Get in free to national park this summer

There is good news for families feeling the money squeeze.  You can get into national parks, for free this summer under a fee-waiver announced Tuesday to offer affordable recreation during a time of economic stress.

Entry fees will be waived at the 147 U.S. parks that charge them for the weekends of June 20-21, July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16.

Although the waivers don’t apply to permits for camping and other activities, many park tour companies, hotels, shops and restaurants will offer discounts on the designated days.

“During these tough economic times, our national parks provide opportunities for affordable vacations for families,“ Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said at a news conference at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. “I encourage everyone to visit one of our nation’s crown jewels this summer and especially to take advantage of the three free-admission weekends.“

The Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Rocky Mountain parks also are part of the national system.

In addition to Everglades, the Florida parks include Big Cypress National Preserve between Miami and Naples; Biscayne National Park in Homestead; Canaveral National Seashore between Daytona Beach and Melbourne; Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine; Dry Tortugas National Park west of Key West; Fort Caroline National Memorial in Jacksonville; Fort Matanzas National Monument south of St. Augustine; Gulf Islands National Seashore near Pensacola; and Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve in Jacksonville.