What better way to launch a new public lands and waters initiative than hiking at Red Rock Canyon? Every Kid in a Park kicked off this past Wednesday, September 2, 2015, with 65 fourth graders from a nearby Las Vegas public school exploring the incredible desert landscape. Believe it or not, this protected area is only 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.
Thanks to Every Kid in a Park, all fourth graders and their families will get free admission to federal lands and waters for an entire year. And on top of that, the National Park Foundation is raising funds for Every Kid in a Park transportation grants that will help make school field trips and more possible. You can learn more about Every Kid in a Park and other national park news below.
We’ve Got Answers for Your Every Kid in a Park Questions.
How do you get your Every Kid in a Park pass? Fourth graders nationwide can go to www.everykidinapark.gov, fill out a fun diary entry, and then download and print out the pass. And if you’re looking for some park planning inspiration, the Associated Press recommends checking out the National Park Foundation’s free guide highlighting 35 park adventures for kids of all ages.
How long will free admission last? The Every Kid in a Park pass is valid for the 2015/2016 school year (9/1/2015 – 8/31/2016).
Are there places nearby to visit? Yes! There are more than 2,000 federally managed sites across the country, including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and more! Click here to find awesome places near you.
Strengthening Our Parks for a 2nd Century
Last week, the Obama Administration announced the National Park Service Centennial Act legislation that would help the National Park Service and our 408 national parks from coast to coast enter their second century stronger and healthier. You can read what National Park Foundation president and CEO Will Shafroth has to say about the legislation here.
Dining at Parks
The National Park Service doesn’t just employ park rangers. They also employ food and beverage handlers operating in 75 national parks, including Acadia and Grand Canyon. Restaurants across the National Park System feed 23.5 million customers per year. Here’s an interesting in-depth article on what it takes to run a restaurant at a national park by Eater.com.
