The Niagara County Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Coalition has announced the launch of the “Get Offline, Get Outside” Family Challenge, a summer initiative designed to encourage families with young children to spend more time outdoors exploring the many parks, trails, and natural spaces.
The Niagara County challenge features 25 family-friendly outdoor activities specifically adapted for families with young children. Activities are stroller-friendly, sensory-focused, and easy for families to complete in their own neighborhoods, backyards, local parks, and community spaces.
The challenge encourages families to unplug from screens and reconnect with nature through simple experiences such as taking family walks, having outdoor picnics, listening for birds, reading under a tree, exploring local playgrounds, and visiting Niagara County’s beautiful outdoor destinations.
“As co-chair of the Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Coalition, I am very excited to launch this opportunity for families across Niagara County,” said Janice Jenosheck, director of the Niagara County Department of Health Children with Special Needs Division. “In today’s busy, screen-filled world, it’s more important than ever to put down our devices and spend time outdoors together. This challenge encourages families to slow down, explore their surroundings, and enjoy the physical, social, and developmental benefits that come from spending time in nature and connecting with one another.”
Families can complete challenge activities in a variety of ways throughout the summer, including visiting Niagara County parks and playgrounds, exploring local nature trails, attending community outdoor events, enjoying family picnics, and participating in Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Coalition Fresh Air Fridays held throughout Niagara County during July and August. The opportunities provide families with easy and accessible ways to get offline, get outside, and experience the many outdoor resources available throughout Niagara County.
Copies of the Get Offline, Get Outside Challenge are available from any participating Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Coalition member, or the challenge can be downloaded from the Children with Special Needs webpage at: https://www.niagaracounty.gov/departments/a-f/children_with_special_needs/get_offline,_get_outside_challenge.php
Families who complete at least 20 of the 25 challenge activities and submit their completed challenge form by Sept. 30, will receive a personalized completion certificate mailed to their home and will be entered into a drawing to win a special end-of-summer prize.
Completed challenge forms may be:
Emailed to: HMHBNiagara@yahoo.com
Dropped off at any Fresh Air Friday event
Mailed to: Niagara County Early Intervention Program, 1001 11th Street, 2nd Floor, Niagara Falls, NY 14301
For additional information about the Get Offline, Get Outside Family Challenge or Fresh Air Fridays, contact Janice Jenosheck at Janice.jenosheck@niagaracounty.gov or 716-278-1991.