Get ready to start explorin', kiddos!

Across the country, there are more than 400 national parks, natural wonders, and historical federal lands available for families to enjoy and visit year-round. Getting out and experiencing these natural areas and treasures is an experience that will stay with kids for a lifetime and may inspire them to get out and see more of the world. For some kids, it may not be that easy to get out into national parks, but this program aims to change that.

Every Kid Outdoors wants to help kids learn about our nation’s national parks by giving students in the fourth grade a free annual pass for a full year.

From now until August 31, 2020, fourth graders all over the United States can get a free pass to visit any federal lands or waters. The pass gets anyone in the vehicle into sites that charge per vehicle. If it's a site that is paid per person or allows bike-in access, up to three adults may accompany the pass-holding student.

Claiming a pass is simple; parents of fourth-grade students, homeschooled included, just need to go to Every Kid Outdoors' website and follow the steps to register and print out the pass. Educators can also get in on the deal, and there are even special programs for teachers with opportunities to extend learning outside of the classroom.

Yellowstone National Park, courtesy of Coffee (Pixabay)

One thing to keep in mind is that the pass will cover entrance fees but does not include any other activity costs, like camping, boating, fishing, parking, or any special tour. This offer is only good while students are in the fourth grade, so time is limited to utilize this great opportunity.

Did you know about the Every Kid Outdoors program and the free national parks passes for fourth graders? What's your favorite national park to visit? Do you know of any other programs that offer free access to state or national parks and monuments for kids? Let us know in the comments.