Free Entrance Days 2013 National Parks

Our family loves hiking and exploring. Definitely high on our lists for fun, free family outings. Unfortunately, with less money going toward parks and outdoor areas, annual access passes have become mandatory to even visit some of our favorite locations.

The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass is one of three passes that our family needs. (More information about the available passes through the National Park Service's website). This year the NPS Annual Pass is $80.

Although our family has developed a system of one pass each year on a rotating schedule to get the most benefit with our budget, it is hard not being able to visit some of our favorite places.

Luckily, there are several days in 2013 where anyone can visit National Parks without having to invest some serious ducats into an annual park access pass.

• January 21 : Martin Luther King Jr Day

• April 22-26 : National Park Week

• August 25 : National Park Service Birthday

• September 28 : National Public Lands Days

• November 9-11 : Veterans Day Weekend

One of my personal favorites is the San Juan Island National Historic Park. Looks like we are taking a trip up to the island for my birthday during National Park Week! *hint hint cough cough*