Now starting Aug. 1, families of incoming fourth graders in California public school are eligible to download the free pass. Visit ReserveCalifornia.com to download yours today. Note: A ReserveCalifornia.com account is required.

The pass is valid for up to 13 months, from the August when the student starts fourth grade until Aug. 31 of the following year. California State Parks updated this cycle for the 2026–27 school year to allow for the pass to be valid from the time students start fourth grade until they begin fifth grade.

California State Parks updated the program name to the Free Fourth Grade Pass. This name immediately indicates whom the pass is intended for and that it is free.

The pass allows for unlimited free visits to 54 participating parks for fourth graders in public school and their family and friends riding in the same car (up to three adults).

The California State Legislature approved ongoing funding for the program in the state budget.

Downloading the pass online requires an account with ReserveCalifornia.com, California State Parks’ official reservation service.

Each pass has a unique barcode. We recommend printing your pass before arriving at a participating park, though some participating parks may accept a clearly displayed image on your mobile device. Present the pass at any of the 54 participating state parks for entry for your entire car (up to three adults).

California State Parks is offering the Free Fourth Grade Pass in partnership with the First Partner’s Office and the California Natural Resources Agency. Studies indicate that access to parks and green space can lead to improvements in children’s physical well-being, social-emotional learning and academic outcomes, with children experiencing reduced stress and demonstrating more enthusiasm for school. One study found that every $1 invested in trails for physical activity led to $2.94 in direct medical benefit. Every child should have easy access to parks. This program is one way we all can make that possible.

Any fourth-grade student attending a California public school is eligible. For full terms and conditions, click here.

The Free Fourth Grade Pass is accepted at the following 54 state parks.

It’s easy! Have your parent or guardian sign up on ReserveCalifornia.com (account required). All we need is their name, address, phone number and email, and we will send them your free pass via email on the same day.

Getting one for your fourth-grader is quick and easy. Just sign up on ReserveCalifornia.com (account required). Then simply add the Free Fourth Grade Pass(es) to your shopping cart and complete the checkout process.
You will immediately receive your pass(es) in your email. We recommend printing your pass before arriving at a participating park, though some participating parks may accept a clearly displayed image on your mobile device. Present the pass at any of the 54 participating state parks for entry for your entire car (up to three adults).

An adult is required to sign up for the pass at ReserveCalifornia.com.

The Free Fourth Grade Pass program is funded by Proposition 98, so only California public school students are eligible to receive the pass.

No problem! You can get a Free Fourth Grade Pass for every fourth grader in your family. Sign up at ReserveCalifornia.com.

You can still get the Free Fourth Grade Pass online at ReserveCalifornia.com using your smartphone. Simply save the pass to your phone so that you can show it to a uniformed park staffer when you visit a participating park.

Log into your ReserveCalifornia account and reprint your pass.

The pass is only available for fourth graders attending a California public school and is valid only at the 54 selected state parks. See full terms and conditions for more information.

California State Parks’ Free Fourth Grade Pass mirrors the federal Every Kid Outdoors program, which provides fourth graders with free access to national parks. The participating parks help complement the fourth-grade curriculum, bringing to life what fourth graders are learning in the classroom. Fourth grade is a unique time in a child’s development where they begin to better understand how the world around them works in concrete ways, and they are more receptive to engaging with nature and the environment.

• Environmental living and studies programs
• FamCamp
• Living history programs
• Outdoor Youth Connection
• Park Interpretive Programs
• Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS)® Program
• For Schools

For detailed information, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/OutdoorsForAll.

The National Park Service also offers a similar fourth grade pass program. For more information, please visit them at Every Kid Outdoors.