Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

July 25, 2025

(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov

New York State Parks Announces New Children’s Activity Book

Explorer Club Activity Book aims to educate New York's youth with outdoor safety tips and environmental information 

Completed activities reward readers with a special Explorer Club patch 

 
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has released the Explorer Club Activity Book, a new publication for kids aged 5-13. The new 24-page resource booklet contains important information and engaging puzzles to detail a variety of outdoor-related topics. Designed to spark interest in the environment, the Explorer Club Activity Book teaches kids what different wildlife footprints look like, how to prepare for different weather conditions, and whether they should recycle, compost, or throw away their rubbish. Helping encourage kids' curiosity in nature, "Explorers" who complete all 24 activities will receive a special Explorer Club iron-on patch they can proudly display after showing their completed activity booklet to a member of State Parks staff. 

"We're very excited to create new resources for the next generation of parkgoers so that they continue to Get Offline and Get Outside," said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. "The Explorer Club Activity Book is a fantastic way to introduce children to the outdoors and equip them with the knowledge needed to enjoy our state parks and historic sites safely. With unique workbook-style activities and challenges, this new publication will entertain and inspire kids to ask questions and learn more about the natural world around them. We hope this booklet will serve as a resource for families to come together, unplug from their devices, and bond through outdoor exploration." 

The Explorer Club Activity Book will serve as a long-lasting resource to educate children on good stewardship practices, outdoor safety tips and what to be mindful of when visiting their local state parks. While the activities are geared towards children, much of the information contained in the booklet is also useful for guardians. The Explorer Club plants the seed of conversation with readers and is meant to provide supplemental information during discussions about the environment. 

This new activity book advances Governor Hochul's "Get Offline, Get Outside" initiative to promote physical and mental health by encouraging New York's families to take a break from their electronic devices and enjoy the great outdoors. New York State Parks looks forward to this new educational resource encouraging future generations to adopt healthier habits early in their life and carry those habits into adulthood. 

Explorer Club Activity Books are available free of cost to interested members of the public. Copies of the booklet can be found at all nature centers, campgrounds, and most state parks.  

New York State Park Nature Centers 

Across the portfolio of 250 facilities that New York State Parks oversees, there are more than 25 nature centers staffed by environmental educators. These expert members staff members coordinate with the agency's Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning to host free programing in every region of the state. Available programs offer children, families, adults, and school groups to opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while learning about New York's native plants, animals and geographic formations. A full listing of nature centers can be found on the New York State Parks website where you can also learn about the events and programs on offer at our state parks and state historic sites.