Celebrate National Park Week!

Jon Jarvis
April 22, 2013
06:34 PM EDT

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President Obama and his family hike at Acadia National Park in Maine, July 16, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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President Barack Obama looks at the Grand Canyon in Arizona on August 16, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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President Obama greets tourists at the Lincoln Memorial, April 9, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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President Obama and family tour the Gay Head lighthouse in Aquinnah, Mass. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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President Obama and guide fish for trout on the East Gallatin River near Belgrade, Montana. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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The First Family made an unannounced visit to tour the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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President Obama, the First Lady and daughters Malia and Sasha at Yellowstone National Park. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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President Obama and the First Lady walk along a trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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President Obama and the First Lady react to daughter Sasha's hole in one in Panama City Beach, Florida. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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Saturday, April 20^th was the first day of National Park Week – an annual tradition celebrating, enjoying and giving back to our country’s great natural and cultural landscapes. For the next five days, parks across the country will waive their entrance fees to provide free access to thousands of miles of trails and coastlines, as well as battlefields, archeological sites and waterways. With spring now in full swing, National Park Week is a great opportunity to dust off your bicycle or sneakers, grab some healthy snacks and a water bottle and get moving outside.

You don’t have to be an outdoor expert or live near an iconic park to enjoy the broad network of national parks across the country. Some of the most treasured and well-used parks are located in and around America’s major cities, including San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis, Miami, San Antonio, Baltimore – and right here in Washington, D.C.

If you don’t have a national park in your city or town, chances are the National Park Service has played a role in increasing access to outdoor recreational opportunities in your community. Through the Land & Water Conservation Fund, the National Park Service has funded recreational facilities, such as playgrounds and trails, in 99 percent of counties across America.

Take advantage of mild temperatures and loads of free activities and plan a national park experience with your family this week.

If you are interested in:

Recreation - Find a national park near you and pick your adventure – hit the trails with your family and seek out free, ranger-guided tours and activities.
Service - Roll up your sleeves and give back on Volunteer Day, April 27.
Education - Encourage your kids to explore and learn about their natural and cultural heritage. Throughout the week, many parks will offer free programming for National Junior Ranger Day. In certain parks, the Let’s Move Outside! Junior Ranger program boosts activity levels and promotes healthy lifestyles.
History & Culture - National Park Week provides an opportunity to appreciate the landmarks, monuments and historical landscapes that define our national identity. Take this chance to discover the sites in your city or state.