Love national parks? There’s a holiday for that! Join the weeklong celebration of all things “national parks” happening August 22 to 30, 2026. Wrap up summer by coming out to explore nature and history, join ranger programs, earn your Junior Ranger badge, and more. Entrance fees are waived for US citizens and residents on August 25, 2026, for our 110th birthday.
Celebrate America’s Story
This year's National Park Week theme is “Celebrate America’s Story” in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Come visit where many of America’s important stories are shared—in our national parks. Make your own stories exploring stunning natural landscapes, reflecting on our nation's inspiring history and rich culture, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Share your national park stories on social media using #NationalParkWeek, #NationalJuniorRangerDay, and #NPSBirthday.
National Park Week Theme Days
- Saturday, August 22: Kickoff Saturday and Freedom 250 Grand Pix
- Sunday, August 23: Safety Sunday
- Monday, August 24: America in Motion Monday
- Tuesday, August 25: National Park Service 110th Birthday & Fee-Free Day
- Wednesday, August 26: Watch Wildlife Wednesday
- Thursday, August 27: Thankful Thursday
- Friday, August 28: Freedom Friday
- Saturday, August 29: Staff Saturday
- Sunday, August 30: Junior Ranger Day
The National Park Service Junior Ranger program is a great way to get to know national parks. Fun activies for the whole family help you connect to parks and their stories.
Coming up!
Celebrate Junior Ranger Day!
No matter what age you are, you are invited to explore, learn, and protect on National Junior Ranger Day. You can participate in the Junior Ranger program year-round and join this one-day celebration on August 30, 2026, that is part of the annual National Park Week.
Here are a couple of ways you can celebrate National Junior Ranger Day:
- Look to see if a park near you is hosting any Junior Ranger Day activities. View Junior Ranger events by state or event type in the calendar below.
- Participate in an online Junior Ranger program such as Junior Paleontologist and Night Explorers.
- Visit the NPS Kids Portal to plan a park experience, learn about free 4th Grader access, and groove out to Junior Ranger Radio.
Find a Junior Ranger Day Event
National Junior Ranger Day is August 30, 2026. Use the calendar below to view Junior Ranger Day programs at any of the more than 400 national parks around the country. Remember to check ahead for trip planning information and to recreate responsibly for a safe visit.
Some parks may host Junior Ranger Day celebrations on an alternate date from the official National Park Week schedule. Be sure to check the details for each park's programming.
Information Provided by NPS.GOV
