Last updated: October 1, 2022
"National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst."
So wrote author Wallace Stegner in 1983. We invite you to discover why.
- Explore the stories of America's people and places. These stories are found across our nation's landscapes—in more than 400 national parks, in national heritage areas, along historic trails and waterways, and in every neighborhood.
- Learn about the natural resources in parks, from the rocks under our feet to the sky overhead. Investigate the issues that affect our parks and how we join with neighbors and partners to address them.
- Find opportunities for kids to discover the wonders of the national parks.
- Learn who we are, what we do, and what's going on in the national parks. Join us.
Explore nature, history, recreation, and preservation in national parks and learn about the work we do.
Featured Topics
Kids & Teachers
Explore, Learn, Protect!
Junior Ranger Programs
Many national parks offer young visitors the opportunity to join the National Park Service "family" as junior rangers.
Lesson Plans & More
Teaching With Historic Places
This program brings historic places into the classroom, enlivening history, social studies, geography, civics, and other subjects.
Calling All Fourth Graders!
Every Kid Outdoors
All fourth graders can participate in a fun online activity and receive a voucher for a free 4th Grade Annual Pass.