The National Park Service is capping its 110th anniversary with National Park Week, running August 22 through August 30, 2026, at more than 400 sites nationwide. The week's fee-free entry day — when parks that normally charge admission waive it for U.S. citizens and residents — fell on August 25, timed to the agency's actual birthday.

This year's theme

The 2026 theme, 'Celebrate America's Story,' ties into the broader 250th anniversary of the United States. The NPS is running a different theme each day of the week, from safety-focused programming to wildlife-watching events to a closing Junior Ranger Day.

What's still ahead

  • Watch Wildlife Wednesday (August 26) — ranger-led wildlife programs at participating parks
  • Junior Ranger Day (August 30) — kids can complete badge activities and earn official Junior Ranger status

Worth knowing if you missed the fee-free day

Missing the August 25 fee-free day doesn't mean a trip this week is pointless. Many of the more than 400 units in the National Park System don't charge an entrance fee at all, and the NPS app or nps.gov/findapark can help travelers check specific site fees, hours, and remaining National Park Week programming before they go.

Where to check details

The National Park Service maintains a full schedule of National Park Week theme days and participating parks at nps.gov — a good first stop for anyone planning a last-minute visit before the week wraps up on August 30.