Early Learning Hub

Free Outdoor Adventures for Families this weekend

November 20, 2023

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department invites Oregonians to head outside the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 24.

Popularly known as “Green Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving has become a tradition for many families. State parks will once again waive day-use parking fees in the 24 parks that are open and charge for parking on that day.

Parking is free year-round at almost all state parks; the waiver applies to the parks that charge $5 daily for parking. Fee parks include popular destinations such as Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Silver Falls, Champoeg, L.L. Stub Stewart, Smith Rock and Milo McIver. A complete list of parks that require day-use parking permits is available online at stateparks.oregon.gov (Fall Creek is listed, but closed for the season).

The fee waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 24, except at Shore Acres State Park, where it expires at 4 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve.


Thanksgiving Weekend, November 24 & 25 are Free Fishing Days! On Free Fishing Weekends, you don’t need a license to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon. That’s no license, no tag, no endorsement needed. Area closures, bag limits and all other regulations still apply. Visit MyODFW.com for more information.

Families in Lincoln County can check out free youth fishing equipment from their local library. Available for 14 day check-out. Go fishing, learn to cast, or practice at home. Borrow basic fishing rods and get a free starter tackle kit you can keep. You can also check-out cast practice rods with rubber weights and plastic fish for indoor or outdoor use. ODWF Outdoors