The National Park Service Celebrates Its 100th Birthday


The National Park Service Celebrates Its 100th Birthday

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A great way for Solo Moms to make lasting memories

If you love nature and history, 2016 is a great year for you. August 25, 2016, marks the 100th birthday of the National Park Service (NPS). The commemoration features special deals and events through the NPS and affiliated partners, making it the perfect time to revisit your favorite national parks or discover them for the first time.

Established in 1916 by the National Park Service Organic Act as a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the NPS is in charge of the ecological and historical preservation of hundreds of sites nationwide, including 59 national parks, 80 national monuments, 29 national preserves, 50 national historical parks, and 78 national historic sites, in addition to a slew of national memorials, lakeshores, seashores, rivers, and recreation areas.

Visiting the national parks is a great way for Solo Moms to create lasting memories with their children and instill in them an appreciation for nature, history, and tradition. There are enough parks and monuments for Solo Moms and kids to find something of interest, and despite the common belief that national parks are ideal only for two-parent families with two kids, national parks are a fantastic and easily doable experience for Solo Moms and their children.

Some of the most popular parks are suited for outdoor adventure. If you enjoy a vigorous trek in the mountains, the United States is home to some of the most beautiful scenery and impressive wildlife in the world. Grand Teton National Park, just to the south of the more popular Yellowstone National Park, both in Wyoming, is home to breathtaking mountains, colorful wildflowers, and animals ranging from cute otters to imposing moose.

You don’t need to travel to the Wild West to experience nature. Acadia National Park in Maine boasts lush forests and awe-inspiring views of the rugged coast. On the other side of the country, the state of Washington’s Olympic National Park offers visitors a chance to explore unusual tidal pools along the coast and lush rain forests.

Visiting a national park doesn’t only entail hiking and avoiding grizzly bears; historically significant sites also make the list. Alcatraz Island in San Francisco is home to the infamous federal prison—a fascinating trip, especially if you watch Escape from Alcatraz before your visit. The Claude Moore Colonial Farm in McLean, Virginia, is like a time warp, providing visitors the experience of life during the Revolutionary War era.

In addition to online resources, the NPS has plenty of activities—from ranger-led hikes to educational lectures. If you prefer to explore on your own, many parks make it easy with maps and other resources. If you prefer a more structured experience, the parks can help you with that as well.

If you have budget constraints, the NPS is offering free admission April 16 through 24 to more than 100 parks. The National Park Week site is a great resource for planning a visit and finding out more about celebrations and events near you.

The NPS maintains parks all across the country. You can locate parks near you, or along your route if you have a road trip planned, by visiting Find Your Park, an awesome resource that helps you find the park best suited to your interests and preferred locations. Many parks have reasonable accommodations on park property, including cabins and campgrounds. A trip to the parks does not have to be a budget buster.

Check out these resources for more information and ideas:

  • The National Parks: America’s Best Idea: This iconic PBS special traces the fascinating history of the U.S. national parks.
  • National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States, Eighth Edition (National Geographic, 2016): Though the Internet is convenient, sometimes it is nice to go analog and plan an excursion using a book.
  • L.L. Bean ParkFinder: Here, you can search by location and preferred activities. It also includes public lands that aren’t in the national park system.
  • National Parks magazine: The magazine of the National Parks Conservation Association features engaging articles about experiences with the park system, along with interesting facts about history, ecology, survival, and other fun topics.
  • REI Adventures: If you have a generous budget, REI offers organized and highly reviewed trips in national parks. If you need to be a bit more frugal, read its itineraries for ideas to execute on your own.

Danielle Bostick, a former Solo Mom and ESME’s Wellness–Mental Health Resource Guide, is a Latin teacher, an advocate, and a mom to six kids in Winchester, Virginia. When not working as an educator, Bostick writes about the National Football League for various sites and sexual assault and child sexual abuse for the Huffington Post. You can find her on Twitter: @danibostick, and on Facebook: Dani Bostick.

Please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions.


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