Reporting by Daniella Segura, USA Today Network/Palm Springs Desert Sun
For California fourth graders, exploring the outdoors comes with an extra perk: a free state park pass.
California fourth graders in the 2026-27 school year now have access to dozens of state parks through the Free Fourth Grade Pass, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced Aug. 12.
“Fostering a lifelong connection with nature and the outdoors starts at a young age…. With the school year kicking off, California’s fourth graders will lead the charge as the next generation of environmental stewards,” Newsom said in a statement.
The program is tailored to 10-year-olds, the age of most fourth graders, as research shows children between the ages of 9 and 11 “are at a unique developmental stage in their learning where they begin to process how the world around them works and are more inclined to engage with nature and the environment,” the governor’s office said.
The hope is that the program fosters a lifelong connection to the outdoors and state parks.
Previously, the state’s free park pass, known as the California State Parks Adventure Pass, was valid for one year starting in September when the school year began, state officials said. This school year, the pass has been expanded to 13 months, running from August through Aug. 31 of the following year.
“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,” State Parks Director Armando Quintero said in a statement. “Parks are living classrooms filled with opportunities to learn, discover, and create lasting memories together.”
Here’s what California parents should know about the Free Fourth Grade Pass.
Who does the Free Fourth Grade Pass cover, and when can it be used?
The pass grants vehicle day-use entry to the 54 participating state parks for fourth grade student, their family (up to three adults), and friends in the same vehicle.
The pass allows for unlimited free visits. Assuming space is available, the pass is valid on any day of the week, including holidays.
What parks are included with the Free Fourth Grade Pass?
Currently, 54 state parks are participating in the program, including Big Basin Redwoods State Park and the California State Railroad Museum.
To see a full list of participating parks, visit the California State Parks website here.
How long does the Free Fourth Grade Pass last?
The pass is valid for up to 13 months, from August when the students starts the fourth grade until Aug. 31 of the following year just before they begin fifth grade.
How to download the Free Fourth Grade Pass
To download the pass, a parent or guardian of a fourth grade student who attends a California public school can visit ReserveCalifornia.com. Parents or guardians will need to log in to an account or create an account.
They will then have to set up a profile with their name, address, phone number, and email address. Then the parent or guardian can add the Free Fourth Grade Pass to their shopping cart and complete the checkout process.
After the process is completed, the Free Fourth Grade Pass will be sent to the designated email. Upon receiving the Free Fourth Grade Pass, it can be either printed or stored on a smartphone.
Each pass has a unique barcode that will be scanned by a State Parks worker at one of the participating state parks.
Can homeschooled students get a pass?
As the program is funded through Proposition 98, the pass is limited to California public school students.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun.
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