National Park Week is coming up! From Saturday, April 19 to Sunday, April 27, 2025, the National Park Service will be celebrating our beautiful national parks. This 9-day celebration is loved by many outdoor enthusiasts across the country and thousands of visitors flock to their nearest national park.

To kick off National Park Week 2025, the national park entrance fee will be waived on April 19. This helps encourage more people to visit and enjoy their favorite national parks in person.

In this article, we will share the top National Park Week events for visitors to enjoy this spring, the 2025 theme days, and the best ways to celebrate these national treasures. 

What is National Park Week?

National Park Week was established in 1991 by the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks. Since then, it has been celebrated annually, typically in April, to promote awareness and appreciation of the national park system in the United States.

During National Park Week, various featured events and programs are held across the country, including free admission to all national parks on select days, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, guided tours, and special exhibits. 

The week serves as an opportunity for people to connect with nature, learn about conservation efforts, and explore the diverse landscapes and historical sites preserved within the national park system. It aims to encourage visitation to these protected areas and foster appreciation for the natural and historic preservation for future generations. 

Best National Park Week Events in 2025

Forest Walk: Prairie Creek

Park: Redwood National and State Parks

Date & Time: April 19, 2025 at 2:00-3:00 PM

Fee: Free

Join the park rangers at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center for a fun and educational family-friendly walk through the majestic redwoods. This leisurely walk covers about a mile. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring along rain gear and water to stay prepared.

Please note that scheduled programs may be subject to cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. For the latest updates, check in at a visitor center before attending the event. The closest visitor center to this program is the Prairie Creek Visitor Center.

Birding Bonanza: Ranger-Guided Bird Walk (Flamingo)

Park: Everglades National Park

Date & Time: April 20, 2025 at 8:30-9:30 AM

Fee: Free

Embark on a guided walk led by a park ranger through one of Flamingo's prime bird-watching areas. Be sure to consult with a park ranger to determine the current location, as it may vary depending on bird activity. Bring along your cameras, binoculars, and insect repellent for an enhanced experience. For further details, contact the Guy Bradley Visitor Center at (239) 695-2945.

Parachute Shield Tour

Park: Great Basin National Park

Date & Time: April 21, 2025 at 9:30-10:30 AM

Fee: Adults (16 years and older): $12.00 Youth (5 to 15 years old): $6.00 Infants & Toddlers (under 5 years old): Free

The Parachute Shield Tour takes you on an exciting journey through the Lodge Room, Inscription Room, Cypress Swamp, Grand Palace, and concludes at the stunning Sunken Garden. Led by a knowledgeable ranger, you'll uncover fascinating cave features, including cave shields, historic graffiti, and bubble trails, each telling a unique story of the cave's rich and vibrant history.

Keys Ranch Tour

Park: Joshua Tree National Park 

Date & Time: April 22, 2025 at 9:30-11:30 AM

Fee: $10 per person aged 12 and over and $5 for children 6 to 11. Children under six are free.

Join our ranger-led excursion and delve into the rich cultural history of Keys Ranch. Discover fascinating topics ranging from Native American history to mining, ranching, homesteading, the Keys family, and the site's evolution into a cherished historical landmark.

Guided Hikes on the Islands

Park: Channel Islands National Park
Date & Time: April 23, 2025 at 10:00-11:00 AM

Fee: Free

When concessionaire boats run to the islands, guided hikes may be available, led by national park rangers, volunteers, or concessionaire naturalists. If guided hikes are not offered, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are provided to enhance your exploration.

Fire Island Lighthouse Tower Tours

Park: Fire Island National Seashore
Date & Time: April 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM

Fee: Adults are $10. Seniors, Children, and Veterans are $5. 

Ascend the iconic Lighthouse Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Fire Island from above.

Everglades Immersion: Cypress Dome Wet Walk (Royal Palm)

Park: Everglades National Park

Date & Time: April 25, 2025 at 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM 

Fee: $40 per person

Embark on a two-hour, naturalist-guided wet walk through the stunning sawgrass prairies and cypress domes. Travel to the walk site in the Institute vehicle with your guide, where you'll step into the fascinating world of cypress domes and alligators. Discover how elevation and water flow shape this unique ecosystem, and search for hidden wildlife like fish, air plants, and more within the cypress forest. Prepare for an exciting adventure and embrace the fun of getting wet!

Canoe Trip

Park: Big Thicket National Preserve

Date & Time: April 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Fee: Free

Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip through the scenic waters of the preserve, perfect for casual and novice paddlers. Canoes, life jackets, and paddles are provided; visitors should bring water, snacks, and water shoes. Trips begin in the morning, with start times varying by season, and typically last 3-4 hours.

The trip location will be shared upon registration. To reserve your spot, call the visitor center at 409-951-6700. Each trip is limited to 16 participants, with one reservation per family. Reservations open two weeks before the scheduled trip.

Cottonwood Chat

Park: Joshua Tree National Park

Date & Time: April 27, 2025 from 2:00-2:30 PM
Fee: Free

Take a short guided walk with a ranger to a spring-fed oasis, covering just 0.1 miles (0.2 km). During this 30-minute experience, you'll explore topics such as plants, animals, geology, cultural history, and more. Be sure to bring water, wear closed-toe shoes, and dress in layers to fully enjoy the adventure!

Celebrate National Park Week with Cruise America

Cruise America makes visiting national parks during National Park Week convenient for outdoor enthusiasts. Book an RV rental today to road trip to your favorite national parks this April to see natural wonders. All our rentals offer a comfortable mode of transportation that also serves as a home base when RV camping at any of these amazing places.  

So, hit the road to one of the many national parks to attend National Park Week events April 19-27 with Cruise America!