How to Get Your Free Every Kid Outdoors Pass

What the Every Kid Outdoors Pass Is and Who Gets It

The Every Kid Outdoors Pass is a free annual pass that gives fourth-graders and their families free entry to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks, national forests, and Bureau of Land Management areas. The pass covers the child who receives it plus up to three adults and any number of children in the same vehicle. It is valid for one year from the date of issue.

The pass is designed for children in the fourth grade during the school year it is issued — typically ages 9 or 10. Homeschooled children and those in private schools are included. The pass does not require a separate membership or subscription; once you have it, entry is free at participating sites.

Key Takeaways

• Fourth-graders receive the pass free through their school, or you can print it yourself from Recreation.gov without proof of grade level.
• The pass covers the child plus up to three adults and any number of children traveling together in one vehicle.
• It works at national parks, national forests, Bureau of Land Management sites, and most other federal recreation areas that normally charge an entrance fee.
• You can print the pass at home, pick it up at a park visitor center, or request it by mail — no purchase or registration required.
• The pass is valid for one calendar year from the date you receive or print it.

How to Get the Pass Through Your Child's School

The easiest route is through your child's school. Teachers and librarians distribute physical passes to fourth-graders, usually in the spring or early fall. Ask your child's teacher or check the school's website to find out when passes are being handed out. If your child attends a school that has not received passes, contact your local school district office — they can request them from the National Park Service.

Schools receive passes in bulk at no cost. There is no form to fill out and no waiting list. If your child's school has already distributed them for the year, ask whether they have extras or whether you can pick one up at the main office.

Printing the Pass Online at Home

You can print the pass yourself from Recreation.gov without waiting for your school to distribute it. Go to Recreation.gov, search for "Every Kid Outdoors," and select the option to print the pass. You will need to enter your child's name and birth date. No proof of grade level is required, and no account is necessary.

Print the pass on standard paper, cut along the dotted lines, and bring it with you to the park. The pass is a single sheet that folds into a wallet-sized card. Some parks will also accept a digital image of the pass on your phone, but printing a physical copy is the safest option to avoid any issues at the entrance gate.

Picking Up a Pass at a Park Visitor Center

Most national parks and federal recreation sites keep printed passes at their visitor centers. Stop by the desk when you arrive, give your child's name and birth date, and staff will print one on the spot. This takes only a few minutes and requires no advance notice.

If you are planning a trip and want to confirm that a specific park has passes available, call the visitor center ahead of time. Some smaller or remote sites may not stock them, but the staff can tell you whether you can print one there or should bring one from home.

Requesting a Pass by Mail

You can request a physical pass by mail from the National Park Service. Visit the Every Kid Outdoors website, fill out the mailing request form with your child's name and address, and submit it. The pass will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. This option works well if you prefer a printed pass before your trip or want a backup copy.

Mailing requests are free. You will receive one pass per request. If you need multiple passes for multiple children, submit separate requests or print additional passes online.

What to Bring and How to Use the Pass at the Gate

Bring the printed pass and a photo ID for one of the adults in your vehicle. The pass itself does not require an ID, but park staff may ask for identification to verify that the adult presenting it is authorized to use it. The pass covers entry for the child named on it, up to three other adults, and any number of additional children in the same vehicle.

Hand the pass to the ranger at the entrance booth. They will scan or record it and return it to you. The pass is reusable for the entire year, so keep it in a safe place. If you lose it, you can print another one from Recreation.gov or request a replacement at any visitor center.

When the Pass Expires and How to Renew

The pass is valid for one calendar year from the date you receive or print it. If you print it in March, it expires the following March. If your child receives it through school in September, it expires the following September. The expiration date is printed on the pass itself.

When the pass expires, your child is no longer may be able to access for a new one — the program is limited to fourth-graders. If your child will be in fifth grade or higher when the current pass expires, you will need to pay the standard entrance fee at parks that charge one. Some parks offer discounted or free entry for children under 16, so check individual park policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the pass if my child is not in fourth grade?

The pass is designed for fourth-graders only. If your child is in third grade or younger, you will need to wait until they reach fourth grade. If your child is in fifth grade or older, they are no longer may be able to access for this pass.

Does the pass work at state parks or private recreation areas?

No. The pass covers only federal sites: national parks, national forests, Bureau of Land Management areas, and some other federal recreation lands. State parks and privately operated sites do not accept it. Check the park's website to confirm it is a federal site before your visit.

What if I lose the pass before the year is over?

Print a new one from Recreation.gov or pick one up at any park visitor center. There is no limit on how many times you can print or request a replacement. Bring your child's name and birth date, and staff will issue a new pass on the spot.

Can multiple children use one pass?

No. Each child needs their own pass. The pass covers the named child plus up to three adults and any number of additional children in the vehicle, but only one child per pass. If you have two fourth-graders, request or print two passes.

Do I need to register the pass or create an account?

No. The pass requires no registration, account, or membership. Print it, use it, and keep it until it expires. There are no fees, no forms to submit, and no ongoing requirements.