The US National Park Service is turning 100 today, and National Parks are celebrating all month long! From August 25 through 28, all 412 parks are offering free admission. Celebrations with activities for children will take place at parks across the state.
There’s tons of events taking place throughout the Garden State (and close by). A special birthday celebration will take place at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania on August 27 with activities for kids of all ages. Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook has events taking place all weekend including guided tours, night hikes and canoe cruises. Thomas Edison National Historical Park will celebrate with presentations on the history of the National Park Service and Edison himself. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park will host a block party on Thursday, August 25. Morristown National Historical Park’s celebration will have free cake! Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has waterfall talks and a lantern stroll.
While events are happening all across the nation, those who can’t make it to the parks will have other options for honoring the National Park Service. If you want to see this country’s parks, check out the National Parks Adventure movie, which is being shown at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City and the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. This visually stunning film explores just how diverse the natural landscape of America is, and the importance of protecting and preserving our parks.
To find events taking place at a park near you, visit FindYourPark.com.