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How Do You Get a 4th Grade National Park Pass?

Learn how fourth graders get an Every Kid Outdoors pass, when to print or exchange it, and what to check before visiting a federal recreation site.

Direct answer

To get a 4th Grade National Park Pass, the fourth grader starts through the Every Kid Outdoors program and gets the pass for the current program year. The pass can give the student and family free access to hundreds of participating parks, lands, and waters, but some sites require a printed pass or exchange for an annual 4th Grade Pass. Check the site before you go.

eligible fourth grader + Every Kid Outdoors pass + site acceptance check = 4th-grade park access

4th Grade Pass checklist

Start online

Use Every Kid Outdoors

The student begins the pass flow

Print or save instructions

Follow the program's current pass directions

Some sites need paper proof

Check site acceptance

Call ahead if unsure

Not all locations accept every form

Exchange when required

Swap paper proof for an annual 4th Grade Pass at issuing sites

Some entrance stations require it

Plan reservations separately

Check timed-entry or tour reservations

Passes do not replace reservations

Step	What to do	Why it matters
Start online	Use Every Kid Outdoors	The student begins the pass flow
Print or save instructions	Follow the program's current pass directions	Some sites need paper proof
Check site acceptance	Call ahead if unsure	Not all locations accept every form
Exchange when required	Swap paper proof for an annual 4th Grade Pass at issuing sites	Some entrance stations require it
Plan reservations separately	Check timed-entry or tour reservations	Passes do not replace reservations

The pass is about eligibility, not reservations

The 4th Grade Pass can cover entrance or standard day-use fees at participating sites, but it does not remove separate timed-entry, tour, or reservation requirements.

Get and use the pass

1Have the fourth grader use the Every Kid Outdoors get-your-pass flow.
2Print the pass or follow the current program instructions.
3Check whether your destination accepts the paper pass or requires exchange.
4Bring the pass with the fourth grader to the participating site.
5Handle parking, camping, tour, or timed-entry reservations separately.

FAQ

Who can get the 4th Grade Pass?

The Every Kid Outdoors pass is for U.S. fourth graders and gives the student and family free access to participating federal recreation sites for the program year.

Is the 4th Grade Pass digital only?

The student starts online, but many sites require the paper pass or an exchanged annual 4th Grade Pass. Check the site before going.

Do all parks accept the Every Kid Outdoors pass?

Not all sites accept the paper pass in every situation. Every Kid Outdoors advises calling ahead if you are unsure whether a site accepts it.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.