Want to see CA state parks for free

PSA: California Is Basically Paying You to Touch Grass

So I was doing some very responsible adulting—aka Googling how much it costs to take my kids somewhere that isn’t my backyard—and I discovered something wild. Most California State Parks charge like $20–$40 PER CAR just to exist in nature for the day. Cute. Love that for us.

BUT THEN… I FOUND THE HOLY GRAIL.

Apparently, in April 2022, California quietly launched a 3-year pilot program (because of course they didn’t advertise it anywhere normal humans look) where you can use your library card—yes, that thing you got in 2009 to check out cookbooks you never opened—to get FREE access to over 200 California State Parks.

I know. I screamed too.

Here’s the deal:

• Go to your local library (yes, it still exists).

• Check out a California State Library Parks Pass—just like a book, but it gets you fresh air instead of overdue fines.

• You can keep it for 1–3 weeks, depending on your library.

• Don’t lose it, or you will definitely be that person.

• There’s a QR code on it to see which parks are included (because paper maps are for pioneers).

Honestly, this is one of the best things our state government has ever done—and nobody knows about it. Probably because they announced it during a solar eclipse or something.

California's Holy Grail to see State Parks!

So to all you summer parents:

If you're wondering how to entertain your kids without taking out a second mortgage or hosting another glitter-filled craft session that ends in someone crying (probably you)—go get the pass. Take the kids, take the dog (limited where Fido can go), take your neighbor’s kids if you’re feeling chaotic. Just go.

☀️ Hike.

🍔 Picnic.

📸 Post it on Instagram like you're a wilderness influencer.

🌳 Brag about how cultured and nature-connected you are.

And then tell the rest of us, so we can join you and pretend this was our plan all along.

Happy free adventuring, my friends.