This story was originally published by EdSource. Sign up for their daily newsletter.
CALIFORNIA – California fourth graders and their families will have free access to state parks again this year.
The Free Fourth Grade Pass gives families admission to 54 state parks, up from 19 when the program was first established as the California State Parks Adventure Pass in 2021. The program has been extended 13 months, making passes valid through Aug. 31, 2027.
In the Central Valley, this includes the state parks of Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, Pacheco State Park, Tule Elk Reserve State Natural Reserve, Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park and William B. Ide Adobe State Park.
“California State Parks is committed to making it as easy as possible for fourth graders and their families to experience California’s unparalleled natural and cultural treasures. The updates to our Free Fourth Grade Pass program do exactly that,” State Parks Director Armando Quintero said in a statement.
The Free Fourth Grade Pass program is part of the state’s Outdoors for All Program, which includes free passes to state parks through public libraries and a program offering state park passes for families on public assistance. Since 2021, over 100,000 state park passes have been distributed to the families of fourth graders.
“Fostering a lifelong connection with nature and the outdoors starts at a young age,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “With California’s Free Fourth Grade Passes for fourth graders and their families, we are giving more school kids the opportunity to experience all the natural wonders of the Golden State. With the school year kicking off, California’s fourth graders will lead the charge as the next generation of environmental stewards.”
Parents can download the free pass at ReserveCalifornia.com.
