Every Fourth Grader Gets Into National Parks for Free Next Year

President Obama announced last week a new "Every Kid in a Park" initiative, which beginning in September will be given to every fourth grader in the country and be good for an entire year of National Park visits. This pass is good for the whole family and grants free admission to all of the federal lands and waters. So if you've been planning that dream trip to Yellowstone or Yosemite and you've got a kid heading into the fourth grade, this may be the year to do it.

That said, while everyone knows about biggies out west, there are so many other places, monuments, waters and lands nearby that are definitely worth checking out and make amazing day trips. Here are a few of our kid-friendly faves:

Morristown National Historical Park

This park marks the spot where George Washington and his troops survived a brutally cold winter during the Revolutionary War. Visit in the winter for a taste of what it was actually like. There are museums and exhibits and in the warmer months some excellent hiking to be had at Jockey Hollow. The kids can even do a Junior Ranger Program where they can earn a badge.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Got a kid that's into science? See where the inventor lived and worked at this awesome museum. See his lab and even the "Black Maria", which was one of the original movie studios.

Steamtown National Historic Site

If you haven't been here, this place is seriously cool for train buffs. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about steam rail transportation, and you even ride the rails a little bit after checking out all of the other cool trains in the museum.

If you are looking for a big National Park that's worth a bit of a road trip (but still not all the way out west) head to Shenandoah in Virginia for stunning hiking and camping, or to Maine's Acadia National Park for a beautiful coastal landscape.

And don't fret if you don't have a fourth grader, there are still some nearby parks like the Delaware Water Gap, Castle Clinton Fire Island, Gateway National Park, Vanderbilt Mansion and Valley Forge that are already free (though some charge parking fees). Find more parks info and locations here: National Parks

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