Crater Lake National Park Welcomes Fourth Graders with Free Entry Passes through Every Kid in a Park Initiative

Crater Lake National Park is thrilled to welcome all fourth grade students to explore the park free of charge, thanks to the Every Kid in a Park program—an initiative launched by the White House to connect youth with nature and public lands. Beginning September 1, students in the fourth grade can visit the Every Kid Outdoors website, complete a fun online activity, and receive a free annual pass. This pass grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the U.S., including all national parks.

“As we celebrate the National Park Service’s centennial, we aim to highlight just how meaningful these places are in people’s lives,” said Craig Ackerman, Superintendent of Crater Lake National Park. “Crater Lake provides powerful learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. We’re excited to welcome fourth graders and their families as they explore the rich history and natural beauty of our national parks.”

Crater Lake offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination year-round. In winter, visitors can join ranger-guided snowshoe walks, while summer brings boat tours, trolley rides, Junior Ranger programs, and ranger-led hikes and educational talks.

To claim their free pass, fourth graders should head to the Every Kid in a Park website and participate in an interactive game. The pass is valid for free entry from September 1, 2015, through August 31, 2016, and can be used by the student and their accompanying family members. The site also provides learning activities aligned with educational standards, trip planning resources, safety tips, and useful information for teachers and parents.

Beyond just free admission, the program also supports learning opportunities for classrooms and youth organizations. Fourth grade teachers and group leaders can engage their students through field trips and other hands-on educational experiences tied to public lands and waters.

The broader mission of Every Kid in a Park is to foster a love for the outdoors in today’s youth and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment. This initiative plays a key role in the National Park Service’s centennial campaign, which encourages Americans to “Find Your Park” and celebrate the legacy of our national treasures.

Spearheaded by President Obama, Every Kid in a Park is a collaborative effort supported by eight federal agencies: the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and NOAA.