California Renamed Free Fourth Grade State Park Pass

The program saw a 46 percent increase in downloads following its rebranding and expansion of participating locations.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of a wooden trailhead marker in a redwood forest, representing the California state parks pass program. — California State Parks saw a 46 percent increase in downloads after rebranding its youth accessibility initiative to the Free Fourth Grade Pass. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you be more likely to visit state parks if your child had a free pass?

California State Parks rebranded its Adventure Pass to the Free Fourth Grade Pass during the summer of 2026. This initiative provides unlimited free day-use entry for students to 54 state parks across the state.

Why it matters

The program aims to expand accessibility to California's outdoor spaces for families. Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has grown significantly to help more students experience state park environments.

The program currently includes 54 participating state parks, up from 19 at its 2021 launch. To date, more than 100,000 passes have been distributed to families across California.

The players

California State Parks

This is the state agency responsible for managing the diverse collection of parks, beaches, and historic sites throughout California.

California State Railroad Museum

Located in Sacramento, this museum serves as a major hub for state-managed cultural and educational exhibits.

The details

The Free Fourth Grade Pass allows students and their families unlimited day-use access to participating parks. Families can secure their passes by visiting the official website or calling the designated service line, with in-person options available at park sales offices for those without internet access.

The program began in 2021 with 19 participating parks.
State Parks rebranded the pass in Summer 2026.
The current pass program remains valid until August 31, 2027.

Travel Outlook

The California Free Fourth Grade Pass mirrors the federal Every Kid Outdoors initiative by providing fourth-grade students with free access to parks. This state-level expansion follows a national trend of using educational milestones to encourage youth engagement with public lands.

Families can download passes directly through the state portal or call the support line to facilitate their next trip to a participating park. Be sure to obtain the pass before visiting to ensure seamless access and take full advantage of the free entry benefit before the program expires in 2027.

The takeaway

The rebranding of the California state park pass highlights a broader effort to simplify access for families. Parents and guardians should verify participating park locations before planning their trips to ensure the pass is accepted at their destination.