Outdoors Day

Outdoors Day 2021

Join us during the months of June and August for Outdoors Day!

Outdoors Day is a free, open-house style event held in conjunction with National Get Outdoors Day. Try a new outdoor activity or introduce your family to old favorites like hiking, archery, paddling, and fishing. Bring the whole family and spend the day having an outdoor adventure!

Join us at events across the state throughout the month of June and August to celebrate Outdoors Day 2021, with most activities on Saturday, June 12 celebrating National Outdoors Day.

2021's events are modified to meet COVID-19 guidelines. Social distancing practices must be followed and masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households. Some events may have registration requirements to attend.

Check out photos from previous events on our Flickr album (leaves DEC website) or view the event video (leaves DEC website) on our YouTube channel.

Don't forget to share your photos using #OutdoorsDayNY!

In case you missed it, check out our Facebook LIVE from Tuesday, June 2, at High Tor Wildlife Management Area and our Facebook LIVE from Tuesday, June 8, at Sonyea State Forest discussing ways to recreate safely and enjoy state lands.

Find an event near you!

Capital Region/Northern Catskills (Region 4)

Eastern Adirondacks/Lake Champlain (Region 5)

Western New York (Region 9)

Capital Region/Northern Catskills (Region 4)

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Delmar, Albany County) - Space is limited and registration is required for all events.

• Saturday, June 26: 9 a.m. - How to do it: Fishing. Celebrate one of New York's free fishing weekends by joining us for a parent and child catch-and-release fishing clinic. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, June 23, to register.
  • Celebrate one of New York State's free fishing weekends by joining us for a parent and child catch-and-release fishing clinic. Guides will share information about fishing equipment, techniques, regulations, consumption advisories, and good places to fish. Bring gear if you've got it; we have a limited number of rods and reels available for loan. Space is limited and registration is required.
• Saturday, June 26: 2 p.m. - Let's go camping! Social distancing and mask requirements are required. Call 518-475-0291 if you have any questions.
  • Stop by our information table and learn about camping all over New York State. We will have one of DEC's recreation specialists on hand to answer any questions you might have and make recommendations. Social distancing and mask wearing are required.

Eastern Adirondacks/Lake Champlain (Region 5)

• Saturday, August 8: John Dillon Park (Long Lake, Hamilton County) - Register online (leaves DEC website).
  • Outdoors Accessibility Day
    • Pontoon boat rides
    • Adaptive fishing clinic
    • Camping demonstrations
    • Interpretive hikes and more!

Upper Mohawk Valley/Eastern Lake Ontario (Region 6)

Saturday, June 12: Lowville Demonstration Area & Regional Office (Lowville, Lewis County) - between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Sign ups for a nearby hike to take place the weekend of June 19

Western New York (Region 9)

Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (Depew, Erie County) - Pre-registration required for all programs; call Reinstein Woods at 716-683-5959 or Register on the Friends of Reinstein Woods website (leaves DEC website).

• Saturday, June 26 at 10 a.m.: Intro to Orienteering - Learn everything you need to know how to enjoy the multiple orienteering courses in Western New York.