Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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.

Past Parties

Also Happening this Week

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.

Dinosaur handing out a brochure at an entrance station booth
Social Media

Join us on National Park Service social media channels where you will find events, games, and more fun!

Ranger giving a virtual science program in front of a big canyon
Find Your Virtual Park

Stay connected with national parks across the country from anywhere in the world with online resources and virtual experiences.

Infographic with text "National Parks Games and Challenges" with illustrations of parks
Games and Challenges

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.

Jump to date

By Park

By State

By Event Type

 

Want to volunteer? Volunteer events will soon display directly on the NPS Event Calendar. Until then, visit Volunteer.gov to find ways to volunteer!

REPEATING EVENTS
  • Show
  • Hide
Loading Events...

Last updated: March 20, 2026