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Celebrate National Park Week 2024 with Explore Nature!

Love national parks? There’s a holiday for that! Join Explore Nature for National Park Week, a nine-day celebration of everything "parks." Not just about more than 400 national parks nationwide of different shapes, sizes, and types. Also discover what the National Park Service does through our programs and partners to preserve natural and cultural heritage and provide recreational opportunities in places across the country—and even the world!

National Park Week is happening April 20 to April 28 this year. Entrance fees will be waived on April 20, 2024, to kick off the celebration and to encourage everyone to enjoy their national parks in person. Follow Explore Nature on social media and join the fun all week using #NationalParkWeek.

Saturday, April 20: Discovery

  • a light bulb stands in fresh soil
    I Didn't Know That!

    There is so much to explore and discover about the natural world! This series explores answers to questions about exploring nature.

  • A caver looks into a natural pool in a cave
    Discover Park Science

    Discover science in parks with Park Science Magazine

Sunday, April 21: Volunteers

Monday, April 22: Earth Day

Tuesday, April 23: Innovation

  • the cover of the National Park Service's Green Parks Plan: Third Edition
    Green Parks Plan

    Since 2012, the National Park Service has made considerable progress towards its sustainability goals through innovation and technology.

  • a scientist sets up a remote recording device
    Innovation in Park Science

    Park scientists use innovative tools and ideas to help solve some of our biggest management problems. Take a look.

  • gloved hands plant a small whitebark pine tree
    Whitebark Pine Conservation

    Through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act funds, whitebark pine trees are being restored in innovative ways.

Wednesday, April 24: Workforce

  • A smiling young woman in national park service uniform holds a net
    Careers in Science

    Meet some of the folks who help protect the plants, animals, sounds, and oceans in the National Park Service.

  • a woman in national park service uniform looks out over bryce canyon
    Celebrating Scientists

    Park Science Magazine celebrates the scientists behind park science.

  • title image for Enjoy the View Like Us series featuring a woman using binoculars
    Enjoy the View Like Us!

    The Enjoy the View Like Us series invites National Park Service employees to share their stories about their favorite park views.

Thursday, April 25: Youth Engagement

  • a person in Scientists-in-parks shirt holds a shorebird for monitoring
    Outside Science (inside parks)

    The Outside Science (inside parks) series highlights the many ways young people are getting involved in science in parks.

  • Three young people use shovels behind a fence that says danger do not enter
    Youth Crews in Action

    With help from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding and dedicated youth crews, Organ Pipe Cactus NM is closing abandoned mines.

  • four young men hold up paintings with black ink while standing outside
    Young Scientists

    Science isn't just for adults! Park Science Magazine celebrates science education in parks.

Friday, April 26: Community

  • a waterfall flows into an emerald green clear pool
    National Natural Landmarks

    The Natural National Landmarks program works cooperatively with communities to promote conservation of our nation's natural heritage.

  • an aerial shot of a neighborhood at twilight
    Community Science

    Our ecosystems are all connected so park scientists must work together with communities for conservation.

  • two young people in safety vests kneel and pull weeds
    Conservation at Home

    You can take action at home and in your community to help protect natural resources. Find out how you can help!

Saturday, April 27 Junior Ranger Day

  • a park ranger holds up a junior ranger explorer patch
    Junior Ranger Explorers

    Dive underwater, explore a cave or look up at the night sky. There is so much to learn! Explore nature by becoming a Junior Ranger Explorer!

  • cover page for the Prehistoric life coloring book with a paleontologist digging for fossils
    Prehistoric Life Coloring Book

    Tap into your scientific detective skills and encourage your creativity with the Prehistoric Life coloring book!

Arts in Parks

  • three people next to a 16-foot shark sculpture made of marine debris
    Marine Debris Displays

    It's time to talk trash! NOAA and NPS teamed up to create artistic displays in parks to raise awareness of marine debris. Take a look.

  • a drawing of a prehistoric scene with dinosaurs and mammals
    National Fossil Day Art

    Each year, the National Park Service hosts National Fossil Day with fossil artwork and an art contest.

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Last updated: April 22, 2024