Every Kid Outdoors 4th Grade Free Entry Program Guidelines for Use in New York State Parks
New York State Parks will accept the National Park Service's (NPS) Every Kid Outdoors pass (pictured below) upon presentation for free entry for 4th grade students into State Parks. The pass applies only
to the vehicle entry fee, and the 4th grader must be present in the vehicle. The pass will also be accepted at most state historic sites for the pass holder and up to 3 adults for house tour fees. Please contact the site prior to your visit for more details. This is a pilot program as
part of a series of initiatives to encourage youth visitation to state parks, historic sites and public lands. Fourth grade students can obtain and print their pass at https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm
State Parks has launched a grant program to provide transportation funding assistance to schools for field trips to State Parks. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
General Rules & Guidelines
- The pass is for fourth-grade students for the Parks operating season
- The fourth-grade student must be present when the pass is presented
- The pass covers the vehicle use fee at New York State Parks and the fee for historic site tours for the fourth grader and up to 3 family members
- The pass does not cover amenities such as camping, pool fees, rentals or special tours
- Students cannot transfer the pass to anyone else
- Electronic versions of the paper pass cannot be accepted
- There is no way to request a refund if the pass is not presented
- The pass should be presented upon entry where park staff will welcome the 4th grader and his/her family and provide the car with a no-fee "Connect Kids" ticket for the car dashboard (pictured above). The federal pass remains with the student. Where there is no manual fee collection, the pass may be left on the car dashboard.
- Special Note for visitors to Niagara Falls State Park: With our new parking system, people with the Connect Kids program should see the lot attendant at the entrance or press the intercom button on the pay station at the entrance. We no longer validate tickets.
- Other exclusions may apply