National Park Service Birthday

Birthday cupcake next to a ranger hat

NPS Photo

Come join our birthday celebration on August 25! The National Park Service was created on August 25, 1916, to "preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." Over the hundred plus years, we've grown into more than 400 national parks and many programs that reach communities around the country—and even the world!

Our birthday is part of National Park Week this year so come celebrate all week! Join the birthday fun on social media using #NPSBirthday, #NPS110, and #NationalParkWeek.

10 for 110

Here are ten suggestions for celebrating our 110th birthday this year. Or you can keep going with 110 ideas of of your own!

  1. Visit a national park. Entrance fees are waived for our birthday! Remember to check your park's website to plan ahead.
  2. Post your national park celebration on social media using #NPSBirthday, #NPS110, and #NationalParkWeek.
  3. Download the NPS App and send your family and friends virtual postcards using your own favorite photos of parks.
  4. Go on a ranger program or talk to a ranger in a park.
  5. Hit a trail on foot, bike, or boat.
  6. Visit a monument, memorial, or hallowed ground to reflect.
  7. Earn a Junior Ranger badge.
  8. Join our team as a volunteer for an event or sign up for year round.
  9. Party past sundown to see the night sky.
  10. BYOBC. Bring Your Own Birthday Cake and have a picnic! Feed the rangers, not the wildlife.

Also Happening this Week

Reenactor dressed as a Minute Man
SUMMER 2026

250th Anniversary of the U.S.

Celebrate the nation's 250th birthday where history happened—in your national parks!

Kid with face paintings wearing a hat covered in Junior Ranger badges
AUGUST 30, 2026

National Junior Ranger Day

Calling kids of all ages. Get ready to "explore, learn, and protect" while earning your Junior Ranger badge!

Visitors holding a large U.S. flag in front of Mount Rushmore
AUGUST 22-30, 2026

National Park Week

Join a nationwide celebration of all things "parks"! Find out what's happening and how you can join the fun.

A Virtual Party

Join our birthday celebration from anywhere in the world, including home. Find virtual ways to stay connected with more than 400 national parks across the country and park party games that you can do anywhere, anytime.

Social Media
Dinosaur handing out a brochure at an entrance station booth
Join us on National Park Service social media channels where you will find events, games, and more fun!
Find Your Virtual Park
Ranger giving a virtual science program in front of a big canyon
Stay connected with national parks across the country from anywhere in the world with online resources and virtual experiences.
Games and Challenges
Infographic with text "National Parks Games and Challenges" with illustrations of parks
Test your knowledge or learn something new about national parks with games and challenges for all ages.

Find Events

Celebrate the National Park Service's birthday on August 25! Find a park near you or explore in-park and virtual events hosted by parks across the country. Set this calendar to August to find events for our birthday.

Last updated: July 23, 2026

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