Every child should have the opportunity to experience such an amazing connection with nature, and that is the reason President Obama created the Every Kid in a Park initiative. Through this program, fourth graders all over the country will have the opportunity to discover our nation's natural and historical resources. Children in 4th grade (including home-school equivalent) were specifically targeted to participate in this initiative because research shows that children ages 9-11 are at a unique developmental stage, during which they are most likely to hold positive attitudes towards nature and the environment. They are understanding the world in more concrete ways, but are also receptive to new ideas. By targeting 4th graders year after year, the Every Kid in a Park initiative will allow every child in the U.S. to visit National Parks by the time they are 11 years old.
"By connecting fourth graders to our nation's great parks and public lands, the Every Kid in a Park initiative will help us build a strong generation of stewards who will care for and protect these treasured places during our next 100 years," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "Thanks to our philanthropic partner, the National Park Foundation, fourth graders across the nation will experience the great outdoor and historic classrooms that parks and other public lands provide."
If you have a child in the Fourth Grade, they can download a pass that will allow your entire family FREE entry to National Parks until August 31, 2016. After downloading the pass, you and your child can plan your next National Park outing using the resources atwww.everykidinapark.gov. You can also follow the program on Twitter,Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Some national parks and landmarks that typically charge fees that are within day trip distance from Tucson include Saguaro National Park, Tumacacori, Casa Grande Ruins, and Tonto National Monument. 
