President Barack Obama announced on Thursday that the National Park Service will give all fourth graders and their families free admission to national parks and federal recreation areas for one full year.

The program, which is called the "Every Kid in a Park initiative," grants fourth graders and their families the opportunity to visit over 2,000 national parks, forests and wildlife refuges for a year, starting in the fall. It would normally cost a family $80 to purchase an annual pass for a national park, according to USA Today. The free passes will be paid for by a $20 million National Park Service budget for youth engagement programs.

The initiative was launched in order to encourage school children to spend more time outdoors and become active. It also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service that will be celebrated in 2016, Time reports.

The president made the announcement during a trip to Chicago. He also announced that he will designate the Pullman District as a national monument.

The program is "a call to action to get all children to visit and enjoy America's unparalleled outdoors," reads a White House press release.

"Today, more than 80 percent of American families live in urban areas, and many lack easy access to safe outdoor spaces. At the same time, kids are spending more time than ever in front of screens instead of outside," the release explains.

According to a White House official, the Obama administration handpicked fourth graders for this opportunity for "logistical, educational and instructional reasons."

"NPS and other land and water agencies already have fourth grade programming in place in many locations," the official said, reports ABC News. "Many states focus on state history during the 4th grade, which aligns well with what NPS and other land managers have to offer."

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