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National Parks Free Admission Days 2024

Did you know there are 6 National Parks free admission days this year?

We are always advocates for getting your family outside and off the screens, and our protected national parks are a great place to explore. Our national parks offer history, hiking, swimming and more. We have your way of visiting these parks and take advantage of National Park Service free admission!

National Park Service Morristown National Historical Park
Morristown National Historical Park

The National Parks Free Admission Days for 2024

For questions and updates regarding this list visit the National Park Service website.

  • January 15, 2024: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • April 20, 2024: First day of National Park Week
  • June 19, 2024: Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • August 4, 2024: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
  • September 28, 2024: National Public Lands Day
  • November 11, 2024: Veterans Day
New Jersey National Park Service Free Admission Days image with dates

Every Kid in a Park

Did you know fourth graders and their families can get a full year of National Park Service free admission? Apply now and travel through the year. Read our recap here!

New Jersey National Parks

Below is our list of National Parks in New Jersey, or read our article for more details on these national treasures close to home!

Ellis Island in Jersey City, Hudson County

  • Take the ferry from Jersey City, Hudson County. No entrance fee but various ferry fees apply as well as fees for advanced tours. Visit the hall where 12 million immigrants entered on their way to an American life.

Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook, Monmouth County

Sandy hook with kids

Delaware Water Gap in Warren County

  • No entrance fee but amenity fees may apply from April – October. Mountains, streams, and the 1000 foot deep water gap are available for outdoor fun.

Thomas Edison Historical Park in West Orange, Essex County

  • Explore Thomas Edison’s home and laboratory. Entrance fee for ages 16 and over.

Paterson Great Falls in Paterson, Passaic County

waterfalls at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in New Jersey, National Parks in New Jersey
Look at this amazing view at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.

Morristown National Historical Park in Morristown, Morris County.

National Park Service Gateway National Recreation Center Sandy Hook
Wading at Gateway National Recreation Center (Sandy Hook)

National Park Service Junior Ranger Program

The Junior Ranger program offers a way for kids to get engaged while at the National Parks. Did you know that at most national parks, children can earn a badge learning more about the parks, their environment, and animals by becoming a Junior Ranger? We’ve had great experiences at the National Mall and in Fredericksburg VA. Read more about the Junior Ranger program, and you’ll wish you could earn one of those badges too!

Earning our Junior Ranger Badges at Fredericksburg Battlefield

In New Jersey, Junior Ranger programs are offered at:

Junior Park Ranger badge at the Morristown National Historical Park
My 8 year old working on earning his Junior Park Ranger badge at the Morristown National Historical Park.

Events in NJ National Parks

Our Jersey Family Fun calendar of New Jersey events lists low cost and free events across the state including those in our National Parks. You can find nature walks, history demonstrations and beach events and more!

More National Park fun

Want to have more National Park fun? Want a way to keep kids busy in the car on the way? Want to learn more about where you are going to visit? Check out some of our favorite National Geographic Kids books we were sent, as National Geographic Kids Insiders, about the National Parks. You can purchase your own with our Amazon affiliate links.

Where will you visit during Free National Park days?

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New Jersey National Park Service Free Admission Days

So tell us where should we explore next?

Ready to explore MORE of the New Jersey outdoors? We’re ready to help you with these blog posts and listings.

National Parks in NJ
New Jersey State Parks & Forests
NJ Gardens (1)

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