Update, March 24: All state parks are closed for at least two weeks, and state park campgrounds are closed through April 30.
ORIGINAL POST:
Mark your calendar: Washington state parks have free admission on select days in 2020.
Saturday, April 11 — Springtime free day
Wednesday, April 22 — Earth Day
Saturday, June 6 — National Trails Day
Sunday, June 7 — Free Fishing Day
Saturday, June 13 — National Get Outdoors Day
Tuesday, Aug. 25 — National Park Service Birthday
Saturday, Sept. 26 — National Public Lands Day
Wednesday, Nov. 11 — Veterans Day
Friday, Nov. 27 — Autumn free day
To name just a very few of the ways you could take advantage of a free day in state parks:
- Explore St. Edward State Park in Kenmore, the site of a former monastery.
- Walk the beach at Saltwater or Dash Point State Parks in South King County.
- Hike up to Wallace Falls.
- See the spectacular scenery at Deception Pass (you can walk on the bridge!)
- Explore the geologic oddity that is Flaming Geyser (lots more to do here, too).
Not sure where to find your closest state park — or the one with the location or activities your family is looking for? The state parks' website lists them all. The state also recently published a very thorough guidebook that you can buy. And if you want to get creative, get to a state park using public transit. Here's help with that.
[Looking for more kid-friendly activities? Download our app and discover our customizable events calendar. Filter by child ages, location, free events and more.]
A law passed in 2011 created fees to help support Washington's state parks. Vehicles are required to have a Discover Pass, which costs $30 annually or $10 for a one-day visit. The law also called for the creation of up to 12 free-admission days each year.
Related: How your fourth-grader can get a free national-park pass for your family.
Editor's note: Updated Decmeber 2019
