National Parks Free Annual Pass for Current US Military and Dependents

There is perhaps no better freebie than the one from the government giving you free access to National Parks. This is one that many now can take advantage of. If you are on leave, think about taking your family on a road trip to a National Park or other US recreation area.

Here are some details:

1. What are the benefits for the Annual Pass - Military? Free admission at sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees for one full year from the month obtained (through last day of that month).
   
   • Allows pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle to enter federally operated recreation sites across the country.
   • Covers the pass owner and three (3) accompanying adults age 16 and older at sites where per person entrance fees are charged. No entry fee charged for children 15 and under.
   The pass does not cover or provide a discount on expanded amenity fees such as camping, boat launch or interpretive fees.
   
2. Who qualifies for the Annual Pass - Military? Current US military members and their dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, as well as most members of the US Reserves and National Guard. Proper military ID is required (CAC Card or DoD Form 1173).
   
3. Can dependents of National Guard and the Reserve members acquire a pass? Dependents of deployed military members with DoD Form 1173 may obtain a pass. If the military member has not been deployed, the dependent may be the second signer on their sponsor’s pass.
   
4. Are there any benefits for veterans? There is not a pass specifically for veterans; however, many veterans qualify for one of the other discount passes offered as part of our pass program.
   If you are 62 or older you qualify for a Senior Pass. You can buy a Senior Pass in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office or by mail.
   If you have a permanent disability you may qualify for an Access Pass. This is a free lifetime pass that you may obtain in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office or by mail.
   
5. Where can I use my pass? Please contact a site directly if you have a question about pass acceptance and fees. The Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation honor the Annual Pass at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee(s) are charged.
   
   • Bureau of Land Management http://www.blm.gov
   • Bureau of Reclamation http://www.usbr.gov
   • Fish and Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov
   • USDA Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us
   • National Park Service http://www.nps.gov
   US Army Corps of Engineers will not be issuing this pass, however they may honor it for free access at some sites. For more information contact your local US Army Corps of Engineers.
6. How do I get my pass? You can receive your pass by presenting your Current US military ID at most Federal lands that charge an entrance fee. A list of sites that sell pass is available. Sites that issue the Annual Pass will generally also issue the free US military version as well. Please contact the Federal Land you will be visiting in advance to ensure that they have the pass available.

Start planning for next summer or your next leave!

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Free passes to National Parks for Military members

All active duty military personnel will be able to get free passes to all National Parks and recreational areas. The total is more than 2,000 places where the free pass will be valid. This includes all 397 National Parks. The free pass will be good for one year from the date it was obtained. The free National Parks pass is free to all active members of all branches of the military, as well as active members of the National Guard and Reserve. You cannot transfer the pass, but here's the good part. The pass is good for the pass owner and all passengers in the vehicle they are using to enter. If the park or area charges by the person, the pass owner and 3 more adults are covered. If your children are under 15, they are free. This means a military member driving with their family, for example, into Yellowstone will all get in free as long as they are driving in using the normal family vehicle. Visit: http://home.nps.gov/news/release.htm?id=1333 for more info. Military members now can plan cheaper vacations with their families. Please pass this information along to all your friends and neighbors. Our military families are worth a whole lot more! >>How to keep deer out of your garden. >>Fun facts about the United States.

Museums this summer offer free admission to Military Families

This summer all across the country hundreds of museums are giving free admission to military and their families.

These are not just little museums but big names, as well as children's museums. For example, San Diego has 14 museums in this program which includes many in Balboa Park. Even Alaska gets in on the act with free admission to the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum.

The program that has museums in all 50 states, is called Blue Star Museums. It is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families.

Museums are a great way to entertain a family for a day. The free admission includes the military service member, husband or wife, and children. However, many museums have special exhibits that carry an extra charge no included.

The program starts on Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day, 2010. More info check out Blue Star Museums and see a list of museums in your state.

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