On Monday, November 11th, 2024, celebrate Veterans Day by taking advantage of Free Admission Day at all national parks! As part of a special initiative, the National Park Service offers free admission on six designated days each year, and November 11th is the final opportunity for 2024. This Veterans Day, all NPS sites that usually require an entrance fee are open to everyone at no cost.
Minnesota’s National Parks: Discover the Beauty of Voyageurs and More!
Minnesota is home to six national parks and recreation areas, including the stunning Voyageurs National Park in International Falls. Take this opportunity to explore its lakes, islands, and wildlife without paying an entrance fee.
Veterans Day Deals for Veterans and Families
Veterans Day also brings special deals and freebies for veterans and their families. From discounts at local restaurants to free admission to select attractions, many businesses honor veterans with complimentary meals and other perks. Look for the complete list of deals to take advantage of these offers!
Free Junior Park Ranger Hat Printable
Encourage your kids to join the adventure with a Printable Junior Park Ranger Hat! Perfect for little nature enthusiasts, this free printable lets kids color, cut, and assemble their own ranger hat, sparking excitement for their outdoor explorations.
Challenge Your Family with 1000 Hours Outside
Want to inspire more outdoor time? The 1000 Hours Outside Challenge is a great way to help kids and families log 1000 hours spent outdoors. With resources like a website and free printables to track time outside, it’s a fun, screen-free way to encourage time in nature. Learn more about this challenge to make outdoor adventures a regular part of your family’s life.
Free Park Passes for 4th Graders: Every Kid Outdoors
Thanks to the Every Kid Outdoors program, every fourth-grade student can enjoy a year of free access to national parks and other federal lands, bringing families closer to nature and history. Originally launched as “Every Kid in a Park” by President Obama in 2015, this initiative gives fourth graders and their families the chance to explore national parks across the country without an entry fee. The program is based on studies showing that kids around age nine to 11 are especially open to connecting with the environment and learning about our shared heritage.
For more information or to sign up for the pass, visit Every Kid Outdoors.
Additional Resources for Families to Get Outside in Minnesota
Minnesota offers endless ways for families to connect with nature, from state parks and nature trails to family-friendly events. Do you know of other resources or initiatives encouraging outdoor activities in Minnesota? Let’s keep exploring and inspiring outdoor adventures for all!
