Category Archives: Family Fun

Family Fun, Hiking, Winter Activities

Get Outside and Join New York State Parks for First Day Hikes 2025! 

Leave a comment

For thousands of New Yorkers, First Day Hikes are a favorite way to ring in the New Year.  

This tradition is an opportunity to get active outside with friends and family while working towards your New Year’s resolutions. 2025 marks the fourteenth iteration of the event in New York State, with hikes taking place on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. 

Ringing in 2024 at Olana State Historic Site (left), Glimmerglass State Park (center), and Saratoga Springs State Park (right). Join us to ring in 2025!

More than 90 hikes will take place across New York’s public lands, at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, forest preserves, nature centers, and canal trails. These family-friendly hikes range from one to five miles, based on location and trail conditions. No matter your experience level or time commitment, there’s a suitable adventure to be found! 

Continue reading Get Outside and Join New York State Parks for First Day Hikes 2025!  →
Family Fun, Historic Sites, Recreation, Winter Activities

Ten Winter Activities At State Parks and Historic Sites

Leave a comment

Centuries of holiday traditions to experience. A park that’s only open one season a year. Meteor showers overhead, tracks through the snow, and miles of trails to enjoy in a whole different way.

Winter fun is everywhere at state parks and historic sites! Below are ten activities we suggest you experience this season.

The heart of winter: the ski lodge at Fahnestock Winter Park in the Hudson Valley.

1. Visit Fahnestock Winter Park. Celebrate the spirit of winter at the only park in our system devoted exclusively to the season. At Fahnestock, you’ll discover 20 kilometers of machine-groomed cross-country ski trails, an extensive network of blazed snowshoeing trails, and sledding and tubing. Fuel up at the concession stand and unwind by the fire pit with your fellow winter lovers for the full seasonal experience! No gear? No problem! You can rent equipment for skate and classic skiing, as well as snowshoes, sledding tubes, and tow-behind baby pulks. Check conditions before you go.

Continue reading Ten Winter Activities At State Parks and Historic Sites →
Family Fun, Recreation, State History

Your Guide To Fall At New York State Parks And Historic Sites

Leave a comment

Crisp air. Crunchy leaves. Fall is a magical season. Temperatures are just right for hiking, biking and outdoor adventure. There’s vibrant color everywhere and honking geese overhead. It’s the season of apple cider donuts, pumpkin spice, and of course, Halloween! Maybe that’s why fall has eclipsed summer as the busiest time of year at our parks and historic sites? For your consideration and enjoyment, our seasonal outdoor fun experts have returned to help you squeeze every last drop out of this delightful season!

Continue reading Your Guide To Fall At New York State Parks And Historic Sites →
Family Fun, Flora & Fauna, Stewardship

Sunken Meadow and Audubon NY Celebrate Latino Conservation Week

Leave a comment

On Sunday afternoon, September 15, New York State Parks partnered with Audubon New York to host the second annual Latino Conservation Week event at Sunken Meadow State Park attended by hundreds of patrons. The goal of the event was to increase accessibility of coastal education and outreach messaging, including Audubon New York’s shorebird conservation outreach to the Latine community on Long Island. Towards this goal, four Spanish language interpreters lent their services to make this a bilingual event.

Continue reading Sunken Meadow and Audubon NY Celebrate Latino Conservation Week →
2024 Centennial Celebration, Family Fun

A Summer of Centennial Celebrations

1 Comment

Across New York State, visitors took time during the summer to cherish the lands they love by attending events honoring the system’s Centennial. Our parks and historic sites held numerous activities celebrating the 100-year anniversary , which ranged from community commemorations and canalside concerts to kayak parties and other festivities. This sampling demonstrates the breadth of unique experiences available to visitors, with more to come as we approach the final months of 2024!

Continue reading A Summer of Centennial Celebrations →