Every Kid Outdoors

 

4th Graders can take advantage of the free Every Kid Outdoors pass program

NPS

Every Kid Outdoors

Did you know? 4th grade students have access to a free park pass!

What is Every Kid Outdoors?

Every Kid Outdoors ("EKO," formerly Every Kid in a Park) is a federal public lands program created during the National Park Service Centennial to spark a lifelong passion for America’s great outdoors. EKO provides 4th graders and their families with a printable pass granting free admission to federal public lands and waters across the U.S for a school year (expiring in August).

Why 4th Graders?
Many reasons! Research has shown that connecting with the outdoors at an early age promotes outdoor engagement and health. 4th grade student curriculum overlaps many of the lessons and themes taught at National Parks, particularly relating to state history and ecology. Many 4th graders still have a single teacher, streamlining the educator pass printout process.

How does it work?
Kids can visit the Every Kid Outdoors website to access a short activity - we suggest parents and guardians review opportunities to integrate kids activities into their next trip!

Educators and teachers can download activites for their students before generating 4th grade passes to distribute. At Paterson Great Falls we offer a special free Every Kid Outdoors program - explore our education program offerings to book yours today!

 

NPS

Once you complete the activity/pass generation, you'll be able to print out a voucher, which can be used on its own, or brought to a site which sells Interagency Passes. These sites can usually exchange your paper printout for an official "hard" 4th grade pass!

The closest site to Paterson Great Falls which offers this service is Thomas Edison National Historical Park.

Where can I go?
The Every Kid Outdoors voucher/pass is good for a full school year, expiring in August, at sites managed by the following federal agencies:

• National Park Service
• Fish and Wildlife Service
• USDA Forest Service
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of Reclamation
• US Army Corps of Engineers

Note: Plan like a Park Ranger! Confirm if your pass will cover your entrance on your next trip and Know Before you Go. The 4th grade pass doesn’t cover fees for local, city, or state parks and recreation areas unless they say that they accept this pass. Certain amenity fees may not be covered - check the EKO program rules for further details.

 

The 4th Grade EKO pass is your ticket to adventure!

NPS

Who can I bring?
The eligible 4th grader must be in attendance and possession of the pass to take advantage of its benefits. Outside of that, you may bring the following additional family, friends, or group members:

• If you visit a site that charges entrance fees per person — your EKO pass admits all children under 16 and up to three adults for free.

• If you arrive at a site on bicycle — your EKO pass admits all children under 16 and up to three adults on bicycles.

• If your group visits a site that charges vehicle entrance fees — your EKO pass admits all children under 16 and all adults in up to one passenger vehicle. Commercial vehicles can't use a pass to get in.

Now that you've got the info, it's time to get out and explore your parks and lands!