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NPS Commemorations and Celebrations

Summer Season

Siloutte of a bison filled with illustrations of park images including a sun rising over mountains in a desert with wildlife

Image designed by the National Park Service

The days are longer and the opportunities are greater to enjoy national parks. Summer is traditionally a lively time in national parks with people coming out to enjoy vacations during summer break. As always, remember to check ahead of your visit for trip planning, rules, weather, and safety considerations.

A Few Summertime Suggestions

These are a few suggestions of things to enjoy in national parks this summer:

  1. Celebration of America. Visit historic sites, monuments, and memorials to learn about American achievements, resiliency, innovation, and other inspirations. Join the 80th commemoration of the end of World War II and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by discovering stories and places preserved in national parks and through our programs and partnerships.
  2. Junior Rangers. School’s out for summer but keep your brain sharp while having fun in national parks. Most national parks have Junior Ranger books, activities, and ranger programs to learn about nature, history, and how to protect these special places for everyone to enjoy. And may even earn a Junior Ranger badge!
  3. Beautiful Beaches. Soak in the summer sun at the many beaches along oceans, lakes, and rivers. There are many beaches in national parks where you can swim, fish, boat, paddle, picnic, or relax in the sun. Check ahead for specific activities allowed on the beach you are visiting and important safety information.
  4. Outdoor Adventures. Take advantage of the warmer weather to explore the great outdoors. Enjoy your favorite outdoor activity or try something new with the many possibilities—camping, hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding, diving, fishing, and much more!
  5. Serene Sunrises and Sunsets. You may have to get up a little earlier or stay up later, but the stunning summer sunrises and sunsets in national parks are often worth it. They can offer dramatic colors lighting up the skies over uninterrupted natural beauty of natural landscapes.

Trip Planning Tools

  • Smartphone displaying a social media post on top of the National Park Service logo
    Follow Us on Social Media

    Join the conversation and share your park adventures, inspire others with your stories and experiences, and find expert tips and the latest

  • Smartphone displaying the NPS App learning on a park ranger hat
    Download the NPS App

    Visiting a national park? There is an app for that. Use the NPS App before and during your trip to make the most of your experience.

  • Family putting up a tent in a white sand desert
    Trip Planning Guide

    Need a checklist? Get planning and safety tips to make your trip a fun, safe adventure with this trip planning guide.

  • Ranger handing a park brochure out a booth window
    Entrance Passes

    See available entrance pass options for the 108 of 423 parks that have entrance fees.

  • Person installing a wall map of the Grand Canyon
    Got Maps?

    We all need directions sometimes. Find maps of specific national parks, the entire National Park System, and nature and history topics.

  • Old-fashioned RV parked in a campground
    Recreation.gov

    Reserve camping, lodging, tickets, tours, permits, and passes available for many parks before you head out on your trip.

Seasonal Celebrations and Happenings

Many cultures, communities, and families also have summer traditions and celebrations that are shared in national parks. Here are a few nationwide celebrations but check the calendar of events to find even more. If visiting a park, remember to plan your visit ahead of your trip for a more enjoyable experience.

Soldiers in a color guard standing in a cemetery
Memorial Day

Explore military history in national parks, learn about our military heritage, and find opportunities for everyone in our public lands.

Statue of African American Civil War soldiers
Juneteenth National Independence Day

Come out to national parks on an entrance fee free day to celebrate one of America's most treasured values—freedom for all.

Colorful fireworks over a historical Spanish fort
Independence Day

Celebrate the nation's birthday in some of its most scenic landscapes and historic places. Join July 4th festivities across the country.

Back of a ranger hat on a ranger in the desert
National Park Service's Birthday

Another year older on August 25. Join us in looking back at our history and looking ahead to our future.

Calendar of Events

Find a park near you or explore in-park and virtual events hosted by parks across the country. Set the calendar to summer months to see what events are being hosted in national parks or online to join in the festivities.

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Want to volunteer? Volunteer events will soon display directly on the NPS Event Calendar. Until then, visit Volunteer.gov to find ways to volunteer!

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Last updated: June 9, 2025

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