How this change impacts families + meaningful ways to honor both holidays
Recently, the announcement was made that National Parks will no longer offer free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Juneteenth - two holidays that hold deep meaning for Black families, educators, parents, and anyone committed to justice, community, and equality.
For many families, especially families with young kids, these free-entry days were more than just a budget-friendly outing. They were symbolic. They offered accessible ways to learn, explore, connect with history, and spend meaningful time outside together.
Here’s what this change means, why it matters, and how families can still honor MLK Day and Juneteenth in powerful, intentional ways.
Free admission days were used by so many families - especially those trying to give their kids cultural experiences without the financial barrier. National parks are usually affordable, but for many households, free meant:
They could take their kids without worrying about cost
They could connect the holiday’s meaning with nature, history, and community
They could explore heritage sites, landmarks, and educational spaces
They could turn the day into a tradition
MLK Day and Juneteenth aren’t just holidays - they’re opportunities to teach our kids about justice, freedom, courage, and community healing.
Removing free access makes it a little harder for families who relied on these days as both a learning experience and a budget-friendly outing.
Both holidays carry so much weight:
A day of service, reflection, and learning - a chance to talk about fairness, kindness, and using your voice for good.
A celebration of liberation, Black joy, freedom, resilience, and history.
Free access to parks, trails, and historic areas helped families honor the spirit of both days in ways that felt grounding and connected.
For many, nature is a place of peace. A place to reflect. A place to breathe. A place to teach our children about the struggles and victories that shaped our country.
Even without free park entry, there are meaningful - and often completely free - ways to honor MLK Day and Juneteenth.
Here are options that work beautifully for families with kids:
You don’t need a National Park to make a memory.
In Philly, check out:
Wissahickon Valley Park
Pennypack Park
Bartram’s Garden
FDR Park
The Schuylkill River Trail
John Heinz Wildlife Refuge (YES — still free!)
Nature is healing and accessible - and it’s a great place to reflect, walk, talk, and explore.
This is one of the simplest, most effective ways to teach kids.
Pair with:
A reflection question
A journal activity
Our Black History tees for photo moments
Books truly make these conversations easier.
MLK Day is known as a national day of service. Family-friendly ways to help:
Donate canned goods
Make care bags
Clean up a local park
Write thank-you notes
Volunteer at a local event
Even small actions matter.
Some ideas:
Kids draw their “freedom” dreams
Make a Juneteenth flag craft
Listen to Black musicians
Cook a traditional meal
Wear red (a Juneteenth symbol)
Color themed pages together
Our Kwanzaa + Black History coloring pages will work beautifully around this time too.
Many have free-entry programs or specific free days.
Examples in Philadelphia:
The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) often offers community days
The Free Library of Philadelphia hosts themed programs
Historic walking tours
Public murals & Mural Arts Philly installations
All enriching and kid-friendly.
Even toddlers understand fairness.
Even little kids understand kindness.
Even big kids can discuss equality.
Use simple, gentle language:
“This day reminds us to care for others.”
“This day celebrates freedom.”
“This day honors those who stood up for justice.”
While removing free National Park days on MLK Day and Juneteenth is disappointing - especially for families who cherished those outings - it doesn’t take away the meaning, beauty, or importance of these holidays.
We can still teach our kids, celebrate our culture, honor service, and create meaningful traditions that reflect love, community, and pride.
And honestly? Those moments often happen right at home, in local parks, around the kitchen table, and in conversations with our children.
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