Best National Parks to Visit for Free

What family doesn’t love going on vacation together? Well, okay, maybe some pre-teens and teens roll their eyes at the thought of hanging out with their parents for days at a time, but chances are, they usually end up having a good time. Unfortunately, for some families, the cost of taking a vacation can detour their plans for having a fun-filled family adventure. Luckily for everyone, the cost of chartering a private jet is lowering every day. If you’re still in doubt, check out this private jet charter cost estimator. For a family of four, the average cost of a vacation is $4,580, which includes airfare, food, hotels, and activities.

Thankfully, there are some ways to cut down on this expense. Instead of flying, families could choose instead to drive to a not-so-far-away vacation destination. Frugal families could also try to find free activities. A great option is to include visiting a national park while on vacation. Here are some of the best national parks that families can visit for free. 

Hot Springs National Park – Arkansas

Many Native American tribes settled here because they believed the hot springs had natural healing powers. By the time it was officially designated a national park in 1921, the mineral-rich waters had become well-known for helping to relieve aches and pains. The hot springs are surrounded by spectacular mountains with other attractions including historic bathhouses, a hot water cascade, DeSoto Rock, and Gulpha Gorge.

Channel Islands National Park – California

This national park is made up of five of the 8 California Channel Islands, which includes Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, and Anacapa. The fascinating history along with its beautiful surroundings makes the Channel Islands a popular tourist destination. Some of the most popular activities to do in the park include ocean kayaking, snorkeling, birdwatching, and exploring the coastal bluffs and sea caves.

Mammoth Cave National Park – Kentucky

With over 400 miles of explored caves, Mammoth Cave National Park is considered the world’s longest cave system. The system contains complex labyrinths that the whole family will enjoy exploring for hours on end. Along with cave tours, other activities include horseback riding and hiking the many surrounding trails.

Voyageurs National Park – Minnesota

Located in northern Minnesota near the Canadian border, Voyageurs National Park is a vast area that contains forests, waterways, and the Ellsworth Rock Gardens, created by artist Jack Ellsworth. With a variety of ways to enjoy the great outdoors, including boating, fishing, and hiking, this park will keep family members of all ages busy while learning about nature.

For families who choose to vacation during the off-season, most national parks have free entrance days all throughout the year. These days usually include:

• Martin Luther King Day (3rd Monday in January)
• National Park Service Birthday (August 25)
• National Public Lands Day (September 28)
• Veterans Day (November 11)

One more free entrance day is the first week of National Park Week, which takes place in mid-April.

Similar Posts:

None Found