Every Kid Outdoors- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Do We Need Every Kid Outdoors?
- What Are The Goals Of The Every Kid Outdoors Campaign?
- Who Is Running The Every Kid Outdoors Campaign?
- Why Fourth Graders?
- How Can I Get My Fourth Grader(S) A Pass For A Fee Free Access To Federal Lands And Waters?
- What Does The Fee-Free Entry Include?
- Does The Pass Work At State And Local Parks Too?
- Who Can Accompany The Fourth Graders?
- How Can I Find The Park/Federal Land/Waters To Visit That Are Close To Me?
- What About Children Who Are Not In Fourth Grade?
Why Do We Need Every Kid Outdoors?
Today, more than 80 percent of American families live in urban areas, and many lack easy access to safe outdoor spaces. Kids are also spending more time than ever in front of screens instead of outside. As these kids grow up, they have the opportunity to become advocates for America’s remarkable natural sites and cultural treasures. But first, they must be given the chance to learn about, explore, and play in these spectacular places–ultimately, creating lifelong memories. Together, we can help today’s kids become tomorrow’s cultural and environmental stewards.
What Are The Goals Of The Every Kid Outdoors Campaign?
From sea to shining sea, our country is home to magnificent landscapes and waterways as well as historic treasures. Witnessing this beauty and experiencing this culture first-hand is every American’s birthright. The Every Kid Outdoors campaign is designed to raise awareness and encourage community support, which will further the initiative’s goal of giving every fourth grader the opportunity to experience America’s natural sites and cultural treasures.
Who Is Running The Every Kid Outdoors Campaign?
The Every Kid Outdoors initiative is an Administration-wide effort supported by the U.S. Department of the Interior (which includes the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Why Fourth Graders?
Research shows that children ages 9 to 11 are in the midst of a particularly unique developmental stage. During which, they form a more concrete understanding of how the world works, they are more receptive to new ideas, and they are most likely to have positive attitudes about nature and the environment. By focusing efforts specifically on fourth graders, the initiative aims to ensure kids have the opportunity to visit and enjoy federal lands and waters during this developmental stage.
How Can I Get My Fourth Grader(S) A Pass For A Fee Free Access To Federal Lands And Waters?
Fourth graders can obtain a paper pass for free entry into all federal lands and waters by visiting www.everykidinapark.gov. Fourth graders can then exchange the paper pass for a durable plastic pass at select participating sites. Educators can also visit www.everykidinapark.gov to obtain paper passes for each of their students by navigating to the educator section.
What Does The Fee-Free Entry Include?
Both the paper pass and the durable pass include fee-free access for one year to all federal lands and waters. The pass does not cover expanded amenity fees such as camping, boat launching, parking, special tours, special permits, or ferries. The pass is not valid at select locations that are managed by private concessionaires or resorts. Call your local forest service office to ensure your pass will be accepted.
Does The Pass Work At State And Local Parks Too?
As the pass issuer, the federal government has the authority to grant fee-free access to over 2,000 federally managed parks. Several states–including Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho, Indiana, and New Mexico–have announced that they will support the Every Kid Outdoors initiative by granting fee-free access to their state parks as well. Check with your state park to see if they will accept the pass before visiting.
Who Can Accompany The Fourth Graders?
At sites that charge per vehicle, the Every Kid Outdoors pass admits the fourth grade pass owner and the accompanying passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle. At sites that charge per person, the pass admits the pass owner and up to three accompanying adults (entering by foot or bike). Please note that fourth graders must be present at entry.
How Can I Find The Park/Federal Land/Waters To Visit That Are Close To Me?
Find Your Park and Discover the Forest offer tools that make it easy to search for federally managed parks and forests by zip code. Basic trip planning information is available on the Every Kid Outdoors website. For more detailed information, please visit the website of the park or federal site you plan to visit.
What About Children Who Are Not In Fourth Grade?
The program is part of an overall strategy to engage young people from all ages and all backgrounds with the great outdoors. This includes the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, a bold national effort to put thousands of young people and veterans to work protecting, restoring and enhancing America’s public lands and waters. We encourage children of all ages to visit America’s national treasures!