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As spring brings life back to trails, forests, and open skies, the National Park Service is preparing to launch National Park Week 2025, running from April 19 to April 27. This annual celebration, deeply rooted in public lands tradition, invites individuals and families across the country to reconnect with America’s natural and cultural heritage.
With more than 400 national park units across the United States, ranging from iconic landmarks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon to lesser-known historic sites and urban preserves, the weeklong event offers a rich variety of ways for the public to engage with public lands.
Kicking off on Saturday, April 19, visitors will enjoy free admission to all national parks, a longstanding tradition that aims to make the outdoors accessible to everyone. Each day of National Park Week highlights a different theme—such as Volunteerism, History, Junior Ranger Day, and Innovation—encouraging people to explore parks in diverse and meaningful ways.
Educational programs, guided hikes, wildlife viewing, ranger talks, clean-up projects, and cultural demonstrations are planned nationwide. Park staff, volunteers, and nonprofit partners are working together to make this year’s celebration more inclusive and engaging than ever.
The initiative also aims to remind Americans of their role as stewards of public lands. With growing visitation numbers in recent years, the National Park Service continues to emphasize Leave No Trace principles, climate resilience, and inclusive access to ensure parks remain safe and welcoming for future generations.
Director Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III, the first Native American to lead the agency, has advocated for deeper connections between parks and underrepresented communities. “National Park Week is a time to reflect on our shared history and look ahead to the future of conservation and public land protection,” he said in a statement.
This year’s celebration arrives amid broader federal and state efforts to support outdoor access and infrastructure. The 2025 federal budget includes increased funding for deferred maintenance, trail restoration, and wildfire preparedness in national parks. Additionally, several states, including California and Colorado, are launching initiatives to provide free or subsidized park access for youth and low-income families.
The National Park Service encourages the public to visit nps.gov to find events, explore interactive maps, and plan their visits. Whether it’s stargazing in a dark-sky preserve, walking through the footsteps of history, or volunteering on a trail crew, National Park Week offers countless ways to appreciate and give back to America’s public lands.
As 2025 shapes up to be a banner year for outdoor participation, National Park Week serves as a timely reminder of what’s at stake—and what can still be preserved, experienced, and shared.
