PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 3, 2024 — Calling all fourth graders! This year’s Every Kid Outdoors program is underway, and the U.S. Forest Service wants to make sure all eligible fourth graders (and their parents and educators) know that it’s not too late to request their free Every Kid Outdoors public lands pass, or to get a complimentary permit to cut their own Christmas tree on a National Forest this holiday season.
The Every Kid Outdoors program provides fourth-grade students and accompanying family members free entry to federally-managed public lands, water sites, recreation areas and historical sites across the United States. Students are encouraged to sign up early in the school year. Passes can be issued beginning Sept. 1 the year they enter fourth grade and are valid through August 31 the following year.
In addition to free access to thousands of sites managed by federal agencies across the nation, Every Kid Outdoors pass holders are also eligible for a free permit to cut their own Christmas tree on a National Forest.
Research shows children ages nine to 11 are beginning to learn about the world around them.
The Every Kid Outdoors Program provides no-cost access to millions of acres of federally managed lands and water recreation sites for fourth graders and their families, encouraging them to explore, make long-lasting memories in nature, and inspiring them to help care for and protect our public lands.
Passes can be used at any federally-managed location that other national recreation passes, such as the America the Beautiful pass, can be used.
This includes federally-managed National Forests, National Parks and Historical Monuments, and other public lands and water recreation areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The complimentary pass covers parking or admission fees for the passholder, accompanying siblings, and up to three adults — ensuring the entire family can join them in exploring natural areas, learning about our history and culture, and understanding the importance of environmental stewardship.
Please note that sites managed by concessionaires or special uses permittees may have additional fees that are not covered by the pass.
Signing up for an Every Kid Outdoors pass is easy!
- If you’re a fourth-grade student, ask an adult for help. Then visit the Every Kid Outdoors website and follow the instructions to register.
- Educators can request passes for each of their fourth-grade students – visit the Every Kid Outdoors educator’s page to submit a request.
Once registered, download a paper Every Kid Outdoors pass voucher to print and show it to a ranger when you enter eligible sites. If there is no ranger, the voucher should be displayed on the dashboard of your vehicle in lieu of a parking permit. At some sites, you can also exchange the paper pass for a durable plastic pass.
Our online visitor map can help passholders and their families find activities and locations to visit.
To access the free Christmas Tree cutting permit, visit Recreation.gov and look for National Forests offering Christmas Tree permits for sale.
Enter the number from your Every Kid Outdoors plastic pass or paper voucher when making the purchase, and the cost of the permit will be waived at checkout (a $2.50 reservation fee will still apply).
Students can also use their Every Kid Outdoors passes to claim their free Christmas Tree permit at participating National Forest visitor centers or Ranger Stations, but vouchers cannot be used to claim a free pass from partnering retail locations.
Christmas Tree cutting permits are also available to the general public for purchase. The cost is $5 per permit. Permits can be purchased on Recreation.gov or from participating Forest Service offices and retail partners.
Children of all ages can also download, color, and decorate our Christmas tree ornament coloring page for a fun, handmade addition to their tree!
When planning your tree-cutting adventure, it’s important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit.
Make sure you know where you’re authorized to cut, and what to look for – and look out for – when visiting the forest.
Review the “Ten Essentials” for winter recreation and outdoor activities.
Mud, snow and ice are seasonal hazards across the northwest – but they may arrive earlier or become more severe at higher elevations, and weather conditions may change quickly.
When travelling by vehicle, research your planned route as well as alternate routes, and ensure your vehicle and its passengers are well-prepared to face poor conditions or delays.
Additional information
The Forest Service Every Kid Outdoors is part of an interagency effort that includes the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The pass can be used on any of the lands managed by the listed agencies. The pass does not cover fees for local, city, or state parks and recreation areas unless stated otherwise.
The pass covers access fees for federally-managed recreation, historical or other sites. It does not cover parking fees, campsite permits, boating, or special tours. Sites are managed by private operators (concessionaires) may charge fees not covered by this pass.
For more details, visit the Every Kid Outdoors website and review the information on the rules & instructions page.
