Free Events Feature Family-Friendly Recreation Activities

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) announced today that New York State is hosting free “Outdoors Day” events across the state on Saturday, June 9. The events are part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Adventure NY initiative to connect people to nature and provide increased access to outdoor recreation through hands-on activities. Outdoors Day events are planned for New Yorkers of all ages and abilities to try out a wide range of recreational activities.

DEC Commissioner Seggos said, “With nearly five million acres of land open to the public to explore, New Yorkers have endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. DEC is excited to host Outdoors Day events on June 9^th and open up new possibilities for outdoor recreation for people of all ages. We encourage you to spend the day with us enjoying the outdoors and trying a new skill.”

State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, “State Parks provide limitless opportunity to get outside and be active, enjoy your families and friends and explore our state’s remarkable natural resources. On June 9^th we encourage you to visit a state park or historic site and try something new at one of our special Get Outdoors Day programs or on your own by trying a new trail, stopping by a nature center or checking out a park you’ve never been to. The options are endless and we encourage you to Get Outdoors and see all that New York’s parks have to offer!”

New York’s Outdoors Day coincides with National Get Outdoors Day, an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun.

At events across the state, Outdoors Day participants will be able to discover new skills and try out a range of introductory outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, paddling, hiking, biking, bird watching, archery, nature photography, camping, and more. Adaptive equipment and opportunities will be available at select locations. 

DEC Events and Activities

DEC is hosting 11 Outdoors Day events across the state. These family-friendly, open-house type events will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some programs and demonstrations are scheduled at specific times. Details, including schedules and registration requirements can be found at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/113380.html. Activities at DEC facilities include (not all activities at all locations): 

• Fishing: The I Fish NY program will be offering free catch-and-release fishing clinics for all ages. Learn about fishing equipment, techniques, regulations, consumption advisories, and good places to fish. Participants may bring their own gear but rods and reels will be available for loan. 

• Camping 101: Visitors can try their hand at camping basics by pitching a tent on the lawn and learning what and how to pack for a camping trip. When the day is complete, participants will be prepared for an outdoor adventure of their own.

• Paddling: Learn the basics of this fun fast-growing sport and try getting out on the water.

• Archery: Try your hand at getting a bullseye with a bow and arrow and learn important safety tips.

• Birdwatching: Learn how easy and fun it is to enjoy birdwatching almost anywhere.

• Hiking: Take a short hike and learn the basics of finding the perfect trails to get out on your own.

• Outdoor safety: Learn the basics of being prepared and safe so all your outdoor adventures are good ones.

DEC Locations:

• Long Island, Region 1: Schiff Boy Scout Camp (1606 Wading River Manor Wading River, NY 11792) in conjunction with Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest
• NYC, Region 2: Mt. Loretto Unique Area
• Lower Hudson Valley, Region 3: Stony Kill Environmental Education Center
• Catskills, Region 3: Kenneth L. Wilson Campground
• Catskills, Region 3: Catskill Interpretive Center
• Capital District, Region 4: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
• Eastern Adirondacks, Region 5: Scaroon Manor Campground
• Western Adirondacks, Region 6: Nick's Lake Campground
• Central NY, Region 7: Roger's Environmental Education Center
• Rochester/Western Finger Lakes, Region 8: In cooperation with Adirondack Mountain Club at the Outdoor Expo at Mendon Ponds Park
• Western NY, Region 9: Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
  

Most sites are wheelchair accessible. Please contact the event coordinator directly with specific accommodation requirements.

State Parks Events and Activities

Activities at State Park locations range from guided hikes and bird walks to geocaching, environmental education programs and recreational activities like disc golf, mountain bike tours, kayaking lessons, and a fly-fishing demonstration. Activities and demonstrations are free, but there will be the normal admission fee at State Park facilities. All event details, including schedules and any registration requirements can be found at parks.ny.gov.

State Parks Locations:

• Capital District & Central Regions
• Mine Kill State Park
• Grafton Lakes State Park
• Thacher State Park
• Saratoga Spa State Park
• Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
• Moreau Lake State Park
• Schodack Island State Park
• Chenango Valley State Park
• Genesee Region
• Letchworth State Park
• Hudson Valley
• Bear Mountain State Park
• Sterling Forest State Park
• Minnewaska State Park Preserve
• Minnewaska State Park Preserve Sam’s Point Area
• Long Island & New York City
• Sunken Meadow State Park
• Clay Pit Ponds State Park
• Western New York
• Allegany State Park
• Lake Erie State Park
• Long Point State Park

The need for outdoor recreation has never been greater. Childhood obesity has doubled over the past 20 years and the average American child spends as few as 30 minutes in unstructured outdoor play each day, and more than seven hours each day in front of an electronic screen.

DEC manages 4.6 million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves, 55 campgrounds and day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails, and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers. Plan your next outdoor adventure and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Instagram.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit http://www.parks.ny.gov/, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.