went to four National Park sites this year. Last year I visited seven including Yosemite. Two years ago I went to Montezuma’s Castle, the Grand Canyon, Arches, the Rocky Mountains, Gettysburg, and Antietam. If your are like me you likely love the history, architecture, natural wonders, and the fresh air of these sites. Next week is National Park Week. Get out and enjoy the parks and also take steps to protect them.
When you go to the National Parks next week, the Rangers and support staff for their contribution to our country.
The National Parks Conservation Association has things that everyone can do if we want the parks to be there for our children and grandchildren:
The National Park Service’s annual National Park Week celebrates our nation’s treasured spaces and places. This year’s event will take place Aug. 22-30 with the theme “Celebrate America’s Story,” in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
The timing aligns with the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service on Aug. 25. The Organic Act of 1916 established the Park Service to protect the 35 national parks and monuments at the time and any future parks that might be created.
1. Enjoy national parks for free (Aug. 25)
To mark the Park Service’s 110th birthday, entrance fees will be waived in national parks for U.S. citizens and residents on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.
The Park Service offers 10 suggestions for how visitors might celebrate — such as attending a ranger program, pausing to reflect at a memorial or on hallowed ground, volunteering at a park or taking in a park’s night sky.
2. Join NPCA’s Day of Action (Aug. 25)
Parks need your help in the fight to preserve our shared history and heritage. Join NPCA and park supporters across the country on the Park Service’s birthday, Tuesday, Aug. 25, as we come together — online and in person — to speak out for America’s national parks. Learn more on our Day of Action 2026 webpage.
3. Follow NPCA on social media for more ways to engage
We’ll offer a full lineup of ways to get involved during National Park Week! There will be new releases related to our United by Parks campaign and opportunities to join in virtually to live events, including a Twitch livestream with Pepper Steps as she shares her personal connection to parks. Be sure to catch the fifth and final episode of On the Road With Mason Via as he rounds out his park learning journey. We’ll look back on favorite park memories from NPCA staff, members and supporters — and even offer a chance to start your own park fundraiser.
Stay up to date on all the week’s happenings on our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, X and Bluesky.
4. Get children involved in National Junior Ranger Day (Aug. 30)
Children are the next generation of park advocates and protectors. On Saturday, Aug. 30, the National Park Service celebrates its junior ranger program, which offers activities and events for the whole family to connect with parks and their stories. Be sure to check the details for each park’s schedule, as some parks have junior ranger programming on alternate dates from the official National Park Week schedule.
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