Family fun originating from the Orlando area doesn’t have to be expensive. The National Park Service is hosting five free admission days in 2023. This is pretty exciting, as there are several National Park Service sites within a short drive from Central Florida. My family has personally visited many of these locations and they are definitely worth the drive! Some, like Canaveral National Seashore, are perfect for outdoor fun. Others, like Castillo de San Marco are rich in intriguing Florida history!
National Park Free Entrance Days for 2023
- January 15
- April 22
- August 4
- September 24
- November 11
National Park Sites Near Orlando
- Canaveral National Seashore – Titusville (1 hr from Orlando)
- Castillo de San Marco – St. Augustine (1.5 hr from Orlando)
- Fort Matanzas – St. Augustine (1.5 hr from Orlando)
- De Soto – Bradenton (2.5 hours from Orlando)
- Fort Caroline – Jacksonville (2.5 hours from Orlando)
- Timucuan – Jacksonville (2.5 hours from Orlando)
- Big Cypress – Ochopee (3.5 hours from Orlando)
- Biscayne – Miami (4.5 hours from Orlando)
- Everglades, Miami (4.5 hours from Orlando)
You can learn more about Free Entrance Days in the National Park Service on the NPS website.
4th Graders always get into the National Parks for free
Here’s a little FYI that I don’t think many people know about. It can be especially helpful for your summer vacation planning. Fourth graders and their immediate family members can get into all of the National Parks for free! It’s part of the national Every Kid Outdoors Program. To participate, you have to complete a short online program. Why 4th graders? According to the NPS, research indicates children ages 9-11 are more receptive to engaging with nature.
If you go to one of these sites, don’t forget to snap a pic and send it to @OrlandoMomCollective!
