New York’s “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” celebrations will be held on Saturday with events happening at more than 20 locations across New York State as part of the Governor’s initiative to “Get Offline, Get Outside,” and to ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands. The events bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for a day of fun and healthy activities.
“Get Outdoors & Get Together Day is an opportunity for every New Yorker to visit our world-renowned state parks and public lands, and gather with family and friends while learning something new,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “My Administration has prioritized accessibility, and our state parks and lands are here for all New Yorkers to enjoy, no matter their background or abilities. Everyone is welcome.”
This year’s event is hosted by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Perseveration (Parks), in partnership with the Office of the Chief Disability Officer, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.
At 23 locations across the state, participants will be encouraged to discover new skills and enjoy a range of introductory-level outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, nature walks and hikes, birding, archery, paddling, camping demonstrations, and more. Each event will highlight ways to enjoy the outdoors safely and sustainably. All locations will offer a selection of accessible activities, and use of adaptive equipment and demonstrations will be provided at many sites, including trail and beach mobility aids, archery assist stands, arm supports for fishing, and more. Certain sites will also feature sample assistive technology device loans from New York’s regional Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) centers.
2025 DEC-led Programs:
- Capital Region: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Albany County)
- Eastern Adirondacks: Scaroon Manor Campground and Day Use Area (Warren County)
- Catskills: Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Ulster County)
- Catskills: Catskills Visitor Center (Ulster County)
- Catskills: North – South Lake Campground and Day Use Area (Greene County)
- Central New York: Kenneth P. Lynch Boat Launch/Onondaga Lake (Onondaga County)
- Hudson Valley: Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)
- Hudson Valley: Norrie Point Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)
- Long Island: Hempstead Lake State Park in conjunction with State Parks (Nassau County)
- New York City: Mt. Loretto Unique Area (Richmond County)
- Western Finger Lakes: Mendon Ponds Park in conjunction with the ADK Outdoor Expo (Monroe County)
- Western Adirondacks: Lowville Forestry Demonstration Area (Lewis County)
- Western New York: Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in conjunction with State Parks (Erie County)
Activities at DEC facilities may include the following:
- Camping 101: Visitors can try their hand at camping basics by pitching a tent on the lawn and learning how to pack for a camping trip.
- Birding: Participants can learn how easy and fun it is to enjoy birdwatching almost anywhere.
- Hiking: Participants can take a short hike and learn the basics of finding the perfect trails on their own.
- Outdoor safety: Learn the basics of being prepared and safe so all outdoor adventures are good ones.
- Accessible outdoor recreation: Experience and learn about accessible outdoor recreation opportunities on State lands including hiking, camping, birding, fishing and boating.
- Select locations will also include I Fish NY catch-and-release clinics with rods and reels available for loan, introductory paddling on the water, and introductory archery, including important safety tips.
Wheelchair-accessible features, including restrooms, as well as activities and select recreation opportunities are offered at all locations. Please contact the event coordinator directly with accommodation requests and to find out about the adaptive equipment and activities offered at each site. Details, including schedules and activity lists, can be found on the DEC’s website on the “Outdoors Day” page.
2025 State Parks-led Programs:
- Allegany Region: Allegany State Park (Cattaraugus County)
- Saratoga/Capital District Region: Saratoga Spa State Park (Saratoga County)
- Central Region: Chenango Valley State Park (Broome County)
- Finger Lakes Region: Taughannock Falls State Park (Tompkins County)
- Genesee Region: Darien Lakes State Park (Genesee County)
- Long Island Region: Hempstead Lake State Park in conjunction with DEC (Nassau County)
- Long Island Region: Sunken Meadow State Park (Suffolk County)
- New York City Region: Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park (New York County)
- Palisades Region: Sterling Forest State Park (Orange County)
- Taconic Region: Lake Taghkanic State Park (Columbia County)
- Thousand Islands Region: Southwick Beach State Park (Jefferson County)
- Niagara Region: Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in conjunction with DEC (Erie County)
Program and scheduling details for each location can be found by visiting parks.ny.gov. No parking fee will be charged during event times. For details about visitor amenities at each location, visit parks.ny.gov.
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