Take advantage of the eight free entrance days in 2026
Mark you calendar! Many national parks require admission for entry. Some popular parks charge up to $35 per car. Each year, the National Park Service designates a handful of dates as free entrance days.
Free entrance dates
There are eight free days in 2026. If you’re looking to save a little money on entrance fees, plan your visit on one of these days:
- February 16: Presidents Day
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14:Â Flag Day
- July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
- August 25:Â 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17:Â Constitution Day
- October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- November 11:Â Veterans Day
While entrance fees are waived, visitors still might encounter other costs at the parks such as camping fees, boat launch fees, etc. New in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.
America the Beautiful annual pass
If you plan to visit several national parks this year, it may be worth purchasing an America the Beautiful annual pass. It costs $80 and provides access to the entire park system for the whole year. You may qualify for a free or discounted pass if you’re a member of the military, a person with a disability or if you have a 4th grader in your family.
Across the country, the National Park Service hosts more than 330 million visitors each year across 400 park sites. KidTripster writers and editors have visited all of America’s national park, and written about many of them. Be sure to check out our A-Z park guides when planning your trip.
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