While many parks offer free admission every day of the year, more than 100 of them, including some of the most popular destinations, charge $15 per person or more at the entrance. The freebies also extend to a few historical sites under the National Park Service's purview, like the Thomas Edison National Historic Park in New Jersey and the Wright Brothers National Memorial in North Carolina, among many others.

The fee waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other charges such as reservations, camping, tours, concessions, and fees collected by third parties are not included in the FREE admission unless stated otherwise.

Here are the dates in 2023 when national parks that usually charge admission are waiving fees:

• January 16: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• April 22: First day of National Park Week
• August 4: Great American Outdoors Act
• September 23: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

Scan the entire list of participating parks and historic sites by state, or check this list below of a few of our favorite national park destinations for family fun. There may also be capacity restrictions, online reservation requirements during the summer, or a reduction in visiting hours, so please do call ahead and check all weather-related updates for individual parks as well.

National Parks with Free National Park Days in 2023

From mountains to the water, Acadia has it all.  Photo by Kelley Heyworth

1. Acadia National Park — Maine

Members of my family are big fans of national parks, and Acadia is our favorite. This coastal Maine island park takes over most of Mount Desert Island. Acadia is a perfect place for tide pooling, marine adventures, and easy hikes. Families can enjoy extensive ranger-led programs, hiking up Cadillac Mountain, especially at sunrise. I love the carriage roads: There are more than 50 miles of them crisscrossing the park. Built by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., they are perfect for cycling and strolling. There is no lodging here, except tenting, but the bustling town of Bar Harbor is a short drive for meals and lodging, and you can even hop on the Island Explorer bus to travel in, out, and around the park should you want to go car-free.

2. Yosemite National Park — California

This special place was one of the country's first parcels protected from development in the 19th century—so you can expect it to be amazing. The enormous park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains boasts granite cliffs, giant sequoia trees, and magnificent waterfalls. Families can enjoy hiking, ranger-led programs, scenic drives, and magnificent vistas. Our Mommy Poppins staff detail all the best family-friendly activities in the park.

RELATED: 12 Best California Vacation Ideas for Families

A bison crossing is a familiar site at Yellowstone National Park.

3. Yellowstone National Park — Wyoming

Visiting the nation's first national park is a commitment no matter where you live, but still a perfect family vacation destination. One of the country's most popular national parks, thousands of families flock here to see its geothermal features: hot springs, volcanoes, mud pots, and hundreds of geysers, including the famous Old Faithful. Yellowstone offers every kind of outdoor recreation imaginable, including boating, cycling, skiing, horseback riding, and plenty of animal viewing. The park is a great spot for once-in-a-lifetime large mammal spotting with bison, elk, grizzlies, and more. When I visited Yellowstone, I was lucky enough to see a herd of giant bison resting on my cabin's back lawn. We've outlined ways to book your Yellowstone vacation with kids (or another popular park) at the last minute, because hey, we're all busy parents, right?!

4. Zion National Park — Utah

Even amid the pandemic, a trip to Zion last summer really restored one of our families. "Just the sight of its red and orange sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations can inspire and soothe the soul—and that's before you consider the park's amazing hiking trails, water play opportunities, and wildlife," she wrote. Enjoy everything from sand sledding (nearby) to river wading at this popular Utah park.

RELATED: Top East Coast Beach Camping Spots for Families

Kids can enjoy kayaking, fishing, birding, a kite festival, and a host of ranger-led activities at the Padre Island National Seashore.

5. Padre Island National Seashore — Texas

These 70 miles of coastline near Corpus Christi protect the dunes, tidal flats, and prairies of southeastern Texas. The Padre Island habitat features more than 300 bird species and rare sea turtles. With so little development along the coastline, a visit here really is a trip back in time. Kids can enjoy kayaking, fishing, birding, and a host of ranger-led activities. Hotels and restaurants abound in Corpus Christi and South Padre Island.

6. Joshua Tree National Park — California

This desert park is one of our LA team's favorites for a little getaway, especially camping, hiking, and even bouldering. From the iconic trees to the possibility of stunning wildflowers, Joshua Tree National Park offers a unique outdoor experience. We highly recommend a picnic at Hidden Valley, and, if you can manage it, a hike to the park's highest point, Keys View, for a peek at the San Andreas Fault. Bonus: There are even stroller-friendly walks and easy hikes here for little legs. Just remember to *overpack* in terms of water, layers, and food! Read our full piece on top tips and sights at Joshua Tree for families.

RELATED: Top Palm Springs Hotels, Attractions, and Things To Do With Kids

Views from the Grand Canyon leave visitors breathless.

7. Grand Canyon National Park — Arizona

The Grand Canyon, one of the seven wonders of the natural world, is a no-brainer family destination. Five million visitors enjoy the park annually, perhaps because Theodore Roosevelt described the canyon as "one great sight every American should see." Thankfully, there are many different ways to see and explore the Colorado River Gorge: on foot, on a mule, from the air, in a car, or from the river itself. Unless you live locally, the Grand Canyon is a multi-day trip, and the park offers many amenities, including lodging and eateries, as well as every kind of backcountry adventure imaginable.

8. Everglades National Park — Florida

This diverse national treasure is home to scores of migrating birds, crocodiles, manatees, and the elusive Florida panther. Visitors can thrill to airboat rides, biking, boating, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, fishing, wildlife spotting, and more. At 2,400 square miles, it is the third-largest national park in the continental United States. Visitors take note: The park can be accessed via car at three entry points that are not connected to each other. From the east, enter in Miami or Homestead, Florida; from the west, enter in Everglades City. What’s more, there is no overnight lodging in the park except for the most dedicated campers so consider a stay in the Keys or in Miami. 

RELATED: Top Things To Do in Denver with Kids, Other than Hiking

It's easy to spot wildlife, such as elk, on your trip to Rocky Mountain.

9. Rocky Mountain National Park — Colorado

One of our editors makes an annual trek to this national park to enjoy plenty of hiking, wildlife drives, historical sites, and of course the stunning scenery. There are always elk to spot, waterfalls to spy, and plenty of campgrounds that make an overnight stay easy. Or you could day trip it here from Denver, which is about an hour away.

All photos courtesy of the National Park Service

A version of this article was first published in 2017, but it has since been revised and updated.