Photos of the event are available for download. 

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) today announced the launch of a new outdoor literacy program in collaboration with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Literacy Trail was first announced by Governor Kathy Hochul in her 2025 State of the State Address as part of her “Unplug and Play” initiative to promote children’s mental and physical health. 

“Research suggests that there are several educational and health benefits for children who have access to the outdoors to include brain stimulation and function along with physical activity. The Literacy Trail is a great way to promote social, emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing, while exposing children and their families to the vastness of New York State parks,” said OCFS Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden. “This significant initiative is another example of Governor Hochul’s deep commitment to enabling all children to have a healthy and physically active life and to reduce the risk factors associated with a reliance on social media and sedentary lifestyles. We encourage all New York families to get outside, take advantage of our wonderful land, and spend some time reading books with their children.”  

The Literacy Trail pairs 10 children’s books with 10 parks in the New York State Parks system that feature opportunities to run, jump, splash, explore and engage with the outdoors. Books were carefully selected by childhood experts, who reviewed over 100 classic and recently published picture books, and were matched to the parks based on the topic of the book and the special features of the parks. The aim is that each book will not only help promote early literacy but will also inspire children's imagination through stories and art that express the connection between childhood and the outdoors. 

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “As children, we’re told that opening a book opens new worlds and experiences. The same is true when you step into New York State Parks and Historic Sites. This new partnership builds on the environmental story times and programs we offer year-round, inspiring connection to the outdoors. We’re proud to support Governor Hochul’s initiative and encourage children and families to get offline and get outside.” 

Each selected park on the trail will be distributing a limited number of books free to families on a first-come, first-served basis. Check with the featured state parks for details. Today’s announcement was made at Taconic State Park, one of the 10 parks included in the Literacy Trail. 

The featured parks in the Literacy Trail include Allegany State Park, Letchworth State Park, Watkins Glen State Park, Green Lakes State Park, Point Au Roche State Park, Mine Kill State Park, Thacher State Park, Taconic State Park, Clay Pit Ponds State Park, and Hempstead Lake State Park.  

“We have selected 10 picture books that promote curiosity, creativity and sensory exploration with some exploring themes connecting childhood to the outdoors,” said OCFS Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Child Care Services Nora Yates. “We hope that you read these books with children of all ages and use them as an invitation to get moving and to get outside!” 

“We hope that families and child care providers from around the state will make a trip to visit these gorgeous places and to ‘leaf through a book’ in the parks,” Yates added. 

Anyone who doesn’t live near one of the featured parks is encouraged to check out the books from their local library and explore a park or historic site in their own community. 

Check the OCFS website for more information, including the complete list of books, a map of parks to visit, and additional resources. 

This Literacy Trail adds to OPRHP’s programming around the state that includes “Story Book Walks” for families when a book is part of a self-guided trail. OPRHP also holds bilingual story hours, knee-high naturalists, tot time, poetry readings, little explorers for kids and Nature Book Clubs for adults. Click here to search “Story Time” under our Events tab. 

About the New York State Office of Children and Family Services 
The Office of Children and Family Services serves New York's public by promoting the safety, permanency and well-being of children, families and communities. The agency provides a system of family support, juvenile justice, youth development, child care and child welfare services and is responsible for programs and services involving foster care, adoption and adoption assistance, child protective services, preventive services for children and families, and protective programs for vulnerable adults. For more information on services overseen by the Office of Children and Family Services, visit ocfs.ny.gov or call 518-402-3130. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or Instagram. 

About the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 

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, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook,Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.