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

Parking fees in summer only, no entrance fees. Beach, bird watching, nature trails, Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook lighthouse await!
- Check out our Melanie’s post about 8 Ways to Spend a Day at 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

No entrance fee. View the majestic falls and explore the Great Falls Historic District Cultural Center.
- Read our stories about visiting Paterson Great Falls with kids
  - Earning Paterson Great Falls Junior Ranger Badges
  - Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park & The Day With No Falls!

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.

No entrance fee for the grounds but to tour inside there is. Encompasses the sites of George Washington’s winter encampment from 1779-1780. Explore trails, museums, and the Ford Mansion.
- Learn more about Morristown National Historical Park in our guide, 4 Areas & 10 Locations to Explore at Morristown National Historical Park.

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:

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.