The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is once again partnering with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Every Kid in a Park program to provide fourth-grade children and their families free admission to national public lands and state parks.
This marks the fourth year the Maryland Park Service will honor the federal passes, valid through Aug. 31, 2019, at all 75 state parks. The passes are also valid at 16 national parks, six national natural landmarks, five national wildlife refuges and two federal heritage areas in Maryland.
“Maryland is strongly committed to connecting, cultivating and nurturing the next generation of environmental advocates, stewards and supporters,” said Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton. “Maryland offers a great array of public lands where visitors can experience nature as well as cultural and historical landmarks. As living classrooms, these outdoor spaces provide hands-on opportunities to develop critical skills and understanding of our natural world.”
The goal of the Every Kid in a Park program is to increase access to public lands and facilities for children at an impressionable age – primarily 9-11 years old – and ignite their curiosity, interest and love for the great outdoors. The program offers teachers resources for planning field trips, including free access for classes and eligibility for federal transportation funding. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources also offers educational resources for teachers.
The Every Kid in a Park pass covers admission, but does not cover amenities and services, such as boat rentals, camping or staff-led tours. To print a pass for this year, please visit the Every Kid in a Park website.
