Category Archives: Fun & Games

Fun & Games, Historic Sites, Recreation, Wellness, Winter Activities

Winter Holiday Celebrations Round Out a Year of Wellness

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It’s the most sparkly time of the year! It’s the holiday season and the grand finale of the year of wellness at New York State Parks and Historic Sites. All year long, we’ve come together to improve all aspects of our well-being, build community, and connect to nature and history. We celebrated the holiday season the same way, with handcrafted experiences designed to bring people together to make memories without breaking the bank. Our gift to you is a look at the holiday and winter festivities at state parks and historic sites all across New York. Thank you for making us part of your year-end traditions!

Lighting the night at Lake Taghkanic State Park in Ancram. Guests at the luminaria walk enjoyed a bonfire and toasted marshmallows.
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Family Fun, Fun & Games, Historic Sites, Visitor Gratitude, Wellness

Be Kind, Rewind: Looking Back at State Parks and Historic Sites in 2025

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The Centennial celebration of 2024 was a tough act to follow! We launched the second century of Parks and Historic Sites by meeting the moment and building towards the future, and even welcoming the entire golfing world to Bethpage State Park for the Ryder Cup. Let’s take a look back at the year that was!

New Yorkers took on the Wellness Challenge by completing missions at their favorite parks and historic sites, engaging their minds and bodies and building community. Some of them even shared pictures!
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Family Fun, Flora & Fauna, Fun & Games, Hiking, State History

Celebrate the Empire State With the ‘Symbols of New York State’ Scavenger Hunt

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For millions of us, “I Love New York” is more than just a slogan. It’s a way of life. The state’s incredible natural beauty makes it easy to love. On your fall rambles, show off your state pride and take on the Symbols of New York State Scavenger Hunt. See how many of these state symbols you can find!

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Family Fun, Fun & Games, Recreation, Winter Activities

How to Save Money All Year at State Parks and Historic Sites

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Our system of parks and historic sites was founded on the principle that everyone deserves affordable access to the outdoors. A century later, New York State Parks and Historic Sites is still helping New Yorkers reap the physical and mental benefits of connecting with nature and history. While our low fees for camping, park day-use, historic site admission, and golf are within the reach of most of our guests, there are always ways to save even more in every season. Read on to check out some pro tips!

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2025 Ryder Cup, Fun & Games, Park Personnel, Recreation

Time to Tee it Up: Sunken Meadow, James Baird and Dinsmore Golf Courses

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Our state golf courses host thousands of rounds each year. Everyone who puts a peg in the ground has a story to tell about themselves, their round, why they chose that club and that ball, or why they showed up to that course on that day. And what keeps them coming back.

With the Ryder Cup coming up at Bethpage State Park in September, we wanted to share stories we discovered during a recent visit to three other lesser-known but phenomenal courses — one in our Long Island Region and two others that are Hudson Valley staples. We hope you’ll pay a visit to these this year or find a favorite among the 19 in our state park system. Tee it high and let it fly – or tee it low and watch it go. Either way, we’ll see you out there!

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