With the school year just getting into full swing, California State Parks, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency are inviting all fourth graders in California public schools to download the free California State Park Adventure Pass. The pass opens the door to California’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, granting students and their families a year of free entry to 54 state parks full of sandy beaches and desert canyons, majestic redwood forests and eye-opening historic sites.
Through the Adventure Pass program, fourth graders in California public schools can visit 54 state parks for free. Watch this Parks California video to learn more. Any public school fourth grader can download the California State Park Adventure Pass right now to enjoy a full year of access at no cost.
Championed by the First Partner, whose California for All Kids initiatives support children’s physical, mental and social-emotional well-being, and the Newsom Administration’s Outdoors for All initiative, the California State Park Adventure Pass expands the opportunity for fourth graders and their families to enjoy the benefits of connecting with nature, each other and their communities. The pass for this school year’s fourth graders is valid until Aug. 31, 2026. To date, more than 89,000 passes have opened new doors and fostered a love of state parks for California fourth graders.
“As a mom, I know how much time in nature shapes a child’s health, happiness, and love for the outdoors,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “The California State Park Adventure Pass has opened the door for more kids and families to experience the joy and benefits of our beautiful state parks. I encourage all public school fourth graders and their families to take advantage of this opportunity, and to explore all the incredible natural treasures California has to offer!”
“California’s state parks are true wonders of nature and human history,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “The Adventure Pass is an invitation to fourth graders and their families to discover the world of California. It’s your home.”
“California’s natural treasures belong to all of us,” said California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “By opening our parks to public school fourth graders at no cost, we’re investing in healthier kids, stronger communities, and the next generation of stewards who will care for the Golden State’s wealth of natural and cultural resources.”
Obtaining a free California State Park Adventure Pass online is simple. Have a parent and/or guardian visit ReserveCalifornia.com or call (800) 444-7275 (Spanish-speaking customer service available). If they don’t already have a ReserveCalifornia account, they can set up a profile by providing their name, address, phone number and email address. After completing the form, the free pass will be sent to their email right away and can be used immediately to enjoy any of the 54 participating parks. Individuals who do not have access to a smartphone, computer or printer, and/or do not have an email address, can request a pass by visiting a State Parks Pass Sales Office or by calling (800) 444-7275.
Among the picturesque state parks included: Henry W. Coe State Park near San Jose, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in the Central Valley, Silver Strand State Beach in San Diego, and Chino Hills State Park in the greater Los Angeles area. Find all 54 participating parks here.
The California State Park Adventure Pass was established by Assembly Bill 148, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in July 2021. The pass is valid for the one-year period during which the child is a fourth grader or fourth-grade equivalent in a public school, from September 1 to August 31 of that year. Teachers can also use the program as an educational tool, encouraging students to extend classroom learning into state parks and explore these living classrooms. For full terms and conditions, click here.
In addition to the California State Park Adventure Pass, all Californians can check out a California State Parks Library Pass by using their library cards to access more than 200 participating state park units. Families receiving California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs), individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and income-eligible Californians 62 and over can also apply for the Golden Bear Pass. More information on all three State Park Pass programs is available at parks.ca.gov/OutdoorsForAll.
Copyright © 2025, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Fourth graders, California State Park Adventure Pass, free parks, California State Parks, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Outdoors for All, Henry W. Coe State Park, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, Silver Strand State Beach, Chino Hills State Park
