Ring in spring with these five fun ways to celebrate national parks during National Park Week, April 15 through 23.
Throughout the country, hundreds of programs and events will encourage visitors to explore new places and enjoy new experiences.
Following are just five of the fun ways you can celebrate National Park Week.
Try Something New
Introductory programs during National Park Week might just get you hooked on a new interest. Brush up on astronomy at a Starry Night event or dance to Cajun music at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, or go on a boat tour or Wetlands Walk.
Save Some Money
There will be free entrance to all national parks during the weekends of National Park Week. The 118 National Park Service sites that normally charge entrance fees will offer free admission on April 15, 16, 22, and 23. There are also free or reduced rate annual passes available for active duty military families, fourth grade students, senior citizens, volunteers, and people with permanent disabilities.
Become a Junior Ranger
National Park Week starts with National Junior Ranger Day on April 15. Throughout the country, kids of all ages can take part in family friendly events and earn a park-specific Junior Ranger badge. It’s Spring in the Swamp at the Barataria Preserve:April 14-16th. Wildflowers are in bloom, frogs are calling, migratory birds are returning from their travels, and alligators are looking for romance. Join National Park Service rangers and volunteers for a weekend of free family fun during Spring in the Swamp, Friday-Sunday, April 14-16, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. daily.
Fill a Park Prescription
The second annual Park Prescription Day (April 23rd) will be filled with activities that showcase the physical, mental, and psychological health benefits of time in nature. Supported by increasing scientific evidence, many medical doctors now write prescriptions for the outdoors as an antidote for ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression.
Go Wild on Earth Day
Spend some time outside on Earth Day, April 22. Attend a wildlife festival on the Natchez Trace Parkway or go for a Wetlands Walk at Jean Lafitte.
More information is available atwww.nationalparkweek.org.
Visit www.nps.gov to plan your park visit. The site contains trip planning information and a calendar of events. Use #FindYourPark, #EncuentraTuParque and #NPS101 on social media during National Park Week to join in the fun!
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