Fourth grade may look a little different this year but our National Forests are always here for students to adventure and learn in. If you’re a parent looking for a weekend getaway, a teacher investigating outdoor activities for your students, or even a fourth grader trying to find something to do — because we all know kids are basically tech support nowadays — look no further than the Every Kid Outdoors Program.

Every Kid Outdoors provides free access to federal lands and waters for approximately 4 million fourth grade students and their families. With downloadable curriculum on environmental stewardship, indigenous communities, and citizen science, educators can lead their students in learning about our national public lands. Students can download a free pass and head outside to experience the real thing.

As part of this program,U.S.D.A. Forest Service field units offer family fishing days, freshwater snorkeling, hikes as well as forestry programs including a free holiday tree cutting permit, junior ranger activities, and many other nature-based adventures. All activities are dependent on social distancing measures. Please call ahead or check online to see which activities are still running.

Students should go to everykidoutdoors.gov and complete an online game to get their personalized Every Kid Outdoors pass. Each pass has a personalized code so students and their families can visit our National Forests for free. Each pass is valid beginning September 1 and ending August 31 of the student’s 4th grade year.

Also be sure to check out the Discover the Forest site (in English and Spanish) for more information on forest activities near you.

Can’t wait to see you on the trail — from a distance of course!