National Park Week Offers Free Entry And Celebrations In April
Running from April 17 to 25, National Park Week will celebrate the protected spaces in US communities.
Spring has arrived and it is almost time for National Park Week, which runs from April 17 to 25. The week-long celebration is set to encourage Americans to explore the vast network of national parks, historical landmarks, and sacred sites in the country’s national parks. It will also encourage them to learn of the shared heritage contained within each park.
US National Park Week
Running from April 17 to 25, National Park Week is coordinated by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation. Each national park will offer a free admission day on April 17, which is dubbed Park Rx Day.
Each day of National Park Week will follow a different theme, including VIP Sunday (Volunteers in Parks) on April 18, Military Monday on April 19, Transformation Tuesday on April 20, and Wayback Wednesday on April 21. April 22 is Earth Day, while April 23 has the theme Friendship Friday, to celebrate those who help to preserve and enhance the national park experience.
Meanwhile, April 24 is Junior Ranger Day, on which young people connect with the US heritage and landscapes, on a virtual and in-person basis, in various fun and engaging ways. On April 25, our furry friends get a chance on Bark Ranger Day, set up to make sure our pets’ visits to the parks are also fun and safe.
National Parks Have Something For Everyone
People have ranging interests and whatever yours might be there is a national park to suit. If you are someone wanting to relax with a scenic view, or an avid explorer, there is a wide choice of destinations to choose from.
National Park Foundation President and CEO, Will Shafroth, said in a statement, “The National Park Foundation and our park partners celebrate the full diversity of our parks.”
“They come in all shapes and sizes. They are urban and rural, natural and manmade. They each have their own, unique story, perspective, and experience to share with all of us that, when taken together, really tell the American story. And each of us has an important role to play in helping to preserve and protect these special places.”
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, visitors are asked to act responsibly when visiting the national parks. While activities are out in the fresh air, rules to follow do include wearing masks when social distancing cannot be maintained. Wherever possible, visitors are also encouraged to explore national parks virtually, via a variety of online activities.
The National Parks website has full information on the various themed days of National Park Week. You don’t have to leave your home to take in the beauty of America’s national parks – explore the many ways to enjoy the parks using virtual programming.
It is also worthwhile to follow the National Parks Foundation on social media for all the latest updates, including #ParkChat, which will be hosted on Twitter on Wednesday, April 21 at 9 pm ET. Here, park lovers will share their favorite memories, stories, and tips about the national parks.
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