Freebie Friday: National Park Week

Bryce Canyon (photo by Ron Lee)

Is there a better spring break destination than our National Parks? Of course not.

Especially this year, as the National Park Service will be waiving entry fees for one full week, April 16 through April 24. Yes, that means free admission to the Statue of Liberty,  Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon and all of the other 394 parks across the United States.

The week will also mark several special events.  April 23 is National Junior Ranger day, so many of the parks will host special activities for kids, all involving physical fitness this year (in line with the First Lady's goal of encouraging kids to get active and get outside). The day before that is Earth Day, again a day of unique events and celebrations. But don't discount the rest of the week; it will feature special ranger-led walks in many parks, talks, slide-shows, volunteer opportunities and folk-life demonstrations.

And its not just about getting, one can also give back to our woefully underfunded parks over the course of National Parks Week. Northface has promised to donate $1 (up to $150,000) for every person who downloads the company's app and then checks in, using it, from a National Park.