An Invitation to Explore
In the U.S., 4th graders get an incredible gift: free entry to national parks and public lands for a full year through the Every Kid Outdoors program. That means your child — plus family members — can explore forests, monuments, and wildlife refuges without paying entrance fees.
For eco-conscious families, this isn’t just a free pass — it’s an invitation to connect with nature and build a lifelong love for the planet.
How the Program Works
- Who qualifies: All U.S. 4th graders (including homeschoolers).
- How to get the pass: Visit the Every Kid Outdoors website, complete a fun activity, print the paper pass, and bring it to a participating site.
- Who gets in free: The student, all kids under 16, and up to three adults (or everyone in one car).
Free access runs from September 1 to August 31, covering the school year and the following summer.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
At Oolie, we believe in nurturing both people and the planet. Programs like this align beautifully with our values:
🌍 Connecting kids to nature builds stewardship.
Fourth grade is a pivotal time when children start forming deeper connections with the world. National parks give them real-world lessons in ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation.
💚 Shared family experiences create lasting memories.
Whether it’s camping under the stars or hiking a trail, time outdoors supports wellness and connection — the same values we infuse into our organic bedding and healthy sleep environments.
🌱 Sustainability starts early.
When kids learn to love nature, they grow up more mindful of protecting it. In a time of climate change and environmental challenges, raising eco-aware families is more important than ever.
Policy Momentum & Equity in Access
Thanks to the EXPLORE Act of 2025, Every Kid Outdoors has been extended through 2031 — so if you have a younger child who will be entering 4th grade in the next few years, you can also benefit from this program. Equitable access to green spaces strengthens communities and builds a more inclusive movement for environmental care.
Better Sleep, Better Days, Better Planet
At Oolie, we know that healthy sleep and a healthy planet go hand in hand. Just as we choose breathable, organic materials for our bedding to protect families and reduce toxins, we celebrate programs that give children a safe, restorative connection to nature.
Our organic cotton bedding helps kids (and parents!) rest deeply at night — so they have the energy to run, climb, and explore during the day. It’s all part of the same cycle: care for yourself, care for the planet.
How Families Can Get Started
- If your child is in 4th grade, visit everykidoutdoors.gov to claim your free pass.
- Plan a trip to a local national park, wildlife refuge, or forest.
- Layer up with breathable clothing, pack healthy snacks, and enjoy unplugged time outdoors.
- When you return, rest easy in organic, non-toxic bedding that keeps your family cool, cozy, and chemical-free. 😉
The Oolie Takeaway
Free access to national parks is more than a perk — it’s a promise. It’s about giving our kids space to run, breathe, and dream in the wild beauty of our planet.
When we nurture those values in our children, we’re shaping the future of people + planet. And when we choose sustainable essentials like Oolie’s organic bedding, we’re living those values every day — from the forest trails to our family bedrooms.
✨ Ready to create your own people + planet story? Explore Oolie’s organic bedding collection — designed for families who care deeply, sleep beautifully, and dream sustainably.
Photo by Mike Burke on Unsplash
