PUBLIC LANDS -- National parks will be waiving entrance fees on June 21 to celebrate the first day of summer and provide an incentive for families to enjoy the outdoors and national heritage.

The Park Service is waiving fees for a total of 17 days in 2011, including National Public Lands Day (Sept. 24) and the weekend of Veterans Day (Nov. 11-13).

Fee-free days have been offered the past two years as a cost-friendly family vacation option in the economic slump