When vacation time calls, look to the national parks for some of the most satisfying and least costly alternatives. Open year round, national parks offer activities across the country. For outdoor adventure or indoor discovery — try a venture into the national parks.
There are almost 400 national parks to choose from so if you need a little help picking one, you're at the right place. Travel Tips can get you started. Park Lodging will help you find a place to sleep.
You can Find a Park to search for events and activities (see the Plan Your Visit section for each park), participate in one of the many Institutes and Field Schools or save some money and come on one of the days we waive entrance fees. You can browse our weekly getaway series for inspiration. You can even volunteer to help us take care of the national parks while you're here.
There's an adventure out there for everyone — plan yours soon!
June 5-8
Bryce Canyon National Park,
Utah
Bryce Canyon's Dark Rangers and the Salt Lake Astronomical Society welcome back retired NASA astronaut Dr. Story Musgrave for his second appearance as the festival's keynote speaker. Explore the skies, try your hand at rocket building, and learn about the epic mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
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June 7-9
New River Gorge National River,
West Virginia
There's something for everyone and fun for all at this weekend-long celebration hosted by the New River Clean Water Alliance. Enjoy a Friday night film festival, Saturday live music, camping, a puppet parade, field trips, educational exhibits, and much, much more.
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June 8-15
Grand Canyon National Park,
Arizona
With some of the darkest skies and cleanest air in the country, Grand Canyon is one of the best night sky observing sites in the United States. For eight days in June, you can explore the wonders of the night sky as amateur astronomers from across the country volunteer their expertise and offer free nightly astronomy programs and free telescope viewing.
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Saturdays and Sundays through October 20
De Soto National Memorial,
Florida
Join rangers on a paddle through time to explore the natural resources and vibrant history of the Manatee River. Traverse the waters that Native American Indians and Spanish Conquistadores traveled hundreds of years ago. Reservations required.
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