Last updated: April 22, 2024
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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
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.
Sunday, April 21: Volunteers
Dragonfly Mercury Project
The Dragonfly Mercury Project (DMP) works with citizen scientists and community volunteers to collect dragonfly larvae for mercury analysis.
Park Science Celebrates Volunteers
See how volunteers and citizen scientists are so important to park science.
Monday, April 22: Earth Day
Conservation at Home
Anyone can help conserve national, state, and local parks and other protected areas by taking action at home! Find out how.
Park Science celebrates Earth Day
Park Science Magazine celebrates Earth Day with these articles about conservation.
Tuesday, April 23: Innovation
Green Parks Plan
Since 2012, the National Park Service has made considerable progress towards its sustainability goals through innovation and technology.
Innovation in Park Science
Park scientists use innovative tools and ideas to help solve some of our biggest management problems. Take a look.
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
Careers in Science
Meet some of the folks who help protect the plants, animals, sounds, and oceans in the National Park Service.
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
Outside Science (inside parks)
The Outside Science (inside parks) series highlights the many ways young people are getting involved in science in parks.
Youth Crews in Action
With help from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding and dedicated youth crews, Organ Pipe Cactus NM is closing abandoned mines.
Young Scientists
Science isn't just for adults! Park Science Magazine celebrates science education in parks.
Friday, April 26: Community
National Natural Landmarks
The Natural National Landmarks program works cooperatively with communities to promote conservation of our nation's natural heritage.
Community Science
Our ecosystems are all connected so park scientists must work together with communities for conservation.
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
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!
Prehistoric Life Coloring Book
Tap into your scientific detective skills and encourage your creativity with the Prehistoric Life coloring book!
Arts in Parks
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.
National Fossil Day Art
Each year, the National Park Service hosts National Fossil Day with fossil artwork and an art contest.