States across the nation embrace #OptOutside by offering freebies and outdoor experiences on Black Friday.
Some call it Buy Nothing Day, some dub it #OptOutside, and others just call it Friday. Whatever the moniker, increasing numbers of people across the country eschew the Black Friday shopping craze to instead embrace the outdoors.
As part of the push away from Black Friday deals, states around the U.S. are waiving entrance fees at parks and luring visitors with deals of their own. Check out this list of no-fee activities and attractions to keep you out of the malls and into the wilds.
Free State Parks for Black Friday
Go beyond the family backyard football feud and check out some real nature after Thanksgiving. The following states will waive fees and offer incentives on Black Friday.
Free Black Friday State Parks
- Alaska: Free vehicle parking for the day at Alaska state parks on Friday, Nov. 24
- Arizona: Free admission to all state parks with a single-use pass, valid until January 1; passes available at any local REI or the Parks & Trails Outdoor Recreation Information Center
- Photo contest: Tag photos @AZStateParks and #OptOutside between Nov. 18–26 to enter to win a free one-year Arizona parks pass
- Arkansas: As part of its Green Friday initiative, the state will offer more than a dozen guided events at parks across the state
- California: Limited number of free-use passes available for more than 40 Redwoods state parks
- Colorado: Free access to all 41 Colorado state parks on what the state dubs Fresh Air Friday
- Indiana: Free admission to all state parks and reservoirs (download passes); discounts on meals and toboggans
- Kansas: Free admission to all state parks
- Michigan: Free entry, parking, and boat launch at all 103 state parks and 138 state forest camping grounds (overnight camp fees apply)
- Minnesota: All 75 state parks and recreation areas are free
- New Mexico: Free admission at all 34 state parks
- New York: Free admission to all state parks
- South Carolina: Take 50% off camping fees at many state parks and even a couple cabins across the state using promo codes found here
- Oregon: Free day-use parking at state parks and free coffee at select locations
- Free fishing, crabbing, and clamming in Oregon—all licenses, tags, and endorsements waived for Friday and Saturday (Nov. 24–25)
- Tennessee: All 56 state parks will offer free guided hikes for individuals and families
- Virginia: State park photo contest between Nov. 23–26. Submit photo from any of the state’s 37 state parks to win a $500 park gift card
- Washington: Free admission to all state parks
Know of a great Black Friday outdoors activity that we missed? Share it with your fellow outdoors lovers in the comments below.
