The goal of the 2025 New York State Parks Wellness Challenge, which was introduced by Governor Kathy Hochul, is to inspire New Yorkers to prioritize their physical, mental, and social well-being by interacting with the state’s vast network of parks and historic sites.
The governor’s continuing Get Offline, Get Outside campaign includes the project.
According to Hochul, New York State Parks provide year-round, inexpensive, and stunning locations for visitors to interact with nature.
By emphasizing well-being and reminding both New Yorkers and visitors of the many advantages of seeing our breathtaking landscapes, this challenge is a fantastic way to start the new year.
50 missions addressing emotional, physical, intellectual, spiritual, social, vocational, financial, and environmental well-being are part of the 2025 Wellness Challenge, which aims to promote holistic wellness.
Participants can use a paper checklist that is accessible at more than 250 State Park locations or participate digitally using the Goosechase app.
Participants will be rewarded with a commemorative sticker and postcard after finishing 25 tasks.
The tasks are designed to encourage individuals of all abilities to visit nearby parks or go farther. Here are a few examples of missions:
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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
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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
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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
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Occupational wellness, Volunteer With Us
Volunteering with a Friends group is a great way to make connections and give back to the environment
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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 to complete this task
By enabling users to finish missions by answering questions or submitting photos, the Goosechase app streamlines participation.
To get started, participants can use the join code C38WSA, search for New York State Parks Wellness Challenge in the search bar, or download the app on their iPhone or Android smartphone.
Additionally, a paper checklist can be obtained at a nearby state park or historic site, or it can be downloaded from the Wellness Challenge website and printed at home. After earning 25 points, participants can mail in the checklist and complete missions to accrue points.
Additionally, the challenge is in line with the state’s sBe Well initiative, which was started in the fall of 2024 to encourage resilience and mental wellness. Participants are urged to take advantage of the chance to socialize, exercise, and enjoy the natural beauty of New York’s parks, which saw a record 84 million visitors in 2023.
Visitparks.ny.gov/wellness-challenge, download the NY State Parks Explorer app, or give 518-474-0456 a call for additional details about the 2025 State Parks Wellness Challenge.
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