Maryland Renews Partnership with ‘Every Kid Outdoors’

Federal, State Parks Offer Free Admission for Fourth Graders

Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford today joined Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio in announcing that for the fifth consecutive year, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will provide free admission to national public lands and state parks to fourth-grade children and their families. The program, called Every Kid Outdoors, is a partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior.
 
All 75 state parks in the Maryland Park Service system will honor the federal passes, valid through Aug. 31, 2020. The passes also grant access to 18 national parks, six national natural landmarks, and two federal heritage areas in Maryland.
 
“Maryland’s state parks are family-friendly destinations that provide an unlimited number of learning opportunities for children of all ages,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “We are pleased to yet again partner with the Department of the Interior for this program in the hopes that even more families can take advantage of our beautiful state parks and other public lands.”
 
“For many children, a visit to a park is one of the most memorable experiences they have in the outdoors,” said Secretary Riccio. “Providing them with an opportunity to visit our beautiful public lands allows them to experience nature and perhaps even be inspired to be future stewards of Maryland’s natural resources.”
 
The goal of the Every Kid Outdoors program is to increase access to public lands and facilities for children at an impressionable age – primarily 9-11 years old – and the program offers teachers resources for planning field trips, including free access for classes and eligibility for federal transportation funding. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources also offers educational resources for teachers.
 
The Every Kid Outdoors pass covers admission, but does not cover amenities and services such as boat rentals, camping, or staff-led tours. To print a pass for this year, parents and guardians can visit the Every Kid Outdoors website.