News Release
News Release Date: April 20, 2023
Contact: NewsMedia@nps.gov
WASHINGTON— Share or create “#YourParkStory” during National Park Week, the annual, presidentially proclaimed celebration taking place from April 22 through 30. Enjoy a variety of special events or take in the everyday beauty and history found in America’s 424 national parks.
“#MyParkStory began on a road trip when I was 19 years old,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “I’ve had a lifelong love and respect for the natural world, but it was during a weeklong journey with friends to national parks while serving in the U.S. Navy that I experienced the amazing assortment of national parks and the stories they share. I encourage everyone to use National Park Week as a catalyst to find “#YourParkStory.”
From sunup to sundown and beyond, each day of National Park Week is filled with special events and programs. Learn how hoodoos happen, anhinga amble, critters chat, and chollas jump. Bike, bird, walk, paddle, picnic, garden, fly a kite, identify trees, journal, paint, make a lei, sketch, go on a scavenger hunt, Run Through History, or Read with a Ranger.
Hike a beach, volcano, canyon, desert, redwood forest, battlefield, cave, or bayou. Tour a lighthouse, kennel, fort, pueblo, ranch, mission, farm, tavern, historic home, lost colony, or earth lodge. Enjoy the sounds of jazz, zydeco, folk, dulcimer, sea shantys, or a drum circle.
NPS.gov and the official NPS app are the best places to plan a park visit. You can search for parks by state, activity, or topic and get the latest updates and details about each park. The NPS Trip Planning Guide can help you get the most out of your next visit. It provides information about the park’s environment, what to see and do, the gear to pack, and which activity might be the best fit. Involve the kids by using the online Junior Ranger Park Explorer program “Ready, Set, Go” where they can complete fun activities and print a badge.
National Park Week begins on Earth Day. All National Park Service (NPS) entrance fees are waived on April 22 to encourage people to connect with the outdoors. The NPS will also unveil a revised Green Parks Plan which provides an updated framework for sustainability efforts including an increase in renewable energy use, water conservation projects, electric vehicle charging stations, and water bottle filling stations.
Celebrate with us from April 22-30 and share “#YourParkStory” during #NationalParkWeek about:
Connections on Saturday, April 22
On this fee-free day, Earth Day, and Park Prescription Day, visit a national park and enjoy the mental, physical, and psychological benefits associated with spending time in nature. It is also the last day of National Volunteer Week, providing opportunities for public participation in stewardship projects.
Discovery on Sunday, April 23
With at least one national park in every state, explore one new to you for a dose of inspiration, education or recreation. What has been your favorite discovery in a national park?
Accomplishment on Monday, April 24
Goals are reached and dreams are realized in national parks every day. Celebrate your accomplishments such as visiting a particular park or conquering a recreational activity.
Tradition on Tuesday, April 25
Generations of visitors have made lasting memories recreating responsibly in these treasured places. Do you have a favorite national park tradition?
Gratitude on Wednesday, April 26
Are you grateful for a national park that has special meaning to you? Would you like to acknowledge a favorite traveling companion or, since it is #Workforce Wednesday, a ranger or employee who has impacted your national park experience?
Ingenuity on Thursday, April 27
Ingenuity is on display every day in parks, including in construction marvels, transportation innovations, resource management, and educational programs. What park feature do you find most interesting?
Inspiration on Friday, April 28
The landscapes of national parks are continual sources of artistic inspiration. Do you have a favorite poem, photograph, or painting based on a national park?
Fun on Saturday, April 29
Celebrate National Junior Ranger Day with fun and educational family friendly activities and earn a badge. Do you have a family favorite humorous story related to a national park visit?
Love on Sunday, April 30
Have you made or celebrated a love connection, such as a first date, engagement, or wedding, in a national park? Which park do you love the most? Is there a friend, family member or pet who you love to take to parks?
For more information about National Park week, please visit NPS.gov/npweek.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 424 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: April 20, 2023