4 Ways to Celebrate National Park Week

Your groups could join the largest celebration of national heritage during National Park Week! From April 15 – 23, 2017, the National Park Service (NPS) is partnering with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of the United States' parks, to offer unique opportunities and experiences for visitors. Here's how you could celebrate with groups.

Add something free to the itinerary.
Visit national parks with your groups for free on April 15, 16, 22 and 23. The free waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees and transportation entrance fees. If you're on the road with groups and looking for a park to explore near you, check out Find Your Park.

Encourage new experiences.
In addition to free admission, hundreds of programs and events will encourage visitors to explore new places and enjoy new experiences. If you're in the area, your groups could join the Night Sky Party in Saguaro National Park, go birding at For McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, and more.

Fill a park prescription.
Give your groups a bit of health and wellness: The second annual Park Prescription Day, April 23, 2017, will be full of activities that showcase the physical, mental and psychological health benefits of time in nature. Dozens of parks—including Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Shenandoah National Park, Capulin Volcano National Monument, Tumacácori National Historic Park, Prince William Forest Park, Hot Springs National Park—and park partners will host activities including hikes, health screenings, yoga and volleyball.

Celebrate Earth Day.
It's no mistake that National Park Week coincides with Earth Day. Spend some time outside with your groups—several parks are celebrating. Find a wildlife festival at Natchez Trace Parkway, a drama festival at Chamizal National Memorial, a concert at Buffalo National River and more.

Written by Cassie Westrate, staff writer for Groups Today.

Photo courtesy of the National Park Service/Gary Ladd.