California expands free park access for fourth graders
Families can now apply before the new school year begins
– California fourth graders can now apply for free state park passes that provide unlimited visits to 54 participating parks during the 2026-27 school year.
California State Parks renamed the former California State Park Adventure Pass as the Free Fourth Grade Pass and moved the application period from September to the beginning of August.
The pass remains valid for up to 13 months, through Aug. 31 following a student’s fourth-grade year. Students may use the pass from the beginning of fourth grade until they enter fifth grade.
Parents and guardians of incoming California public school fourth graders can apply at ReserveCalifornia.com. Applicants must create an account and provide a name, address, phone number, and email address.
“Fostering a lifelong connection with nature and the outdoors starts at a young age,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “With California’s Free Fourth Grade Passes for fourth graders and their families, we are giving more school kids the opportunity to experience all the natural wonders of the Golden State. With the school year kicking off, California’s fourth graders will lead the charge as the next generation of environmental stewards.”
“As a mom, I’ve seen firsthand how fourth grade is a time for personal growth, endless wonder, and exploration – and there are no better places to explore than our amazing state parks,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “The Free Fourth Grade Pass makes it possible for all fourth grade families to go out and immerse themselves in our state’s incredible beauty, culture, and history, helping create an Outdoors for All.”
California previously opened applications in September, after classes had begun in many school districts. The earlier application period allows families to obtain passes alongside other back-to-school items.
“California State Parks is committed to making it as easy as possible for fourth graders and their families to experience California’s unparalleled natural and cultural treasures. The updates to our Free Fourth Grade Pass program do exactly that,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “As the new school year begins, I encourage every California fourth-grade family to get their free pass and start exploring the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system. Parks are living classrooms filled with opportunities to learn, discover, and create lasting memories together.”
The pass forms part of Outdoors for All, an initiative from Newsom and Siebel Newsom intended to expand access to parks. California has distributed more than 100,000 fourth-grade passes since the program began in September 2021.
The 54 participating state parks complement subjects taught in the fourth-grade curriculum. Studies indicate that access to parks and green spaces can support children’s physical well-being, social-emotional learning, and academic outcomes while reducing stress and increasing enthusiasm for school.
The state also offers free park access through two other programs. The California State Library Parks Pass allows library cardholders to borrow passes that provide free vehicle day-use admission at more than 200 state parks. More than 33,000 passes remain available through more than 1,100 public and tribal libraries.
The Golden Bear Pass provides free annual vehicle day-use admission at more than 200 parks. The program serves families receiving California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids benefits, recipients of Supplemental Security Income, income-eligible Californians age 62 and older, and participants in California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Californians have received more than 145,000 Golden Bear Passes.
California State Parks also recently offered a free Historian Passport promotion that resulted in more than 454,000 downloads over slightly more than two weeks.
More information about the Free Fourth Grade Pass is available at parks.ca.gov/4thGrade.
