Hot Topics     Home and Family    

Every Kid in a Park special pass for 4th graders



DEC accepting National Park Service pass at all NYS and National Parks

Every Kid in a Park special pass for 4th graders

DEC will accept the National Park Service's (NPS) Every Kid in a Park Pass upon presentation for free entry for 4th grade students into all facilities in 2020. The pass applies only to the vehicle entry fee, and the 4th grader must be present in the vehicle.

This is a pilot program as part of a series of initiatives to encourage youth visitation to state parks, historic sites and public lands. Fourth grade students can obtain and print their pass on the NPS website (leaves DEC website).

Stay tuned for their Facebook Live on Thursday July 16 at 3 p.m. where they will be providing tips and tricks on how to get started paddling.

Watch their YouTube playlist for how-tos and inspiration.

Most DEC campgrounds also have day use areas for the public to enjoy. DEC also operates a number of day use-only areas that offer picnicking and/or swimming facilities. Please be advised that pets are prohibited at all DEC day use area.

Many DEC Campgrounds are situated on bodies of water and provide access for paddlers. Most campgrounds also offer canoe, rowboat, and/or kayak rentals.

Fees for day use (FREE with Kid in a Park Pass) areas are:

  • $6.00, $8.00 or $10.00 per car
  • $3.00, $4.00 or $5.00 per motorcycle
  • $35.00, $50.00 or $75.00 per bus
  • $2.00 per person (for walking into a facility)

Camping Guide Maps

See an interactive version of the guide (leaves DEC website)
Download the camping guide (PDF) (14.2 MB) *Please note this is a large file.

For easier download, they have broken up the file into 4 smaller sections:

General Rules & Guidelines

  • The pass is for fourth-grade students for the 2020 Parks operating season (expires December 31, 2020).
  • The fourth-grade student must be present when the pass is presented.
  • The pass covers the vehicle use fee at all DEC facilities.
  • The pass does not cover amenities such as camping or rentals.
  • Students cannot transfer the pass to anyone else.
  • Electronic versions of the paper pass cannot be accepted.
  • There is no way to request a refund if the pass is not presented.
  • The pass should be presented upon entry where park staff will welcome the 4th grader and his/her family and provide the car with a no-fee receipt for the car dashboard. The federal pass remains with the student.
  • Other exclusions may apply.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Calling all birdwatchers

    Check out Birdability which promotes birding for everyone

    Through education, outreach and advocacy, Birdability works to ensure the birding community and the outdoors are welcoming, inclusive, safe and accessible for everybody. We focus on people with mobility challenges, blindness or low vision, chronic illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental illness, and those who are neurodivergent, deaf or hard of hearing or who have other health concerns. In addition to current birders, we strive to introduce birding to people with disabilities and other health concerns who are not yet birders so they too can experience the joys of birding. read more »
  • 9/11 Remembrance Ceremonies

    Come and remember the people who were lost, first responders & survivors

    Events to honor the victims, first responders, and survivors of the 9/11 attacks. read more »
  • Mother Shares Her Journey with Heroin-Addicted Daughter

    Read the gripping new book about this family

    September is National Recovery Month and one mom has shared her journey with her daughter struggling with addiction. read more »
  • Learn How to Help Your Struggling Adolescents Navigate Change and Overcome Anxiety

    Parenting expert Erica Komisar has a new book that can assist you

    Adolescence is a notoriously complicated time for kids as well as their parents. Plus, the epidemic of mental health disorders in young people has made parenting today even more challenging. But it’s not too late. Parents of adolescents can still have a profound impact on the health and well-being of their children. read more »
  • 5 of the best movies your teen can watch at home

    Entertain your kids with these flicks from Netfilx

    Writing for Popsugar, Sabienna Bowman shares her top movie picks for teens read more »
  • Master P On Rap Feuds, Conscious Parenting, Black Superheroes

    Allison Kugel interviews this rap icon

    Interview with rap icon Master P by Allison Kugel. Here he talks about family and more. read more »
  • Cool new food savers from Lasting Freshness

    Vacuum seal your food to keep it fresh longer

    Using this patented handheld Vacuum System your food is preserved up to 5 times longer than food stored using conventional grocery storage methods. read more »
  • The Mama Bear Effect Launches New Resource to Combat Child Sexual Abuse

    Parents of young children and those with special education needs now have a free tool to educate children about their bodies and boundaries

    Parents, caregivers, teachers, and therapists now have a new tool to educate the most vulnerable population of children, those who need specialized assistance with learning and communication. read more »
  • Dirty, sweaty laundry making your house stinky?

    Here is a great solution from STNKY

    STNKY Bags are the best way to sort, store, carry, wash and dry everything from sweaty gym clothes, laundry when you travel, scrubs, and just about anything else that gets dirty or sweaty. read more »
  • Get Green this September

    Be a Friend of the Environment

    NYS Department of Environmental Conservation offers tips on cleaning out your closet and recycling your discarded clothing. read more »