On Wednesday, August 12, Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom announced the Free Fourth Grade Pass, offering unlimited access to 54 participating state parks. Passes can be downloaded through ReserveCalifornia.
State Parks is updating its free pass program for fourth graders with a simplified name and new sign-up period. Fourth graders previously could not sign up for the pass — formerly known as the California State Parks Adventure Pass — until September, after the school year had already started in many districts throughout the state. In addition to opening at the beginning of August, the pass is now valid for up to 13 months, through August 31 of the following year, so it can be used from the time students start fourth grade until they begin fifth grade. Since the free pass program was launched in September 2021, more than 100,000 passes have been distributed to fourth graders and their families.
For additional information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Staci Heaton.