More Fourth Graders in the Outdoors: Sign-ups for California State Parks’ Free Pass Grow by Nearly 50%
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First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, State Parks Director Armando Quintero and Assemblymember Jessica Caloza celebrate with California students during the launch event announcing the newly renamed Free Fourth Grade Pass last month at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento.
Photo from California State Parks.
What you need to know: Sign-ups for California State Parks’ Free Fourth Grade Pass increased by 46% compared to the first six weeks it was offered in 2026 thanks to a new, simplified name and sign-up period. The free pass allows for unlimited free visits to 54 participating state parks for California fourth graders and their families. Students can get their Free Fourth Grade Pass today!
SACRAMENTO — More California fourth-grade families are gaining free access to the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system. Since Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced a new, simplified name and sign-up period for California State Parks’ Free Fourth Grade Pass, downloads have increased by 46% compared to the first six weeks it was offered in 2026.
“Making this pass easier to find and use means more fourth graders are getting outside, discovering their state, and making memories with their families. We won’t stop bringing down barriers and expanding access to the places that make California so special.” – Governor Newsom
“I’m absolutely thrilled more California families are taking advantage of the Free Fourth Grade Pass and experiencing our state’s natural beauty together. Spending time outdoors is essential to our children’s health and wellbeing – especially in today’s digital age – and California’s state parks are the perfect places to learn, explore and connect with nature. Every child and every family should have the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of the outdoors, and I’m incredibly proud to help make these experiences more accessible to Californians across our state.” – First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
For the first time since the pass was created five years ago, incoming California fourth graders in public school could get their Free Fourth Grade Pass in August and start the new school year with unlimited free access to 54 participating state parks. Fourth graders previously couldn’t sign up for the pass – formerly known as the California State Park Adventure Pass – until September, after the school year had already started in many districts throughout the state. In addition to opening in August, the pass is now valid for up to 13 months, through Aug. 31 of the following year, so it can be used from the time students start fourth grade until they begin fifth grade.
Parents and guardians can download the free pass for their fourth graders at ReserveCalifornia.com.
“Removing barriers to state parks is at the heart of Outdoors for All, and the numbers are already showing that the updates to our Free Fourth Grade Pass are doing exactly that,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “There’s still plenty of time for fourth graders to get their free pass and start exploring the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system. Get your Free Fourth Grade Pass today!”
Outdoors for All
The free pass is a cornerstone of Outdoors for All, Governor Newsom and the First Partner’s commitment to equitable park access, ensuring all Californians can enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of the outdoors. Since the free pass program was launched in September 2021, more than 140,000 passes have been distributed to fourth graders and their families.
Along with all fourth graders in public school, California residents from all walks of life — including families receiving public assistance and anyone with a library card — can access free parks passes as part of Outdoors for All:
- California State Library Parks Pass: Allows library cardholders to check out a pass from any public library for free vehicle day-use entry at 200-plus state parks. It’s just like borrowing a book, with more than 33,000 passes available at over 1,100 public and tribal libraries in the state.
- Golden Bear Pass: This free annual pass provides vehicle day-use entry at over 200 state parks for families who receive CalWORKs, individuals who receive supplemental security income, income-eligible Californians over age 62, and participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. To date, Californians have received more than 148,000 Golden Bear Passes.
State Parks also recently completed a wildly popular free promotion of its Historian Passport, which saw more than 454,000 passes downloaded in just over two weeks. The pass is good through the end of the year.
Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors
The 54 participating state parks of the Free Fourth Grade Pass help complement the fourth-grade curriculum, bringing to life what fourth graders are learning in the classroom. Fourth grade is a unique time in a child’s development where they begin to better understand how the world around them works in concrete ways, and they are more receptive to engaging with nature and the environment.
Studies indicate that access to parks and green space can lead to improvements in children’s physical well-being, social-emotional learning and academic outcomes, with children experiencing reduced stress and demonstrating more enthusiasm for school.
How to Get Your Free Fourth Grade Pass
Signing up for the Free Fourth Grade Pass is easy. A parent or guardian can apply on ReserveCalifornia.com (account required) to download the pass. The only information required is a name, address, phone number and email address.
For more information about the Free Fourth Grade Pass program, visit parks.ca.gov/4thGrade.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.
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