The treasures of our national parks have a lot to offer, including hiking, biking, boating, canoeing, hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, birding, plus exploring native flora and fauna, and hopefully also finding peace of mind.
So, if you're a fan of wide, open spaces, where you only hear the sounds of nature, then the National Park Service has deals for you. Not only are there specific holidays where everyone gets in for free, but there are also discounts and lifetime free passes, if you qualify, that never expire.
Here's the breakdown:
Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident 62 years or older is eligible for a Senior Pass.
- Senior pass for lifetime: $80
- Senior pass for one year: $20
America the Beautiful — is an interagency program for access to National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands.
A pass covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by the following:
- National Park Service
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- U.S. Forest Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- Bureau of Reclamation
- U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers
Anyone can buy an annual pass for $80. Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident 62 years or older is eligible for a Senior Pass; $20 for one year or $80 for a lifetime.
Here's the list of available FREE passes:
- Current U.S. military and dependents
- Gold Star Family members and veterans
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents with permanent disability
- U.S. 4th graders
Check this website for participating locations; (includes more than 1,000 sites nationwide).
Note: If you order your pass by mail instead of in-person, there may be a $10 shipping and handling fee.

(Everglades National Park/courtesy)
As previously mentioned, all U.S. national parks offer free entry on certain holidays every year – and we've got the schedule for 2025.
2025 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone, however other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply.
This offer includes entry at Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park, off Key West, as well as the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Palm Beach County, plus others.
- January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 19: First day of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- September 27: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
The National Park Service also reminds us that admission to many of our national parks, including Biscayne National Park in Miami, is always free. Click here for more information.

Snowy Egrets, Florida Everglades National Park, by Ken Lund
Remember: Whichever park you decide to visit, be sure to check and verify regulations and recommendations ahead of time, to avoid any unwanted surprises. Now, there's no excuse not to go enjoy the great outdoors!
Looking for more free and cheap things to do?
- Find all the free and cheap events in South Florida this week
- Find all the free and cheap events in South Florida this weekend
- See our day-by-day calendar of free and cheap events in South Florida
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South Florida scenic parks and natural areas
More nature centers, parks & attractions to explore:
- Free days at national parks, plus free & discount passes for life
- TY Park in Hollywood offers walking path with lake and oaks
- Entry to Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach is always free
- Sensory Saturdays at Manatee Lagoon, Riviera Beach
- What's happening in and around Boynton Beach
- What's happening in and around Boca Raton
- Jupiter Lighthouse offers historical and nature displays
- Daggerwing Nature Center offers outdoor fun for the whole family
- Vista View Park in Davie offers water playground, fitness equipment and free weekday entry
- Use telescopes for free at Fox Observatory in West Broward