Every Kid Outdoors
Free Christmas tree permit for fourth graders Every Kid Outdoors, 2026
Got a fourth grader? Then your Christmas tree can be free. Every fourth grader can get an Every Kid Outdoors pass, and on the national forests that honor it, the pass buys a free tree permit. Online you still pay Recreation.gov's $2.50 fee, so the tree costs $2.50 instead of $5 to $20.
From Recreation.gov, "Cut a Tree for the Holidays from Your National Forest", The Forest Service's Every Kid Outdoors page, Lincoln National Forest (updated Oct 30, 2026) and Pike-San Isabel National Forests, read Nov 11, 2026.
How to claim it
Get the pass. Every fourth grader, "or age equivalent," is eligible, and the pass runs Sept. 1 to Aug. 31 of the school year. A grown-up helps the student sign up at everykidoutdoors.gov and print the paper voucher.
From Recreation.gov, "Cut a Tree for the Holidays from Your National Forest", The Forest Service's Every Kid Outdoors page and Every Kid Outdoors, read Nov 11, 2026.
Check that your forest takes the paper voucher. Every Kid Outdoors warns that "not all will accept your paper pass," so call ahead if you're unsure. On the Dixie you can use the paper voucher as is, or trade it for a sturdier pass at some Forest Service offices.
From Every Kid Outdoors and Dixie National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Online: tick the box. On the forest's Recreation.gov listing, "check the box indicating you have a pass, and enter the pass or voucher number." The tree is free; the $2.50 fee still applies.
From Recreation.gov, "Cut a Tree for the Holidays from Your National Forest", Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests on Recreation.gov and Lincoln National Forest (updated Oct 30, 2026), read Nov 11, 2026.
Or in person: bring the pass. At a ranger district office, show "the physical pass or voucher," as the Rogue River-Siskiyou puts it. Mt. Hood wants the fourth grader there in person.
From Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Mt. Hood National Forest (its page still shows the 2025 season), read Nov 11, 2026.
Not at the hardware store. Mt. Hood says these permits "are not sold through local vendors," so skip the gas station and go online or to the office.
From Mt. Hood National Forest (its page still shows the 2025 season), read Nov 11, 2026.
One per student. Lolo, the Rogue River-Siskiyou and the San Juan each say one free permit per fourth grader.
From Lolo National Forest, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and San Juan National Forest, read Nov 11, 2026.
Then cut it like any other tree: same rules, same height limit, same tag. How to cut your own tree walks through the day, and what to bring has the checklist.
From Recreation.gov, "Cut a Tree for the Holidays from Your National Forest", read Nov 11, 2026.
Which forests say yes
58 Forest Service places say on their own site that a fourth grader's pass gets a free tree, 56 of them with a permit online this season. Here's each one in its own words. For 23 of them the words come from a news release, and we give its year. On Recreation.gov, the Gila National Forest also lists a free Every Kid Outdoors permit of its own.
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Colorado
“4th Graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass qualify for a free Christmas Tree permit through recreation.gov (with a $2.50 reservation fee).”
From the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests' own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Ashley National Forest, Utah, Wyoming
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Ashley National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Bitterroot National Forest, Montana, Idaho
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply online by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Bitterroot National Forest's 2026 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, Wyoming
“All 4th graders throughout the United States receive a FREE Christmas tree permit, as part of the Every Kid Outdoors Program.”
From the Black Hills National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Bridger-Teton National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho, Wyoming
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Caribou-Targhee National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin
“A Free Tree for Fourth Graders in the Every Kid Outdoors Program!”
From the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota
“Per the Every Kid Outdoors Program, all 4th graders are entitled to one FREE Christmas tree permit with a valid EKO pass redeemed at Recreation.gov or by calling our offices.”
From the Chippewa National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Cibola National Forest, New Mexico
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied when purchasing online).”
From the Cibola National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana, South Dakota
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Custer Gallatin National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
“Fourth graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit as a part of the Every Kid Outdoors initiative, which is a national program to encourage children to visit national parks, forests, and public lands.”
“To be eligible for the free tree permit, the student must have an Every Kid Outdoors pass.”
“Students using the Every Kid Outdoors voucher can also obtain their free Christmas tree permit by visiting one of Central Oregon's Forest Service offices.”
From the Deschutes National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Dixie National Forest, Utah
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Dixie National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Eldorado National Forest, California
“Fourth graders with a valid Every Kid Outdoors pass can receive a free Christmas tree permit by entering their pass or voucher number when purchasing (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied when reserving online).”
From the Eldorado National Forest's 2026 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Flathead National Forest, Montana
“Free Christmas Tree Permits to 4th Graders!”
“The Flathead National Forest is pleased to support the Every Kid Outdoors Program and provide FREE Christmas tree permits to all fourth graders!”
“As part of the ‘Every Kid Outdoors’ (formerly Every Kid in the Park) national initiative which strives to connect youth with nature, the Flathead National Forest is offering one free Christmas tree permit to every fourth grader.”
“Be sure to enter the Every Kid Outdoors pass number at checkout on Recreation.gov to receive the free Christmas tree permit (note: there is a $2.50 transaction fee when purchasing through Recreation.gov ).”
From the Flathead National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington
“Fourth graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit with their 4th Grade Interagency Pass (also free).”
From the Gifford Pinchot National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Gila National Forest, New Mexico
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit online (note: the $2.50 service fee applies).”
From the Gila National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
“Every Kid Outdoors”
From the Gila National Forest's listing on Recreation.gov, read Nov 12, 2026.
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, Colorado
“You can get a free Christmas tree as part of the Every Kid Outdoors program.”
From the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests, Vermont, New York
“Free Holiday Tree Permit for Fourth and Fifth Graders with Every Kid Outdoors Passes”
“Every Kid Outdoors pass holders are eligible for a free holiday tree permit through their local National Forest.”
“To obtain a free holiday tree permit, visit Recreation.gov to apply using the Every Kid Outdoors pass by checking the box indicating you have a pass and entering the pass or voucher number (a service fee will be applied).”
From the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests' own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana
“Every Kid Outdoor pass holders are allowed one free tag.”
From the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Hiawatha National Forest's 2026 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Idaho, Washington, Montana
“Additionally, fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass receive a free Christmas tree permit.”
From the Idaho Panhandle National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Kaibab National Forest, Arizona
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Kaibab National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Klamath National Forest, California, Oregon
“Free for 4th graders who have an Every Kid Outdoors voucher or pass.”
From the Klamath National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Kootenai National Forest, Montana, Idaho
“Free Christmas Tree Permits to 4th Graders!”
“The Kootenai National Forest is pleased to support the Every Kid Outdoors Program and provide FREE Christmas tree permits to all fourth graders!”
“As part of the ‘Every Kid Outdoors (formerly Every Kid in the Park) national initiative which strives to connect youth with nature, the Kootenai National Forest is offering one free Christmas tree permit to every fourth grader.”
From the Kootenai National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Lassen National Forest, California
“Fourth graders with valid Every Kid Outdoors passes are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit by presenting their pass at a Lassen National Forest office, or by entering the pass/voucher number when purchasing a permit online (note: a $2.50 reservation fee applies to online purchases).”
From the Lassen National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico
“Fourth-grade students can get a free Christmas tree through the Every Kid Outdoors Program by entering their pass ID on Recreation.gov.”
From the Lincoln National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Lolo National Forest, Montana
“Fourth graders across the nation who enroll in Every Kid Outdoors may be able to get a free Christmas tree permit.”
“If you are a fourth grader and have a Every Kid Outdoors pass - be sure to enter it in at checkout for a free Christmas Tree permit.”
“The Lolo National Forest is pleased to support the Every Kid Outdoors Program and provide FREE Christmas tree permits to all fourth graders!”
“As part of the ‘Every Kid Outdoors’ national initiative which strives to connect youth with nature, the Forest is offering one free Christmas tree permit to every fourth grader.”
From the Lolo National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Malheur National Forest, Oregon
“The Every Kid Outdoors program grants free access to fourth graders and family members to over 2,000 federal lands and waters for exploration and a free Christmas Tree permit .”
From the Malheur National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Manti-La Sal National Forest, Utah, Colorado
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Manti-La Sal National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Wyoming, Colorado
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit.”
From the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Mendocino National Forest, California
“Fourth graders with a valid 'Every Kid in a Park' Voucher or Pass are entitled to one free Christmas Tree Tag.”
From the Mendocino National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia
“Christmas Tree Permits are free for 4th and 5th grade students with their Every Kid Outdoors Pass .”
From the Monongahela National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
“Fourth graders can receive a free Christmas tree permit!”
“Fourth graders can obtain their free Christmas tree permit at the Sandy or Zigzag district office or online at Recreation.gov ($2.50 service fee will apply online).”
“The passholder - your fourth grader! - must be present to get their free Christmas tree permit at a district office.”
From the Mt. Hood National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands, Nebraska
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands' 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington
“Free Christmas tree permits are available to all Fourth Graders with Every Kid Outdoors Pass or voucher.”
“Pass holders may receive a free Christmas tree permit by presenting Every Kid Outdoors Pass or valid paper voucher printed from Every Kid Outdoors website.”
From the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Olympic National Forest, Washington
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit both online and in-person at Forest Services offices. and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Olympic National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Pike and San Isabel National Forest, Colorado
“Fourth grade students with an Every Kid Outdoors pass can apply for a free Christmas tree permit through the online system with recreation.gov by selecting the option and then entering their voucher or pass number when prompted.”
From the Pike and San Isabel National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Plumas National Forest, California
“Fourth graders with a valid Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) pass can use their pass to get a free Christmas tree permit on the Plumas National Forest to enjoy with their family.”
From the Plumas National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Prescott National Forest, Arizona
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit by entering their pass or voucher number during checkout.”
From the Prescott National Forest's 2026 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon, California
“Every Kid Outdoors: Free tree permits for 4th Graders!”
“If a fourth grade student has their valid Every Kid Outdoors pass, they can get a Christmas tree permit for free!”
“Per the Every Kid Outdoors initiative 4th Graders are entitled to one FREE Christmas tree permit with a valid Every Kid Outdoors pass .”
“You can get that free permit by bringing your 4th grader into any of our offices to get their permit; they must present their valid Every Kid Outdoors plastic pass or voucher to get it, so bring that, too!”
From the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
San Juan National Forest, Colorado
“Every Kids Outdoors Pass : The Forest Service is also offering one free permit to fourth-grade students who hold a valid Every Kid Outdoors pass.”
From the San Juan National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico
“Fourth graders with Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 service fee will be applied).”
From the Santa Fe National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho, Utah
“In support of Every Kid Outdoors initiative, the Sawtooth National Forest will offer one free Christmas tree permit to fourth graders who present a valid paper or durable Every Kid Outdoors pass.”
From the Sawtooth National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Sequoia National Forest, California
“Fourth Grade students with a valid 4th grade Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) pass or voucher can get a free Christmas tree or permit to enjoy with their family, while supplies last.”
From the Sequoia National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Shasta Trinity National Forest, California
“are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit through the Every Kid Outdoors program.”
From the Shasta Trinity National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Shawnee National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming
“You can get a free Christmas tree as part of the Every Kid Outdoors program.”
“Go to the website https://everykidoutdoors.gov complete the voucher and bring the voucher or the durable pass to a Forest Service office or use it at Recreation.gov (not a vendor) to receive one holiday tree permit free-of-charge! *There is a transaction fee of $2.50 if the Every Kid Outdoors tree pass is obtained at the recreation.gov website.”
From the Shoshone National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon
“Current fourth-grader students are eligible for one free tree with an Every Kid Outdoors Pass .”
From the Siuslaw National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Six Rivers National Forest, California
“Remember, Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Six Rivers National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Stanislaus National Forest, California
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Stanislaus National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Superior National Forest, Minnesota
“A Free Tree for Fourth Graders in the Every Kid Outdoors Program!”
From the Superior National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Tahoe National Forest, California
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Tahoe National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Umatilla National Forest, Oregon, Washington
“The Every Kid Outdoors program grants free access to fourth graders and family members to over 2,000 federal lands and waters for exploration and a free Christmas Tree permit.”
From the Umatilla National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Umpqua National Forest, Oregon
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit online (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the Umpqua National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon, Idaho
“Additionally, the Every Kid Outdoors program grants free access to fourth graders and family members to over 2,000 federal lands and waters for exploration and a free Christmas Tree permit .”
From the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, Maine
“Fourth graders with an “Every Kid Outdoors” pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number.”
From the White Mountain National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
White River National Forest, Colorado
“Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).”
From the White River National Forest's 2025 news release, read Nov 11, 2026.
Willamette National Forest, Oregon
“Fourth-grade students who have an Every Kid Outdoors pass can get a free Christmas Tree permit by either visiting one of the Willamette National Forest offices or through Recreation.gov by entering their voucher or pass number when prompted (there is a small processing fee when using recreation.gov).”
From the Willamette National Forest's own site, read Nov 11, 2026.
Not stated on the forest's site
23 of the 79 Forest Service places with a permit online this season don't say either way on their own sites. That isn't a no. Ask the forest before you go.
- Apache-Sitgreaves National ForestArizona
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestMontana
- Bighorn National ForestWyoming
- Boise National ForestIdaho
- Carson National ForestNew Mexico
- Coconino National ForestArizona
- Dakota Prairie GrasslandsNorth Dakota, South Dakota
- Fishlake National ForestUtah
- Fremont-Winema National ForestOregon
- Humboldt-Toiyabe National ForestNevada, California
- Huron-Manistee National ForestMichigan
- Inyo National ForestCalifornia, Nevada
- Modoc National ForestCalifornia
- Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National ForestWashington
- Nez Perce Clearwater National ForestIdaho
- Ocala National ForestFlorida
- Ochoco National ForestOregon
- Ottawa National ForestMichigan
- Payette National ForestIdaho
- Rio Grande National ForestColorado
- Salmon-Challis National ForestIdaho
- Tonto National ForestArizona
- Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National ForestUtah, Wyoming
Forest pages that name the pass
These forests' own tree pages mention Every Kid Outdoors. Others may honor it too: check your forest's listing before you buy.
From Mt. Hood National Forest (its page still shows the 2025 season), Lincoln National Forest (updated Oct 30, 2026) and Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, read Nov 11, 2026.
[Mt. Hood](place:mt-hood-national-forest), Oregon: online or at the Sandy and Zigzag offices with the student present; not from vendors.
From Mt. Hood National Forest (its page still shows the 2025 season), read Nov 11, 2026.
[Rogue River-Siskiyou](place:rogue-river-siskiyou-national-forest), Oregon and California: show the physical pass or voucher; one per student.
From Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, read Nov 11, 2026.
[Lolo](place:lolo-national-forest), Montana: one free permit.
From Lolo National Forest, read Nov 11, 2026.
[San Juan](place:san-juan-national-forest), Colorado: one free permit.
From San Juan National Forest, read Nov 11, 2026.
[Arapaho and Roosevelt](place:arapaho-and-roosevelt-national-forests), Colorado: free tree, $2.50 online fee.
From Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, read Nov 11, 2026.
[Lincoln](place:lincoln-national-forest), New Mexico: free tree, $2.50 online fee.
From Lincoln National Forest (updated Oct 30, 2026), read Nov 11, 2026.
[Kaibab](place:kaibab-national-forest), Arizona: free tree, $2.50 online fee.
From Kaibab National Forest, read Nov 11, 2026.
[Dixie](place:dixie-national-forest), Utah: paper voucher, or trade it for a durable pass at some offices.
From Dixie National Forest on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
[Chippewa](place:chippewa-national-forest), Minnesota: free tree, $2.50 online fee.
From Chippewa National Forest news release (Nov 19, 2025), read Nov 11, 2026.
[Green Mountain and Finger Lakes](place:green-mountain-and-finger-lakes-national-forests), Vermont and New York: tick the pass box on Recreation.gov; $2.50 fee.
From Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests on Recreation.gov, read Nov 11, 2026.
Written by More Than Just Parks from the agencies' own pages, read Nov 11, 2026. The permit you buy, and the map and rules printed on it, govern. Not a permit, not the agency.