Home » America Travel News » Get Off the Screen and Into Nature: New York’s ‘Ladders to the Outdoors’ Program Brings Over 60,000 Kids to Parks

Published on
November 16, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Get off the screen and into nature! Governor Kathy Hochul’s bold initiative, Ladders to the Outdoors, is opening the doors to the outdoors for thousands of New York youth. The program, which has already served more than 60,000 kids since its launch, is connecting children, particularly from underserved communities, to the joy and adventure of New York State Parks. If you thought kids were glued to their screens forever, think again. With this groundbreaking initiative, the state is reclaiming the outdoors for the younger generation, giving them the chance to discover the wild in the most immersive way possible.

More Than 60,000 Youth Rediscovering the Outdoors Through Ladders to the Outdoors

Since its creation in 2021, Ladders to the Outdoors has been nothing short of a revolution in how young people engage with nature. Governor Kathy Hochul made it clear that it’s about more than just a fun day in the park. It’s about empowering the next generation by connecting them to the outdoors. In the first four years, over 60,000 youth have experienced the beauty of New York’s parks, an initiative that has touched lives from Central to Western New York. The programme targets underserved communities, providing free access to parks, recreational activities, and even essential equipment for these trips, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Through Ladders to the Outdoors, kids from low-income families can now experience the magic of trail walks, bike rides, fishing trips, and visits to New York State Fair—activities that once seemed out of reach. By offering life-changing opportunities, this initiative is not only transforming the way children interact with nature but is also promoting physical and mental health, helping them rediscover the joys of outdoor play.

200+ Kids Explore a State Park for the First Time in 2025: An Unforgettable Experience

In 2025, more than 200 children had the incredible opportunity to visit a state park for the first time, thanks to the success of the Ladders to the Outdoors programme. Imagine the joy on their faces as they explored lush trails, discovered hidden gems in their backyards, and connected with nature in ways that many of them had never dreamed possible. This initiative is not just about taking a field trip; it’s about creating lasting memories. By providing the right outdoor gear, including camping equipment, sports gear, and even appropriate clothing, the programme ensures that these experiences are as comfortable and impactful as possible.

For many of these kids, the experience was more than just a trip – it was an eye-opening journey into a world far beyond the city’s hustle and bustle. The Ladders to the Outdoors programme is offering them the chance to grow their confidence, spark their curiosity, and develop a deep connection to the environment. It’s not just about escaping screens; it’s about rebuilding relationships with the natural world, which will stay with these children forever. This is how you create a generation that values nature and the great outdoors, and it all starts with one trip to the park.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Partners with State Parks to Fund the Adventure

Behind the success of this groundbreaking programme is the strong partnership between the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and New York State Parks. Launched in 2021, the programme began with a focus on Western New York before expanding into Central New York in 2023, thanks to additional grants from the Gifford Foundation, United Way, and Central New York’s Community Foundation. This partnership has been key to expanding the programme’s reach, helping it serve more kids and ensure their outdoor experiences are not only enjoyable but also safe.

The partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has been a game-changer in ensuring that children in underprivileged communities have access to the great outdoors, a resource many of us take for granted. With funding for essential equipment, outdoor activities, and trip logistics, this collaboration is not just about taking children to a park; it’s about giving them the tools and resources to have a fun, safe, and memorable experience. Through these collaborations, Ladders to the Outdoors continues to build on its foundation of making the outdoor experience accessible for everyone, regardless of their background or location.

From Hiking to Fishing: The Thrill of Outdoor Activities for New York’s Youth

The thrill of hiking the scenic trails, casting a fishing line into crystal-clear waters, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature—Ladders to the Outdoors offers all this and more to New York’s youth. Each year, kids are led on trail walks, taken on bike rides, or even brought to the New York State Fair, where they learn about agriculture, history, and the importance of sustainability. The opportunities are endless, but it’s not just about the activities themselves; it’s about the life lessons and skills they instill. Children aren’t just having fun; they’re learning teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience while building life skills that will benefit them in all aspects of life.

The experiences offered by Ladders to the Outdoors have long-lasting effects. By spending time in nature, kids gain confidence, foster a love for physical activity, and discover a new way to connect with the world. The field trips provide a vital break from the digital world, replacing screen time with fresh air and real-world adventures. These programs are not only beneficial for the kids, but they also strengthen the community, as families and local organisations rally together to support these young adventurers.

Governor Hochul’s Vision: A Future for New York’s Youth Away from Screens and Into Nature

Governor Kathy Hochul’s vision for the future of New York’s youth is clear: Get off the screens and get into nature. Her Get Offline, Get Outside initiative aims to encourage kids and families to step away from their devices and embrace the outdoor lifestyle. By promoting activities like hiking, fishing, and biking, Governor Hochul is helping to build a generation that’s more physically active and more connected to the natural world. In addition to the Ladders to the Outdoors programme, the governor has also championed other initiatives such as NY BRICKS, NY PLAYS, and NY SWIMS, which focus on building recreational infrastructure across the state.

This initiative aligns perfectly with the growing demand for outdoor experiences that foster both physical health and mental well-being. The importance of disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature has never been more urgent, and the Ladders to the Outdoors programme serves as a model for future programmes across the country. As children step away from their devices, they step into a world of exploration, adventure, and learning, creating memories that will last a lifetime.