Explore the beauty of our national parks! On select days throughout the year, all National Park Service sites that normally require an entrance fee offer free admission to visitors. Check out the dates and national parks you can visit, and who are eligible:
2026 Free National Park Entry Days
On the following dates in 2026, parks that normally charge an entrance fee will waive that fee for U.S. citizens and permanent residents (non-U.S. residents still pay standard fees and any applicable added charges):
- February 16, 2026: Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
- May 25, 2026: Memorial Day
- June 14, 2026: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday
- July 3–5, 2026: Independence Day weekend
- August 25, 2026: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17, 2026: Constitution Day
- October 27, 2026: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- November 11, 2026: Veterans Day
National Parks included in Free Entrance Days
The following listed parks generally charge an entrance fee that would be waived on the National Park free entrance days:
Arizona
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Saguaro National Park
California
- Yosemite National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (joint fee area)
Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
Florida
- Everglades National Park
Maine
- Acadia National Park
Montana / Wyoming / Idaho
- Yellowstone National Park (spans all three states)
- Glacier National Park (Montana)
- Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
South Dakota
- Badlands National Park (fees apply at some sites/areas)
Utah
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park (Arches/Canyonlands both charge fees)
- Capitol Reef National Park
Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
Virginia
- Shenandoah National Park
Rules on Free Entrance Days
- Who’s Eligible: Beginning in 2026, National Park free days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.
- What’s waived: Only the standard entrance fee is waived. Additional charges such as timed entry reservations, camping fees, parking fees, or activity fees generally still apply.
- Reservation requirements: Some parks may still require timed entry or reservations for popular areas (e.g., Yosemite Valley). Even on free days, these reservations may be required and not waived. (Common practice; check specific park sites for current reservation requirements).
Other Free Things to Do:
- 16 Theme Park with Free Preschool Pass
- Free Admission to US Museums with BofA Card
- Lowe’s Free Kids Workshop
- Home Depot Free Kids Workshop