Even if you’re not a bona fide outdoorsy type, National Parks Week is a celebration of America’s natural treasures, with programming for everyone to enjoy.
National Parks Week is taking place this year from August 22-30. The celebration is about more than just connecting with and appreciating the lands that preserve and showcase the country’s natural beauty. Domestic travelers and international visitors should know that there’s so much more to do across America’s 63 national parks than hiking and wildlife watching.
What Is National Parks Week?
This annual nine-day event revolves around celebrating, enjoying, and mindfully preserving America’s designated public lands. Every year has a theme, and the one for 2026 is “Celebrate America’s Story.” The latter coincides with America250 (the country’s 250th birthday) and the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service (established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916). Notably, President George H.W. Bush established the first National Parks Week in 1991, though it wasn’t a nine-day event as it is today.
During your trip, be sure to practice “leave no trace” principles to help keep national parks beautiful and thriving. It’s also important to refresh your knowledge of relevant safety tips for the great outdoors, including ways to beat the summer heat. Additionally, consider downloading a map of the entire park to your device in case you reach a point with no cell service and can’t use your GPS.
The fee-free day will be August 25, when American citizens and residents can enter parks that normally charge an entrance fee at no cost.
5 Ways To Make The Most Of National Parks Week
Discover On-Site African American and Indigenous Histories
It doesn’t take much digging to see and learn about intersectional histories in national parks. Locations all over the country are embedded with the unerasable histories of America’s indigenous communities. You’ll also find landmarks and locations scattered around our nation’s parks that document Black history and life.
Make Your Camping Trip An Extravaganza
National Parks Week is the perfect time to embark on an epic camping trip where you’ll make lifelong memories. Whether you go on a solo camping excursion or go with family or friends, it’s a great opportunity to bathe in nature, ground yourself, and do a digital detox. Research campgrounds in or close by the national park of your choice. Ahead of the trip, plan your meals, as well as sleeping and bathroom arrangements.
Do Unique, Hidden Gem Activities
One of the most exciting things about national parks in the U.S. is that the possibilities for activities are endless. You can explore waterfalls or caves, sled on sand dunes, and even enjoy dark sky tourism.
Regarding unique activities at specific parks, to name a few: hike The Narrows at Zion National Park; take a dip in thermal spring water in the bathhouses at Hot Springs National Park; snorkel at Dry Tortugas National Park; or try snowshoeing at Great Basin National Park. Many parks have “must-visit” attractions, so use Google Maps and the National Park Service to identify them before your visit. Keep in mind that underrated national parks often offer treasure troves of unique experiences.
Have Your Child Get Their Junior Ranger Badge
This year, Junior Ranger Day will be August 22. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a family-friendly day with the special little ones in your life. During Junior Ranger Day, if the park you’re attending has designated programming, they’ll be able to experience and learn about the park with other children. Additionally, after participating and pledging to help preserve and protect national parks, they’ll receive their very own Junior Ranger Badge.
Use The Park As A Jumping-Off Point For Your Exploring
Another top way to make the most of National Parks Week is to use a location as a jumping-off point for broader, longer exploration. Even navigating through one national park could be a days-long adventure if you have the time.
After camping, a scenic day trip to one or more nearby towns and communities could enrich your experience. Consider embarking on an epic road trip during National Parks Week, visiting multiple preserved sites and basking in their unique glories.
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