Get Outside for Free During National Parks Week

The National Park Service turns 100 this year. If you're traveling or hoping to get outside for Spring Break and you're near a National Park (which most people are or can easily drive to), this is the time to see some of America's most beautiful scenery, along with amazing plants and native animals. For a whole week, you can get in to all National Parks free of charge. 

Use this week as a budget-friendly way to see some nature, get some exercise and maybe even educate yourself or your kiddos by visiting famous landmarks or historical site. Pack a picnic or even pack up your car for a few days away to make the most of your free time. 

Some things you could do:

• Find a park! 
• April 16: Today is National Junior Ranger Day! Get the kids involved in the Junior Ranger program. This free program allows them to learn through fun programs, games and exploration. When they finish the assignment at each park they visit, they get a special badge. 
• April 22: Today is Earth Day! Show your appreciation for Mother Nature and a free outing by getting involved in clean-up programs and other activities. 
• April 23: National Park Instameet! Join an Instagram meet-up and make some new outdoorsy friends to take pics with and post to inspire others to also get outside and pay a visit to a National Park near them.
• April 24: Park Rx Day! Learn how to get healthier and get moving when parks hosts fun activities to promote physical and mental health.

If camping is something you love, you can definitely find one where you can pitch your tent. if you are into birdwatching, get your binoculars out and find the best park for that. If you want to learn how people farmed and harvested in the old days, you can find a park to learn about that, too! Use the Find a Park page to search by activity or by where you are. Not sure which park is the best for you? Check out Budget Travel's post about finding just that!

Now, go pack a weekender bag with some sunscreen, walking shoes, your camera and a couple changes of underwear and get out there and see the cool stuff our nation has on display for absolutely nothing.

Where will you be headed for National Park Week?