Every Kid Outdoors Pass for Fourth Graders in America 2025
The Every Kid Outdoors program stands as one of the most significant initiatives connecting American children with the nation’s vast public lands and natural heritage. This transformative federal program provides every fourth grader in the United States with free access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites spanning approximately 400 million acres of public lands throughout the country. Originally launched in 2015 as Every Kid in a Park during the National Park Service centennial celebration under President Barack Obama, the program was strategically renamed Every Kid Outdoors and received congressional authorization through 2031 via the EXPLORE Act signed into law in January 2025. The program represents a collaborative effort among 7 federal agencies including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Fourth graders were specifically selected for this groundbreaking program based on extensive developmental research indicating that children aged 9 to 11 years occupy a unique learning stage where they begin comprehending how the world functions in more concrete ways and demonstrate heightened receptivity to engaging with nature and environmental stewardship. The program’s design enables fourth graders to bring their entire families, with each pass granting free entrance for the fourth grader, all children under 16 years old, and up to 3 additional adults at sites charging per-person entrance fees, or all passengers in one vehicle at sites charging per-vehicle fees. The pass remains valid throughout the student’s entire fourth grade school year and extends through the following summer until August 31, providing families with more than a full year to explore America’s most treasured landscapes, historic sites, wildlife refuges, national forests, and marine sanctuaries without financial barriers.
Interesting Facts About National Parks Pass for Fourth Graders in the US 2025
| Program Feature | Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Total Passes Issued in 2023-2024 | 167,970 passes | 17% increase from previous year |
| Program Participants in 2023-2024 | 277,233 fourth graders | Engaged through in-person programs |
| Vouchers Requested in 2023-2024 | 1,856,802 vouchers | Downloaded from website |
| Federal Recreation Sites Included | 2,000+ sites | Across all 50 states and territories |
| Federal Lands Covered | 400 million acres | All participating agency lands |
| Program Duration Extended Through | 2031 | Via EXPLORE Act signed January 2025 |
| Participating Federal Agencies | 7 agencies | Multi-agency collaboration |
| Pass Validity Period | September 1 – August 31 | Full school year plus summer |
| Children Under 16 Admitted | Free with pass holder | No additional charge |
| Adults Admitted Free | Up to 3 adults | At per-person entrance sites |
| Regular Annual Pass Cost | $80 | Fourth grade pass is free |
| Program Launch Year | 2015 | Originally “Every Kid in a Park” |
| Research Finding | 73% would never visit | Without free access to parks |
Data Source: National Park Service Every Kid Outdoors Program Reports 2023-2024, U.S. Department of the Interior, EXPLORE Act 2025
The Every Kid Outdoors program achieved remarkable participation during the 2023-2024 academic year, with 167,970 fourth grade passes officially issued at federal recreation sites after students exchanged their vouchers for durable plastic passes. This represents a significant 17% increase compared to the 143,926 passes issued during the 2022-2023 period, demonstrating growing awareness and utilization of this valuable educational resource. Beyond the physical passes distributed, an impressive 1,856,802 vouchers were downloaded through the program’s official website, indicating widespread interest even accounting for the fact that not all vouchers ultimately get exchanged for physical passes. In-person engagement through organized Every Kid Outdoors programs reached 277,233 fourth grade participants across 6,328 separate programs conducted by federal agencies, schools, and community organizations throughout the year.
The program’s impact extends far beyond simple attendance numbers, with research conducted on Every Kid Outdoors participants revealing that 73% of families stated they would never have visited a national park without the free access provided by this initiative. Additional research demonstrates that adults who visited national parks with their families as children at approximately age 10 show significantly higher likelihood of returning to parks throughout their lives compared to those who first visited at older ages. The 2,000+ federal recreation sites accepting the pass include iconic destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and countless other natural wonders alongside historic sites, wildlife refuges, national forests, and marine sanctuaries. With the regular America the Beautiful annual pass costing $80, the Every Kid Outdoors program delivers substantial financial savings to families while simultaneously fostering environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation habits, and lifelong connections to America’s public lands among the next generation.
Passes Issued by Federal Agencies for Fourth Graders in the US 2023-2024
| Federal Agency | Passes Issued 2022-2023 | Passes Issued 2023-2024 | Year-over-Year Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Park Service | 118,958 | 128,349 | +9,391 | +8% |
| U.S. Forest Service | 7,068 | 15,360 | +8,292 | +117% |
| Bureau of Land Management | 2,814 | 12,320 | +9,506 | +338% |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | 13,157 | 9,925 | -3,232 | -25% |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | 1,929 | 2,016 | +87 | +5% |
| Total All Agencies | 143,926 | 167,970 | +24,044 | +17% |
Data Source: National Park Service Every Kid Outdoors 2023-2024 Annual Report, Federal Agency Statistics
The distribution of Every Kid Outdoors passes across federal agencies during the 2023-2024 academic year reveals significant variations in participation patterns and accessibility across different types of public lands. The National Park Service dominated pass issuance with 128,349 passes distributed at 109 fee-charging parks among the 424 total National Park Service units, representing 76% of all passes issued across the program. This 8% increase from the previous year’s 118,958 passes demonstrates the enduring appeal of iconic national parks as family destinations. National Park Service sites that issued the highest number of passes included Yosemite National Park with 6,387 passes, Zion National Park with 6,197 passes, Grand Canyon National Park with 5,825 passes, National Mall and Memorial Parks with 4,765 passes, Yellowstone National Park with 4,585 passes, and Rocky Mountain National Park with 4,372 passes, showcasing the popularity of these world-renowned destinations among fourth grade families.
The most dramatic growth occurred within the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management systems, with Forest Service pass issuance skyrocketing 117% from 7,068 passes to 15,360 passes, while BLM experienced an extraordinary 338% increase from 2,814 passes to 12,320 passes. These substantial increases suggest either enhanced outreach efforts by these agencies, improved accessibility at their sites, or growing awareness among families that the Every Kid Outdoors pass extends beyond traditional national parks to encompass diverse public lands including national forests and BLM-managed areas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers experienced a 25% decrease from 13,157 passes to 9,925 passes, potentially reflecting seasonal variations in visitation to Corps-managed lakes and recreation areas. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued 2,016 passes across national wildlife refuges, representing a modest 5% increase from the previous year. The overall 17% growth in total passes issued from 143,926 to 167,970 demonstrates the program’s expanding reach and increasing effectiveness in connecting fourth graders with America’s public lands across multiple agency jurisdictions.
Program Participation and Engagement by Fourth Graders in the US 2023-2024
| Engagement Category | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 | Change 2023-2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Programs Offered | 6,546 programs | Data not available | 6,328 programs | N/A |
| Total Participants | 185,378 participants | Data not available | 277,233 participants | +49.5% from 2021-2022 |
| National Park Service Programs | 6,546 programs | Data not available | 5,598 programs | -14.5% from 2021-2022 |
| National Park Service Participants | 185,378 participants | Data not available | 184,487 participants | -0.5% from 2021-2022 |
| NOAA Participants | Data not available | Data not available | 5,375 participants | New reporting |
| U.S. Forest Service Participants | 9,091 participants | Data not available | 47,394 participants | +421% from 2021-2022 |
| Bureau of Land Management Programs | 182 programs | Data not available | 586 programs | +222% from 2021-2022 |
| Bureau of Land Management Participants | 11,795 participants | Data not available | 17,774 participants | +51% from 2021-2022 |
| Army Corps of Engineers Participants | Data not available | Data not available | 22,203 participants | New reporting |
Data Source: National Park Service Every Kid Outdoors Annual Reports 2021-2022, 2023-2024
In-person program participation represents a critical component of the Every Kid Outdoors initiative beyond simple pass distribution, with organized educational programs, field trips, and community events serving as structured pathways for introducing fourth graders to public lands. During the 2023-2024 academic year, 277,233 fourth grade students participated in 6,328 Every Kid Outdoors programs conducted across the country, representing substantial engagement through organized activities rather than individual family visits. The National Park Service conducted 5,598 programs reaching 184,487 participants, maintaining relatively consistent participation levels compared to 2021-2022 when 6,546 programs served 185,378 participants. The consistency in National Park Service programming despite the intervening pandemic recovery period demonstrates the resilience and sustained commitment of parks to educational outreach.
The most remarkable growth in program participation occurred within the U.S. Forest Service, which expanded from serving 9,091 participants in 2021-2022 to reaching 47,394 participants in 2023-2024, representing an extraordinary 421% increase in engagement. Similarly, the Bureau of Land Management expanded its programming significantly, growing from 182 programs serving 11,795 participants to 586 programs reaching 17,774 participants, marking a 222% increase in program offerings and 51% growth in participation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported 22,203 participants in 2023-2024, while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration engaged 5,375 participants, both agencies now providing detailed participation data as the program continues maturing. The 277,233 total participants in organized programs represents only a portion of the broader impact, as this figure excludes the many thousands of families who independently downloaded vouchers and visited sites without participating in structured programs, suggesting the total number of fourth graders benefiting from Every Kid Outdoors substantially exceeds reported program participation.
Voucher Requests and Pass Conversion for Fourth Graders in the US 2023-2024
| Metric | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Vouchers Requested | 939,520 | 1,464,919 | 1,856,802 | +27% year-over-year |
| Total Passes Issued | 120,688 | 143,926 | 167,970 | +17% year-over-year |
| Voucher to Pass Conversion Rate | 13% | Approximately 10% | Approximately 9% | Declining conversion |
| Programs Conducted | 6,546 | Data not available | 6,328 | -3% from 2021-2022 |
| California Vouchers | 158,352 | 195,080 | 211,071 | +8% year-over-year |
| New York Vouchers | 48,779 | 263,302 | 592,065 | +125% year-over-year |
| Texas Vouchers | 41,133 | 69,127 | 74,683 | +8% year-over-year |
| Arizona Vouchers | 35,684 | 41,865 | 53,438 | +28% year-over-year |
| Washington Vouchers | 39,794 | 58,108 | 57,491 | -1% year-over-year |
Data Source: National Park Service Every Kid Outdoors Annual Reports 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024
The substantial difference between vouchers requested and physical passes issued provides insight into program utilization patterns and family engagement with federal lands. During 2023-2024, families downloaded 1,856,802 vouchers through the everykidoutdoors.gov website, yet only 167,970 physical passes were exchanged at federal recreation sites, yielding an approximate 9% voucher-to-pass conversion rate. This conversion rate has steadily declined from approximately 13% in 2021-2022 and 10% in 2022-2023, despite total voucher requests increasing 27% year-over-year. The declining conversion rate likely reflects multiple factors including families printing vouchers but using them directly at sites without exchanging for plastic passes, families downloading vouchers as a precautionary measure without ultimately visiting sites, or logistical challenges in reaching federal lands that issue physical passes.
State-level voucher request data reveals significant geographic variations in program awareness and utilization. New York experienced explosive growth with 592,065 vouchers requested in 2023-2024, representing an extraordinary 125% increase from the previous year’s 263,302 vouchers and accounting for approximately 32% of all national voucher requests. California led in absolute numbers with 211,071 vouchers representing 8% year-over-year growth, followed by Texas with 74,683 vouchers up 8%, Arizona with 53,438 vouchers up 28%, and Washington with 57,491 vouchers showing relatively flat -1% change. The significant variations across states likely reflect differences in population density, proximity to federal lands, school district engagement with the program, and state-level educational curricula emphasizing public lands education. It remains important to note that while physical pass exchange is optional and must occur in person at participating recreation sites, families can use printed vouchers directly at most federal sites without exchanging for plastic passes, meaning the actual utilization rate likely substantially exceeds the measured 9% conversion to physical passes.
Top National Park Service Sites for Fourth Grade Passes in the US 2023-2024
| National Park Site | Passes Issued 2023-2024 | Location | Site Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yosemite National Park | 6,387 passes | California | National Park |
| Zion National Park | 6,197 passes | Utah | National Park |
| Grand Canyon National Park | 5,825 passes | Arizona | National Park |
| National Mall and Memorial Parks | 4,765 passes | District of Columbia | National Parks |
| Yellowstone National Park | 4,585 passes | Wyoming/Montana/Idaho | National Park |
| Rocky Mountain National Park | 4,372 passes | Colorado | National Park |
| Acadia National Park | 4,230 passes | Maine | National Park |
| Joshua Tree National Park | 4,199 passes | California | National Park |
| Richmond National Battlefield Park | 4,126 passes | Virginia | National Battlefield |
| Ice Age & North Country National Scenic Trails | 3,892 passes | Multiple states | National Scenic Trails |
| Badlands National Park | 3,733 passes | South Dakota | National Park |
| Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | 3,694 passes | California | National Parks |
| San Antonio Missions National Historic Park | 3,625 passes | Texas | National Historic Park |
| Grand Teton National Park | 3,372 passes | Wyoming | National Park |
| Arches National Park | 3,176 passes | Utah | National Park |
Data Source: National Park Service Every Kid Outdoors Report 2023-2024, Site-Specific Pass Distribution Data
The distribution of Every Kid Outdoors passes across individual National Park Service sites reveals fascinating patterns about which destinations attract fourth grade families and which parks serve as primary gateways for introducing young people to America’s national park system. Yosemite National Park led all sites with 6,387 passes issued, followed closely by Zion National Park with 6,197 passes and Grand Canyon National Park with 5,825 passes, showcasing the enduring appeal of these iconic western parks featuring dramatic landscapes, accessible trails, and well-developed visitor infrastructure suitable for families with young children. The National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington D.C. issued 4,765 passes, reflecting the site’s accessibility to millions of residents and visitors in the nation’s capital region and its role as an outdoor classroom for American history and civics education.
Yellowstone National Park distributed 4,585 passes, Rocky Mountain National Park issued 4,372 passes, and Acadia National Park provided 4,230 passes, demonstrating strong regional appeal across western mountains, northern Rockies, and northeastern coastal environments. Joshua Tree National Park with 4,199 passes, Richmond National Battlefield Park with 4,126 passes, and Ice Age & North Country National Scenic Trails with 3,892 passes represent diverse site types from desert landscapes to Civil War history to long-distance hiking trails. Badlands National Park issued 3,733 passes, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks combined for 3,694 passes, and San Antonio Missions National Historic Park distributed 3,625 passes, while Grand Teton National Park provided 3,372 passes and Arches National Park issued 3,176 passes. The geographic diversity of high-performing sites spanning California, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Maine, Virginia, Texas, and Washington D.C. demonstrates that the Every Kid Outdoors program successfully introduces fourth graders to federal lands across diverse regions rather than concentrating participation in a few flagship destinations.
Historical Pass Issuance Trends for Fourth Graders in the US 2016-2024
| Year | Total Passes Issued | Year-over-Year Change | Percentage Change | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 138,617 passes | N/A – First full year | N/A | Program launch as “Every Kid in a Park” |
| 2017 | 198,524 passes | +59,907 | +43% | Substantial growth in second year |
| 2018 | 199,644 passes | +1,120 | +1% | Plateau at approximately 200,000 |
| 2019 | 203,688 passes | +4,044 | +2% | Peak pre-pandemic participation |
| 2020 | 142,986 passes | -60,702 | -30% | COVID-19 pandemic impact |
| 2021 | 105,877 passes | -37,109 | -26% | Continued pandemic effects |
| 2022 | 111,210 passes | +5,333 | +5% | Beginning of recovery |
| 2023 | 143,926 passes | +32,716 | +29% | Significant recovery momentum |
| 2024 | 167,970 passes | +24,044 | +17% | Approaching pre-pandemic levels |
Data Source: National Park Service Every Kid Outdoors Annual Reports 2016-2024
The nine-year history of the Every Kid Outdoors program reveals dramatic fluctuations shaped by program maturation, pandemic disruptions, and subsequent recovery. The program launched in fall 2015 with the first full year of data collection occurring in 2016, when 138,617 passes were issued at participating federal recreation sites. The program experienced explosive 43% growth in its second year, reaching 198,524 passes in 2017 as awareness spread among schools, families, and federal agencies. Pass issuance plateaued at approximately 200,000 annually during 2018 with 199,644 passes and 2019 with 203,688 passes, representing the peak pre-pandemic participation level and suggesting the program had reached a relatively stable baseline level of participation.
The COVID-19 pandemic devastated program participation, with passes issued plummeting 30% to 142,986 in 2020 as schools closed, travel ceased, and federal recreation sites implemented capacity restrictions or closures. The decline continued into 2021 with only 105,877 passes issued, representing a 26% further decrease and the lowest participation level in program history at just 52% of the 2019 peak. Recovery began tentatively in 2022 with 111,210 passes marking 5% growth, followed by substantial 29% growth to 143,926 passes in 2023 as schools fully reopened, travel resumed, and families sought outdoor experiences after pandemic restrictions. The 2023-2024 academic year continued the recovery trajectory with 167,970 passes issued, representing 17% growth and achieving 82% of the pre-pandemic 2019 peak. The consistent growth trajectory across 2022, 2023, and 2024 suggests the program will likely surpass historical participation peaks as awareness continues expanding, schools increasingly integrate public lands education into fourth grade curricula, and the 2031 program extension authorized by the EXPLORE Act provides long-term stability encouraging sustained investment in outreach and education.
How to Obtain the Fourth Grade Pass in the US 2025
| Step | Action Required | Details | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit everykidoutdoors.gov | Access official program website | 2-3 minutes |
| Step 2 | Complete Activity | Answer questions about outdoor activities | 5-10 minutes |
| Step 3 | Generate Voucher | Complete form and generate voucher | 2-3 minutes |
| Step 4 | Print Voucher | Print paper voucher at home | 1-2 minutes |
| Step 5 (Optional) | Exchange for Plastic Pass | Visit participating federal site | Varies by location |
| Total Time to Start Using | Complete Steps 1-4 | Ready to use immediately after printing | 10-18 minutes |
Data Source: National Park Service Every Kid Outdoors Official Program Instructions, 2025
The process for obtaining an Every Kid Outdoors pass has been deliberately designed for maximum simplicity and accessibility, requiring only internet access, a printer, and approximately 10 to 18 minutes of time to complete. Fourth graders, parents, or educators begin by visiting the official program website at everykidoutdoors.gov, where they access a kid-friendly interface featuring colorful graphics and straightforward navigation designed for elementary school students. The second step involves completing a brief interactive activity where students answer questions about their preferred outdoor activities, dream destinations, and what they hope to see and do with their pass, creating an engaging “adventure diary” that simultaneously educates about public lands while collecting the information needed to generate a voucher.
After completing the educational activity, families proceed to Step 3 where they fill out a short form with basic information and generate their unique voucher, which takes an additional 2 to 3 minutes. The fourth step requires printing the paper voucher at home using a standard printer, producing a physical document featuring the student’s unique voucher code, program information, and instructions for use. This printed voucher can be used immediately at most federal recreation sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees by simply presenting it to a ranger upon entry or leaving it on the vehicle dashboard at unstaffed entrance stations. The optional Step 5 involves exchanging the paper voucher for a durable plastic pass at participating federal recreation sites that issue annual passes, though this exchange is not required for the voucher to function. Digital versions of the pass displayed on smartphones or tablets are not accepted, making the physical printed voucher essential. Educators can request passes for entire fourth grade classes through the program website, streamlining the process for school field trips and enabling teachers to print vouchers for all students simultaneously.
What the Fourth Grade Pass Covers in the US 2025
| Coverage Category | Included | Not Included | Important Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance Fees | Yes – All federal sites | State and local parks | Only federally managed lands |
| Standard Amenity Fees | Yes – Day use fees | Expanded amenity fees | Basic site access covered |
| Fourth Grader | Free admission | Must be present with pass | Pass holder must accompany group |
| Children Under 16 | Free admission – All | N/A | Unlimited children under 16 |
| Adults | Up to 3 adults free | Additional adults pay | At per-person fee sites |
| Vehicle Entry | All passengers free | Commercial vehicles | At per-vehicle fee sites |
| Camping Fees | No – Must pay | Campground fees | Not covered by pass |
| Guided Tours | No – Must pay | Boat tours, ranger programs | Additional fees apply |
| Special Use Permits | No – Must pay | Backcountry permits | Not covered by pass |
| Parking Fees | Generally covered | Some locations charge | Verify before visiting |
| Pass Validity | September 1 – August 31 | Single school year | Expires end of summer |
Data Source: National Park Service Every Kid Outdoors Program Terms and Conditions, 2025
Understanding exactly what the Every Kid Outdoors pass covers proves essential for families planning visits to federal recreation sites and avoiding unexpected fees. The pass covers entrance fees at all participating federal recreation areas, meaning the primary cost of simply entering a national park, national forest, national wildlife refuge, or other federal site is completely waived for the pass holder and accompanying group. At sites charging per-person entrance fees, the pass admits the fourth grade pass holder, all children under 16 years old regardless of relationship to the pass holder, and up to 3 additional adults for free. At sites charging per-vehicle entrance fees, the pass admits all passengers in one private passenger vehicle, making it especially valuable for larger families or groups traveling together.
The pass also covers standard amenity fees sometimes called day use fees, which federal agencies charge for basic site access, parking, or use of developed facilities during daytime hours. However, several significant categories of fees are not covered by the Every Kid Outdoors pass and require separate payment. Camping fees at developed campgrounds, whether in national parks, national forests, or other federal recreation areas, require payment at standard rates as the pass only covers entrance and day use, not overnight accommodation. Expanded amenity fees for special services such as guided boat tours, ranger-led programs requiring reservations, equipment rentals, cave tours, shuttle bus services, and similar enhanced experiences require separate payment. Special use permits for activities such as backcountry camping, climbing permits, commercial filming, or special events are not covered. The pass remains valid from September 1 through August 31 of the fourth grader’s school year, and the pass holder must be physically present when using the pass at any site. State parks, county parks, city parks, and other non-federal recreation areas do not accept the Every Kid Outdoors pass even if they adjoin federal lands.
Federal Agencies Participating in Fourth Grade Program in the US 2025
| Federal Agency | Sites Managed | Examples of Sites | Pass Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Park Service | 424 total units, 109 fee-charging | Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Statue of Liberty | Yes – Most sites |
| U.S. Forest Service | 193 million acres, 154 national forests | Angeles National Forest, White Mountain, Shasta-Trinity | Yes – Fee sites |
| Bureau of Land Management | 245 million acres public lands | Red Rock Canyon, Organ Mountains, Alaska wilderness | Yes – Fee sites |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | 850+ wildlife refuges | Back Bay NWR, Rocky Mountain Arsenal, National Elk Refuge | Yes – Fee sites |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | 400+ lakes and recreation areas | Lake Mead area sites, Mississippi River recreation | Yes – Fee sites |
| Bureau of Reclamation | 53 million acre-feet water storage | Various reservoir recreation areas | Yes – Fee sites |
| NOAA | Marine sanctuaries and monuments | Thunder Bay, Stellwagen Bank, Channel Islands | Yes – Limited sites |
Data Source: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Every Kid Outdoors Program 2025
The Every Kid Outdoors program represents an unprecedented collaboration among 7 federal agencies spanning 3 cabinet-level departments including the Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Commerce. The National Park Service, operating within the Department of the Interior, manages 424 total units including national parks, national monuments, national historic sites, national battlefields, national recreation areas, national seashores, and other designations, of which 109 sites charge entrance or standard amenity fees. These include America’s most iconic destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Statue of Liberty National Monument, Independence National Historical Park, and hundreds of other nationally significant natural, cultural, and historic resources.
The U.S. Forest Service within the Department of Agriculture manages approximately 193 million acres across 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands throughout the United States, providing diverse recreation opportunities from wilderness backpacking to developed campgrounds, scenic drives, winter sports areas, and countless hiking trails. The Bureau of Land Management manages approximately 245 million acres of public lands, more than any other federal agency, including vast western landscapes, desert wilderness areas, scenic byways, and special management areas such as Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area near Las Vegas and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in New Mexico. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the National Wildlife Refuge System comprising 850+ refuges providing critical habitat for migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, and diverse wildlife while offering compatible public recreation opportunities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages approximately 400 lakes and countless recreation areas associated with flood control and water supply projects, the Bureau of Reclamation operates recreation facilities at water storage and delivery projects throughout the West, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration manages national marine sanctuaries protecting underwater treasures. This comprehensive interagency collaboration ensures fourth graders can access the full spectrum of America’s federal lands and waters.
Geographic Distribution of Vouchers for Fourth Graders in the US 2023-2024
| State | Vouchers Requested | Rank | Notable Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 592,065 vouchers | 1st | +125% increase |
| California | 211,071 vouchers | 2nd | +8% increase |
| Texas | 74,683 vouchers | 3rd | +8% increase |
| Washington | 57,491 vouchers | 4th | -1% change |
| Utah | 55,645 vouchers | 5th | +17% increase |
| Arizona | 53,438 vouchers | 6th | +28% increase |
| Florida | 49,957 vouchers | 7th | +14% increase |
| Colorado | 48,814 vouchers | 8th | -1% change |
| Virginia | 48,613 vouchers | 9th | -11% decrease |
| Illinois | 47,425 vouchers | 10th | +2% increase |
| Indiana | 38,672 vouchers | 11th | +22% increase |
| Maryland | 36,964 vouchers | 12th | +14% increase |
The geographic distribution of National Park vouchers for fourth graders in 2023–2024 shows striking differences across states, driven by population size, school participation, and program awareness. New York leads the nation with 592,065 voucher requests, marking a massive 125% increase, the highest surge of any state. This reflects successful outreach efforts and greater school engagement with outdoor education programs. California and Texas follow with 211,071 and 74,683 vouchers respectively, each showing steady 8% year-over-year growth, consistent with their large student populations. States like Utah (55,645, +17%) and Arizona (53,438, +28%) also recorded strong increases, suggesting rising interest in public lands among families in the Mountain West and Southwest.
In contrast, several states experienced small declines, highlighting regional variability in access or participation. Washington and Colorado both saw modest –1% declines, possibly reflecting saturation or fewer fourth-grade enrollments. Virginia, however, recorded a sharper –11% drop, the largest decrease among top-ranking states, indicating reduced uptake or less promotional emphasis during the year. Despite these declines, voucher numbers remain high in these states, showing that engagement with the Every Kid Outdoors program remains strong nationally. Overall, the data underscores both the nationwide reach of the program and the important role local outreach plays in driving voucher participation.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
