SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom welcome California fourth graders back to school with unlimited free access to 54 participating state parks through the Free Fourth Grade Pass. Parents and guardians can now download this free pass for their incoming fourth grader at ReserveCalifornia.com at the same time as getting all their other school supplies.

Just in time for the 2026-27 school year, State Parks is updating its free pass program for fourth graders with a simplified name and new sign-up period. The program focuses on children 10 years of age — the age of most fourth graders — based on research showing that children ages 9-11 are at a unique developmental stage in their learning where they begin to process how the world around them works and are more inclined to engage with nature and the environment. Establishing a program at this age encourages children to develop a lifelong connection to the outdoors and their parks.

(Photo source: Gavin Newsom’s Newsroom)