Celebrate National Park Week with Free Admission

Muir Woods National Monument in California, one the country's 394 national parks.

With 394 national parks across the country, there’s no shortage of outdoor (and indoor) places to explore all over the land of liberty. And while more than 100 of them typically charge a fee to enter, National Park Week (April 16 to 24) is upon us, which means all the parks are free. The 2011 theme is “Healthy Parks, Healthy People,” and the goal is to highlight the connection between human and environmental health. Take advantage of the spring weather and drop by your nearest national park, or plan a trip to see one you’ve never been to. Many of the businesses within the parks are also offering special deals this week; for a list of some of them (like a two-night stay for the price of one), check here. And for those with kids in tow, Saturday, April 23, is Junior Ranger Day at many of the parks, so pack up the tiny tots and let them explore and learn with programs especially designed for the smaller set.

Want to know which parks have waived their entrance fees for the week? Check out the list here.