National Park Service Offering Free Admission Days In 2020

Usually when I go on vacation with my family we head to the California beach for a few days of fun in the sun. Last year we mixed it up and went to Yellowstone. There was minimal sun, it rained every day, we walked a lot, and we loved it. The kids are already wanting to go back. I hadn't been to Yellowstone since I was a kid and all I really remembered was the smell. But our recent visit was filled with sights, adventures, activities, and animal encounters. That includes a scary run-in with a grizzly bear. If you haven't been to Yellowstone or any of our more local National Parks, this year there are a few days with free admission so you can find out if you love them at no cost.

The first free admission day at the National Parks is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20th, 2020. The National Park Service posted a list of free admission dates on their Facebook page along with a picture that reminds me of a great 'talking animals' video.

There are five free admission dates planned for 2020 and the free admission applies to all 419 National Park sites. Among the larger local National Parks with regular admission fees are Yellowstone and Craters of the Moon. City of Rocks is a National Reserve with free admission all year. One of the free days might be a good chance to also head to Southern Utah for free admission to Arches or Zions National Parks. Crater Lake in Oregon, Mount Rainier in Washington, or Glacier in Montana would be more great choices for a quick trip if you plan right.

2020 National Park Free Admission Dates:

 1/20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
 4/18 Junior Ranger Day
 8/25 National Park Service birthday
 9/26 National Public Lands Day
 11/11 Veterans Day