Discover the beauty of our national parks! On select days of the year, all National Park Service sites that typically charge an entrance fee will welcome visitors free of charge. Please note that other fees, such as timed entry or reservation fees, may still apply.
2026 Free National Park Entrance Days
On the following dates in 2026, parks that normally charge an entrance fee will waive that fee for U.S. citizens and permanent residents (non-U.S. residents still pay standard fees and any applicable added charges):
- February 16, 2026: Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
- May 25, 2026: Memorial Day
- June 14, 2026: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday
- July 3–5, 2026: Independence Day weekend
- August 25, 2026: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17, 2026: Constitution Day
- October 27, 2026: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- November 11, 2026: Veterans Day
National Parks included in Free Entry Days
The following listed parks generally charge an entrance fee that would be waived on the National Park free entrance days:
Arizona
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Saguaro National Park
California
- Yosemite National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (joint fee area)
Related: Check out Tips for Visiting Sequoia National Park
Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
Florida
- Everglades National Park
Maine
- Acadia National Park
Montana / Wyoming / Idaho
- Yellowstone National Park (spans all three states)
- Glacier National Park (Montana)
- Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
South Dakota
- Badlands National Park (fees apply at some sites/areas)
Utah
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park (Arches/Canyonlands both charge fees)
- Capitol Reef National Park
Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
Virginia
- Shenandoah National Park
Things to Know Before Visiting
- Who’s Eligible: Beginning in 2026, free National Park days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.
- What’s waived: Only the standard entrance fee is waived. Additional charges such as timed entry reservations, camping fees, parking fees, or activity fees generally still apply.
- Reservation requirements: Some parks may still require timed entry or reservations for popular areas (e.g., Yosemite Valley). Even on free days, these reservations may be required and not waived. (Common practice; check specific park sites for current reservation requirements).
Other Fun Things to Do:
- State Fair and County Fair Schedule
- Southern California Lunar New Year Events Listing
- San Diego Museum Month 50% Off Admission
- Free Entry to California State Parks on MLK Day
- Theme Park Discount Tickets
- Water Park Discount Tickets
