Our family’s love for National Parks began on a beach trip. We happened to visit The Wright Brothers National Memorial as a break from the sand and surf, and found it to be an absolute treasure. There were opportunities for outdoor play, learning, and history all in one place! As a bonus, the day we visited, admission was free in honor of Juneteenth. Since then, I’ve tried to plan family trips to include a National Park, aligning with free entrance days when possible.
Why Visit National Parks?
Many National Parks offer unique ways to enjoy time outdoors. Plus, your children (or you, I won’t judge!) can earn a Junior Ranger badge during the experience. My children have proudly earned badges at George Washington Memorial National Park, Cold Harbor Battlefield, and Maggie L. Walker Historical Site.
The National Parks are clean, safe, and in our experiences, the Rangers share their knowledge with enthusiasm. Even if you can’t make it for a free admission date, National Parks are an affordable way to learn and play together as a family.
What are Free Entrance Days?
There are typically around 6 free entrance days per year. The last one of 2024 is Veteran’s Day, November 11. A second offering for free admission to National Parks is for 4th graders. All 4th graders will receive America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass from school, or you can register for it online. This pass allows the 4th graders family free access to the park. America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is available to military families as well.
Which National Parks Should I Visit?
Well, that depends what your family likes! We love history and being outside, and here are a few we love:
- Great Falls Park (Fairfax, VA): hiking, picnic, views of the falls
- Wright Brothers National Memorial (Kill Devil Hills, NC) : hands-on exhibits, ranger programs and tours, walk the grounds
- George Washington Birthplace (Westmoreland, VA) : trails, farm animals, Visitor’s Center, replica of Washington’s boyhood home
What’s the Junior Ranger Badge?
I suggest encouraging your children to complete the activities to earn their badge, but of course, you know your children best. If trying to get them to work on the packet is going to be stressful or detract from the trip, you could simply bring it along and pose a few questions when our kiddo might be open to it.
One thing I love about the Junior Ranger booklets is that the amount of activities children will complete depends on their age. So, a 6 year old won’t need to write as much as a 12 year old.
If your kids will want to work for the Junior Ranger badge, check the park’s site prior to your visit. I like to have the activity packet printed ahead of time. This way, I can show them what we’ll be learning about, and what they should be ready to answer or find to complete the packet.
Once the booklet is completed, simply take it to the park ranger (usually at the Visitor’s Center), and they’ll have your child say a short pledge and receive the badge. If your kids really love this program, there are even vests to purchase so they can put all their badges on them!
Hopefully, I’ve given you enough information to help you feel comfortable about visiting a National Park! Be sure to tag us @rfmtoday in your National Park adventure!
