Our National Parks are not only true gems of our country, but they make perfect backdrops for some of the most memorable family vacations. The U.S. National Park Service wants more of us to take time to enjoy our national parks, spend time together as families and save money in the process – they are lifting admission fees at 147 parks this summer on three separate weekends. And many of the parks do not charge admission fees any time of the year – which makes them great, affordable family destinations.

The weekends for free admission to the national parks will be:

• June 20-21
• July 18-19
• August 15-16

Most of us have at least one national park within a reasonable driving distance making them perfect for affordable day trips, camping trips or stops along vacation itineraries. Kids love hiking, exploring nature and visiting historical sites. Some of my best childhood memories include a trip to the Grand Canyon, Bryce National Park, Mount Vernon, and Mount Rushmore.

Among the parks included in the Free Weekend promotion are true landmarks such as:

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
• Wright Brothers National Memorial
• George Washington Birthplace National Monument
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

For a complete listing of all the National Parks and Monuments included in this promotion, visit the U.S. National Park Service website.

Photo: Flickr