Any fourth graders in the family? If so, your child and your family qualify to enjoy America\u2019s natural wonders and historic sites for FREE thanks to Every Kid in a Park!
\nDon\u2019t know what we\u2019re talking about? Every Kid in a Park is a program created by President Barack Obama that allows your kids to discover the wildlife, resources, and history of the United States for one full year without paying a dime.<\/p>\n
According to their website, \u201cOur country is full of dazzling landscapes where you can play and learn. They protect our wildlife and resources. They let us look into the past and protect our history. Keeping them public supports a healthy planet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Participating agencies in this program include: How to Get Started<\/strong> Plan Your Trip<\/strong> Bring your child to the Smokies, where you can: For more information on the Great Smoky Mountains, visit the National Park Service\u2019s website by clicking here<\/a>. They will have specific information about hikes, activities, and historic landmarks in the park, as well as updated information on weather, roads, wildlife activity, etc. They also have information on how to become a Junior Ranger\u2014another fun program for your fourth grader to enjoy!<\/p>\n
\n\u2013 U.S. Bureau of Land Management
\n\u2013 U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
\n\u2013 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
\n\u2013 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
\n\u2013 U.S. Forest Service
\n\u2013 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
\n\u2013 National Park Service (including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park<\/a>!)<\/p>\n
\nIf your child is eligible for Every Kid in the Park (he or she just needs to be in the fourth grade), getting started is easy! All you have to do is visit the program\u2019s website (everykidinapark.gov<\/a>) and help your child print his or her pass. This pass will allow your fourth-grader as well as your family to enter all national lands and waters FREE for the year.
\nEducators of fourth grade students (including public school teachers, homeschooling moms, youth group leaders, etc.) can also print passes for each of their students. Keep in mind that these passes MUST be printed. Electronic copies will not be accepted.<\/p>\n
\nAfter you print your pass, you and your family are ready to plan a trip! Get ready for big adventures in the great outdoors, where you can explore natural wonders and historic sites, view amazing animals, and learn all about the beautiful terrain that we call America.
\nAnd the great news is, you can do all this during your next trip to the Smoky Mountains! The Great Smoky Mountains is home to America\u2019s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This historic landmark draws more than 9 million visitors each year, and this year, we think your fourth-grader should be one of them!<\/p>\n
\n\u2013 Explore a hiking trail to the top of a mountain.
\n\u2013 Walk behind a cascading waterfall.
\n\u2013 Ride horseback through lush, old-growth forests.
\n\u2013 See the most stunning wildflowers in America.
\n\u2013 Get up close and personal with America\u2019s wildlife, like the American Black Bear.
\n\u2013 Gaze across some of America\u2019s prettiest mountains.
\n\u2013 Stomp on Charlie\u2019s Bunion!<\/p>\n