In today’s fast-paced digital world, where screens often dominate our daily lives, many are seeking refuge in nature to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit. To inspire those looking to focus on their wellness, or just looking for fun activities to partake in, we’ve created the New York State Parks Wellness Challenge.

This program supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative and calls for individuals and families to step away from their devices and immerse themselves in New York State’s natural beauty and expansive opportunities. The Wellness Challenge is more than just a call to explore. It’s an invitation to embrace a holistic approach to wellness in a setting that promotes mental clarity, physical vitality, and social connectivity.

What Is The Challenge? 

The New York State Parks Wellness Challenge includes 50 missions that can be completed at most state parks and historic sites. Once participants finish 25 of the available 50 missions, they will receive a commemorative sticker. The Challenge will be available throughout the entirety of 2025 both digitally on the Goosechase app and physically as a checklist brochure visitors can pick up at state parks and historic sites across the Empire State. 

From Niagara Falls to the Finger Lakes to the Big Apple, New York State is a recreation destination offering an array of opportunities for New Yorkers and visitors to improve their wellbeing while also having fun! Individuals can enjoy a multitude of affordable adventures thanks to events, activities and free or low-cost entry offered at state parks and historic sites. So, for folks looking for accessible exploration, the New York State Wellness Challenge is a great place to start. The missions are designed to represent wellness holistically, offering activities that cater to a wide range of interests and abilities.  

Some example missions include: 

• Mental wellness: Digital Detox — Enjoy the great outdoors at a state park or historic site without being connected to technology. Take in the sights and sounds of your environment without any digital distraction. 
• Physical wellness: First Day Hikes — Start your year off right by participating in a First Day Hike! Show us a picture of you enjoying the outdoors on Jan. 1. Note: both 2025 and 2026 First Day Hikes are eligible.
• Social wellness: All Together Now — Grab a friend and explore a park or site you’ve never been to before. Snap a picture from your adventure and let us know where you explored! 
• Financial wellness: Serving Those Who Served — Educate a veteran or Gold Star family you know about the Lifetime Liberty Pass, which offers free and discounted amenities at many State Parks properties for those eligible. 
• Occupational wellness: Volunteer with Us — Volunteering with a Friends group is a great way to make connections and give back to the environment.
• Environmental wellness: Reuse — Bring your reusable water bottle on a hike or walk at one of New York’s state parks or historic sites. Submit a photo of you staying hydrated using your reusable water bottle.

Kickstarting your year of wellness can start as early as today! Here’s how to take on the Wellness Challenge: 

Download the Goosechase app: 

• Download the Goosechase app on an iPhone or Android device.
• Search for “New York State Parks Wellness Challenge” in the search bar or use the join code “C38WSA” to start.
• Collect points by completing missions right in the app by either taking and uploading photos or videos or submitting an answer to a question. 

Pick up (or download) a paper checklist: 

• A paper checklist can be downloaded on our Wellness Challenge webpage and printed at home, or picked up at your local state park or historic site.
• Collect points by checking missions off the list. Once you’ve completed at least 25 missions, mail the checklist in to receive your sticker!

Take on the New York State Parks Wellness Challenge today and make 2025 your year of wellness! 

–Written by Jewel Slade, Marketing Specialist