This summer, 15 national parks across the country are unveiling exciting new programs that promise to enhance visitor experiences. From guided nature walks to interactive workshops on local flora and fauna, these initiatives aim to educate and entertain guests of all ages. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or a family looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone in these stunning natural landscapes. Discover the full list of parks embracing this summer’s fresh adventures.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park invites visitors to join its new Sunrise Geyser Walks. Picture this: the morning sun casting a golden glow over iconic geysers. This guided walk provides insight into the park’s geothermal wonders.
Early risers can experience the serene beauty of nature waking up. Knowledgeable rangers share captivating stories about the park’s history and geology.
This program welcomes all, making it perfect for families and solo adventurers alike. Experience Yellowstone in a new light. Did you know? This park was the first established national park in the world.
2. Yosemite National Park
In Yosemite National Park, art lovers can express their creativity through the new Paint and Sip Evenings. Imagine capturing El Capitan’s magnificent hues on canvas.
Led by local artists, these sessions provide a unique way to connect with the park’s beauty. Enjoy a glass of wine while your brush dances across the canvas.
The evening light offers spectacular views, inspiring artists of all skill levels. Fun fact: Yosemite has inspired countless artists, including the famous Ansel Adams, who captured its beauty in his iconic photographs.
3. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park introduces Fossil Excavation Adventures for budding archaeologists. Imagine unearthing ancient marine fossils in an area once submerged under water.
Guided by enthusiastic rangers, participants uncover the secrets of the canyon’s prehistoric past. It’s an educational journey through time.
Families with curious minds will find this experience fascinating. The park’s diverse geology tells a story of millions of years. Fun fact: The Grand Canyon’s oldest rocks are approximately 1.8 billion years old!
4. Zion National Park
Zion National Park now offers Sunrise Yoga Sessions amidst its stunning canyons. Imagine beginning your day with a calming yoga flow as the sun rises over red rock formations.
These sessions, led by experienced instructors, cater to all skill levels, promoting peace and mindfulness. Feel the earth beneath you and the expansive sky above.
Yoga in nature enhances relaxation and connection to the environment. Did you know? Zion’s name means “place of peace” in Hebrew, making it an ideal spot for yoga.
5. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park’s new Bird-Watching Tours are perfect for nature enthusiasts. Imagine sighting a rare puffin or majestic bald eagle in flight.
Led by expert ornithologists, these tours educate participants about local bird species and their habitats. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level.
Binoculars in hand, families can enjoy a day of discovery. Fun fact: Acadia is home to over 300 bird species, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park offers new Starry Nights Events for astronomy enthusiasts. Imagine gazing at a sky filled with countless stars.
These events include guided stargazing sessions, workshops, and talks by astronomers. The park’s high elevation provides the perfect backdrop.
Participants can explore celestial wonders and learn about constellations. Fun fact: The park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, ensuring minimal light pollution and clear night skies.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites visitors to join Appalachian Dance Workshops. Step into the rich cultural traditions of the region with this engaging program.
Participants learn the history and steps of folk dances that have been passed down through generations. It’s a lively experience for all ages.
Connecting with the cultural heritage enriches the visit. Did you know? The Smokies are home to more than ancient mountains; they harbor a vibrant cultural history as well.
8. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park introduces Coastal Kayaking Adventures for those seeking aquatic thrills. Imagine paddling through crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush forests and rugged shorelines.
These guided tours cater to both novices and experienced kayakers, offering insights into the park’s unique marine ecosystems.
Kayaking provides a unique perspective of Olympic’s natural beauty. Fun fact: Olympic National Park protects diverse environments, from rainforests to alpine peaks, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park offers Nighttime Meditation Retreats for those looking to unwind. Picture meditating under a starlit sky, surrounded by the desert’s silent beauty.
These retreats include guided meditations and mindfulness practices aimed at relaxation and reflection. The clear desert nights amplify the experience.
Embrace tranquility and the park’s serene atmosphere. Did you know? Joshua Tree’s clear skies attract visitors from around the world for stargazing and meditation.
10. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park launches Eco Tours, offering an immersive experience in its unique wetlands. Imagine gliding through waterways, observing alligators and rare birds.
Guided by ecologists, these tours educate about the park’s complex ecosystem and conservation efforts. It’s a chance to witness biodiversity in action.
Family-friendly tours encourage curiosity and appreciation for this natural wonder. Fun fact: The Everglades are the largest subtropical wilderness of its kind in the U.S.
11. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park presents Glacier Interpretation Walks for visitors interested in understanding these majestic formations. Picture hiking alongside stunning glaciers while learning from experts.
These walks are informative, covering the park’s glacial history and climate change impacts. It’s a valuable educational opportunity.
Families and solo adventurers will find these walks both enlightening and breathtaking. Fun fact: Glacier National Park was named for its prominent glacier-carved terrain.
12. Arches National Park
Arches National Park offers Photography Workshops for aspiring photographers. Imagine capturing the iconic Delicate Arch against a sunset backdrop.
Led by professional photographers, these workshops provide tips on lighting, composition, and technique. Participants can enhance their skills while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
The park’s unique geological formations offer endless creative inspiration. Did you know? Arches is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, more than any other place on Earth.
13. Denali National Park
Denali National Park now offers Summer Dog Sledding Experiences. Imagine the thrill of mushing along scenic trails with a team of eager sled dogs.
This program provides a unique opportunity to learn about the tradition and skill of dog sledding. Experienced mushers guide participants through the process.
It’s an exhilarating way to explore Denali’s wilderness. Fun fact: Denali is the only U.S. national park with a kennel of working sled dogs.
14. Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park introduces Forest Bathing Sessions, a practice rooted in Japanese tradition. Imagine immersing yourself in the tranquility of the forest, calming your mind and body.
Guided sessions encourage participants to engage with nature through their senses, promoting wellness and relaxation.
The park’s lush landscapes provide the perfect setting for this rejuvenating experience. Did you know? Forest bathing, or ‘shinrin-yoku,’ is known to reduce stress and enhance well-being.
15. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers Bike and Brew Tours, combining outdoor adventure with craft beer tasting. Imagine cycling through scenic trails before indulging in a refreshing brew.
These tours cater to both cycling enthusiasts and craft beer lovers, offering a unique way to explore the park.
It’s a delightful blend of exercise and leisure. Fun fact: The Cuyahoga River, which runs through the park, was once so polluted it caught fire, sparking environmental reforms.
