National Park Week starts Saturday, Aug. 22, giving anyone looking for an excuse to squeeze in another summer park trip a pretty good one.
The week runs through Aug. 30, but the big date is Tuesday, Aug. 25. The National Park Service turns 110 that day and will waive entrance fees for U.S. citizens and residents at National Park Service sites that normally charge admission.
National Park Week Moved to August This Year
National Park Week has traditionally been held in April, but the National Park Service moved the celebration to August for 2026. The change puts the week alongside the agency’s Aug. 25 birthday and, according to the NPS, better aligns the event with park visitation and staffing.
This year’s theme is “Celebrate America’s Story,” tying National Park Week to the country’s 250th anniversary. Parks across the country will host ranger programs, educational events, and other activities throughout the week. National Junior Ranger Day closes out the celebration on Aug. 30.
The National Park Service was created on Aug. 25, 1916. Today, it manages more than 400 national park sites across the country.
What the Free Day Actually Covers
The Aug. 25 waiver applies to entrance fees, so don’t assume everything associated with a park visit suddenly becomes free.
Camping fees, reservations, special-use permits and other charges may still apply. Parks with timed-entry systems or other reservation requirements can also continue requiring them, even when the entrance fee itself is waived.
Beginning in 2026, the National Park Service limits its fee-free days to U.S. citizens and residents. International visitors will still pay applicable entrance fees on Aug. 25.
Anyone planning to take advantage of the free day should check the individual park’s website before heading out. A free entrance day can save some money, but it doesn’t guarantee a parking spot, campsite, or reservation.
