California State Parks, in partnership with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency, is expanding its popular California State Park Adventure Pass from 19 select state parks to 54. The pilot program, currently in its third year, allows California fourth-graders and fourth-grade teachers free admission to participating parks until Aug. 31, 2024. The public can find a park near them at parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass.
The Adventure Pass is one part of the First Partner’s California for All Kids initiative, which seeks to put children and families on a path to a healthier future.
“We launched the California State Park Adventure Pass in 2021 to provide fourth-graders and their families with more opportunities to reap the mental, physical and social-emotional health benefits of time spent outdoors,” said Siebel Newsom. “Now, we’re expanding the Adventure Pass — nearly tripling the number of gorgeous California State Parks and historical sites fourth-graders are able to visit and increasing their access to valuable hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in the process. By growing this program, we’re doubling down on our commitment to ensure California kids have access to the resources they need to get the best start in life.”
The California State Park Adventure Pass program, made possible by Assembly Bill 148, was signed by Gov. 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, from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31 of that year. Any fourth-grader who lives in California is eligible for the California State Park Adventure Pass, no matter how they attend school or how old they are. To date, more than 50,000 passes have been provided to families.
“We are thrilled to expand the California State Park Adventure Pass from 19 to 54 participating state parks, including beaches and historical parks,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “The curriculum being taught in fourth grade about history, natural and social sciences make providing fourth-graders with free state park access a great supplement to the lessons being taught to them in school.”
Obtaining a free pass online is simple. Go to ReserveCalifornia.com or call (800) 444-7275 (Spanish-speaking customer service available). Set up a profile by providing name, address, phone number and email address and a free pass will be sent via email. Individuals who do not have access to a smartphone, computer or printer and/or do not have an email address can still request a pass by visiting a State Parks Pass Sales Office or by calling (800) 444-7275.
“Expanding this Adventure Pass is great news for families across the state and another way State Parks (is) expanding outdoor access,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “As the parent of a fourth-grader myself, I know how much kids love exploring new places. Now more kids and families will be able to experience a broader range of our natural places across California, helping us achieve the goal of building an Outdoors for All.”
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. The library pass program is also available to tribal libraries throughout the state.
Families receiving California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs), individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income and income-eligible Californians 62 and older can apply for the Golden Bear Pass with their smartphone or other web-based device in just minutes and have access to more than 200 California State Park units. The Golden Bear Pass is also available to participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
For more information on all three State Park Pass programs visit parks.ca.gov/OutdoorsForAll.
