National Parks Week is April 16-24 and 2016 marks the centennial celebration for the National Parks Service. Help them celebrate by visiting one, or several, of our amazingly diverse parks. Not sure if there’s a park by you? Visit the Find a Park page where you can look them up by state.

National Geographic is one of the founding patrons and a huge supporter of the National Parks Service. They’ve been there since the very beginning, and they’re celebrating the Parks’ anniversary with a year-long initiative called “Year of the Parks.  They’ve released  several new books to help you get the most out of any visit or just to explore the parks from home.

National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States, 8th Edition 

This best-selling National Parks Guide Book was first published in 1989. Since then, it’s sold more than 1.25 million copies. It’s been updated for 2016 and includes an update on the best spots to catch an incredible sunset, find some wildlife, and more. They revisited all 59 parks to capture the changes and published them in this comprehensive guide. 

National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States, 8th Edition (National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States)

Guide to National Parks of the United States 8th Edition ($29.95)

This comprehensive guide contains the most up-to-the-minute information plus practical advice for visitors. Plus they’ve included brief histories, planning tips, suggested itineraries, activities, as well as where to stay on your visit. They’ve included campgrounds, hotels, lodges with contact information as well as visitor center details.. There’s also over 220 vivid color photos to give you a sneak peek at what you’ll experience.

National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide U.S.A. Centennial Edition

National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide U.S.A. Centennial Edition

This book the official kids guide that was created in a partnership with the National Parks Trust. Geared for kids ages 8- 12, the guide is full of maps, fun facts, conservation tips, cool things to do on the way to the parks, and more. 

National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide U.S.A. Centennial Edition

Rather than just point on what to see and do, the National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide U.S.A. Centennial Edition also shares historical facts, things to see at each stop, best places to be extreme, find the best view, Ranger Tips, and more. The design is colorful and fun and will appeal to kids and parents alike.

Every Kid in a Park LogoEvery Kid in a Park Program

To encourage families to get out and explore our national parks, they’ve created the Every Kid in a Park program. Through it, 4th graders an visit any national park for free until August 2016. Learn more and earn your pass here by creating an online travel diary of what you want to do (example: time travel, go swimming, or take a nature walk).

Need more National Parks Fun? Check out these Free Resources

Free App: National Parks by National Geographic 

What Happens When You Visit Every National Park in One Year – Nat Geo photographer Jonathan Irish is celebrating by visiting every U.S. national park in the span of one year. Follow his travels as he visits 59 parks in 52 weeks.

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