Featured image: A view from Thunder Hole at Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine (photo by Cheryl Landes)

This is the third year of REI’s #OptOutside campaign, which encourages us to replace shopping on the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) with exploring the outdoors. This year, more states are joining the campaign by offering free admission to state parks that charge entry fees and free events.

These states offer free admission at their parks on Black Friday:

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Indiana, along with 20% off a meal at an Indiana State Park Inn and discounts on toboggan rentals at Pokagon State Park
• Kansas
• Michigan
• Minnesota, and some parks are hosting special events
• New Mexico
• New York
• Washington

Parking is free at these state parks:

• Alaska
• Oregon

Parks in these states are hosting free events and contests:

• Arkansas
• Tennessee
• Virginia

South Carolina is offering discounts on cabins and campsites.

In California, Save the Redwoods League sponsors a program providing free passes to select parks on Black Friday.

The National Park Service is also hosting free events throughout the US. Find a national parks event near you.

And, in case you’re wondering, REI will be closed on Black Friday so that its employees can enjoy the outdoors.

American Falls at Niagara Falls State Park, Buffalo, New York (photo by Cheryl Landes)