National Park Week is coming up! From Saturday, April 20 to Sunday, April 28, 2024, the National Park Service will be celebrating our beautiful national parks. This 9-day celebration is loved by many outdoor enthusiasts across the country and thousands of visitors flock to their nearest national park.

To kick off National Park Week 2024, the national park entrance fee will be waived on April 20. This helps encourage more people to visit and enjoy their favorite national parks in person.

In this article, we will share the top National Park Week events for visitors to enjoy this spring, the 2024 theme days, and the best ways to celebrate these national treasures. 

What is National Park Week?

National Park Week was established in 1991 by the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks. Since then, it has been celebrated annually, typically in April, to promote awareness and appreciation of the national park system in the United States.

During National Park Week, various featured events and programs are held across the country, including free admission to all national parks on select days, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, guided tours, and special exhibits. 

The week serves as an opportunity for people to connect with nature, learn about conservation efforts, and explore the diverse landscapes and historical sites preserved within the national park system. It aims to encourage visitation to these protected areas and foster appreciation for the natural and historic preservation for future generations. 

National Park Week 2024 Theme Days

According to the NPS website, there will be many “theme days” during April’s celebration at your favorite parks. 

• Saturday, April 20: Discovery 

• Sunday, April 21: Volunteers

• Monday, April 22: Earth Day

• Tuesday, April 23: Innovation

• Wednesday, April 24: Workforce Wednesday

• Thursday, April 25: Youth Engagement

• Friday, April 26: Community Connections

• Saturday, April 27: Junior Ranger Day

• Sunday, April 28: Arts in Parks

Best National Park Week Events in 2024

Birding Bonanza: Ranger-Guided Bird Walk (Flamingo)

Park: Everglades National Park

Date & Time: April 20, 2024 at 8:30-9:30 AM

Fee: Free

Embark on a guided walk led by a park ranger through one of Flamingo's prime bird-watching areas. Be sure to consult with a park ranger to determine the current location, as it may vary depending on bird activity. Bring along your cameras, binoculars, and insect repellent for an enhanced experience. For further details, contact the Guy Bradley Visitor Center at (239) 695-2945.

Wildflower Hike

Park: John Muir National Historic Site

Date & Time: April 21, 2024 at 8:30-11:30 AM

Fee: Free

Join us for a scenic hike up Mt. Wanda, where we'll take leisurely pauses to savor the fragrant blooms. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local wildflower guide, this 2.5-mile journey along a dirt trail promises an enriching experience. While the initial ascent is steep, with a 500-foot climb over a mile, the views make it worthwhile. 

Remember to wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots, layer up for warmth, pack snacks, water, and sun protection. We'll kick off promptly at 8:30 am from the trailhead. In case the parking lot is full, feel free to park along Franklin Canyon Rd., exercising caution as there are no sidewalks or crosswalks.

Keys Ranch Tour

Park: Joshua Tree National Park 

Date & Time: April 22, 2024 at 9:30-11:30 AM

Fee: $10 per person aged 12 and over and $5 for children 6 to 11. Children under six are free.

Join our ranger-led excursion and delve into the rich cultural history of Keys Ranch. Discover fascinating topics ranging from Native American history to mining, ranching, homesteading, the Keys family, and the site's evolution into a cherished historical landmark.

Hoodoo Geology Talk

Park: Bryce Canyon National Park
Date & Time: April 23, 2024 at 11:00-11:30 AM

Fee: Free

Discover the secrets behind the formation of hoodoos! Join park rangers for an engaging 20-30-minute geology discussion at the designated meeting spot located at Sunset Point.

Geology Talk: Island in the Sky

Park: Canyonlands National Park
Date & Time: April 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM & 10:30 AM

Fee: Free

Experience the mesmerizing vistas at Grand View Point Overlook, where you'll unravel the ancient landscapes that weave the captivating narrative of Canyonlands National Park.

Biscayne Beach Cleanup

Park: Biscayne National Park

Date & Time: April 25, 2024 at 8:00-3:00 PM 

Fee: Free

Join us at Biscayne National Park for a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the preservation of our stunning park. With over 95% of its area submerged in water, ocean pollution poses a significant threat not only to our marine life but also to the South Florida community. 

Accumulated debris on our beaches can disrupt the nesting of threatened and endangered sea turtles and pose entanglement hazards to various other animals. We rely on YOUR support to safeguard and conserve our local environment. Last year, dedicated volunteers successfully removed over 30,000 pounds of marine debris from park beaches, with a significant portion being plastic. The scale of this cleanup effort underscores the urgent need for action. 

Please note that we accept pre-organized groups consisting of 4-12 volunteers only. Individual registrations are not accepted. For inquiries or to sign up, please email Bisc_Beach_Cleanup@nps.gov. Join us in making a tangible difference for our park and its inhabitants.

King Canyon/Gould Mine Hike

Park: Saguaro National Park 

Date & Time: April 26, 2024 at 7:30-10:30 AM

Fee: Free

Gather at the King Canyon Trailhead for a picturesque 3-mile hike, ascending through the canyon and descending via the Gould Mine Trail. En route, delve into the history of the petroglyphs, explore the serene Mam-A-Gaw picnic area, and uncover the stories behind the Gould Mine. Take advantage of opportunities to observe the diverse flora expected to bloom in the coming months. 

Ensure you're equipped with essential items, including a headlamp, 1 quart/liter of water, a salty and sweet snack, and sturdy closed-toed shoes (no sandals). Hiking poles, a hat/cap, and sunscreen are recommended for added comfort. If you require medication during the hike, please ensure you or a companion can administer it, as our guide, while trained in first aid and CPR, is unable to administer medications. Registration is mandatory, with a limit of 10 participants.

Service Saturday: Volunteer Event

Park: Arches National Park

Date & Time: April 27, 2024 at 9:00- 10:30 AM
Fee: Free

Demonstrate your affection for Arches National Park and its neighboring community by lending a hand in a volunteer project. Activities may include litter cleanup at a frequently visited trailhead and parking area, removal of invasive weeds, or similar initiatives. All necessary equipment will be provided, and individuals of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. 

For additional details and registration, please reach out to ARCH_CANY_Volunteers@nps.gov or call 435-719-2214. Join us in making a positive impact on our beloved park and community.

Indoor Ranger Tour

Park: Hot Springs National Park

Date & Time: April 28, 2024 at 11:00-11:30 AM and 3:00-3:30 PM

Fee: Free

Accompany a ranger on a complimentary, 20-30-minute guided tour at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center & Museum! Tours are available daily, covering a range of topics determined by the ranger leading the tour. Gather in the lobby of the Fordyce for all tours; no advance reservation is necessary.

Celebrate National Park Week with Cruise America

Cruise America makes visiting national parks during National Park Week convenient for outdoor enthusiasts. Book an RV rental today to road trip to your favorite national parks this April to see natural wonders. All our rentals offer a comfortable mode of transportation that also serves as a home base when RV camping at any of these amazing places.  

So, hit the road to one of the many national parks to attend National Park Week events April 20-28 with Cruise America!