You don’t have to spend a lot to get your children outside
For kids (and really, all of us), there’s not a lot about this past year that’s normal. One constant? That the great outdoors is just as great as ever. And many federal and state parks and organizations are working on expanding inexpensive access for families.
Yes, we know, it’s colder and dark very early these days. If anything, though, that’s even more of a reason to be purposeful about getting outside, said Kate Siber, author of the recently released
“50 Adventures in the 50 States,” a book all about kid-friendly expeditions.
“Once you’re outside, you’re reminded that the world is a much bigger place than your mind would have you believe,” Siber said.
If the claustrophobia of 10 months of staying home is getting to you, it’s time to head out. Here’s how to do it and keep your already overstretched budget intact.
Since 2015, all publicly accessible federal lands have been fee-free to fourth graders and their families, and in 2019, Congress reestablished the initiative as the Every Kid Outdoors Program.
According to Chelsea Sullivan, a National Park Service spokeswoman, the agency chose fourth graders based on research that showing this age was particularly receptive to learning about — and appreciating — nature.
“By focusing on this age group year after year, the program aims to ensure every child in the United States has the opportunity to visit their federal lands and waters by the time he or she is 11 years old, thereby establishing a lifelong connection to enjoy and protect our American outdoor heritage,” she wrote in an email.
To participate, children can log on to everykidoutdoors.gov and complete a short, interactive activity. Parents can download and print the parks pass. Passes are good at more than 2,000 sites managed by the Department of the Interior, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In October, the Interior Department temporarily expanded the program to fifth graders.
If you don’t have a fourth or fifth grader, there are still plenty of options for getting into national parks or recreational areas mostly free of charge. While Yellowstone National Park and other “crown jewel” areas of the National Park Service have hefty car entrance fees, lesser-known sites, like Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma, are free — with the bonus of drawing fewer crowds.
In 2021, there will also be six days when areas managed by the National Park Service are free for everyone. Find the list on the agency website.
Many state parks also offer children no-cost or low entry fees or honor the Every Kid pass. Dan Keefe, a New York state parks spokesman, added that in wintertime, many parks stop charging for parking, making this the perfect season for getting out.
Siber, who lives in Durango, Colorado, makes a point to go outside each night to view the stars.
“Just about every night you can see the stars, but even if you can’t, you can still connect with the vastness of it all,” she said.
In a moment like this, knowing there’s more out there can be a comfort.
If your backyard is too urban for star watching, a short drive may deliver a rich buffet of planets and passing satellites.
The International Dark Sky Association certifies dark sky parks and urban night sky places across the globe.
At many parks, there’s no entrance fee and no fee at night. Some team with local astronomy clubs for free nighttime programs.