Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Coalition 'Get Offline, Get Outside' challenge for Niagara County families

Submitted by the Niagara County Department of Health

The Niagara County Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Coalition is excited to announce the launch of the "Get Offline, Get Outside" family challenge, a fun and engaging summer initiative designed to encourage families with young children to spend more time outdoors exploring the many parks, trails and natural spaces throughout Niagara County.

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. These 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. 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: [email protected]

√ Dropped off at any “Fresh Air Friday” event

√ Mailed to: Niagara County Early Intervention Program, 1001 11th St., 2nd Floor, Niagara Falls, NY 14301 

The Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Coalition invites all Niagara County families with young children to join the challenge and make this summer one filled with fresh air, exploration, learning and family connection. Through simple outdoor activities, families can discover local parks and community resources, build healthy habits, and create lasting memories together.

For more information about the “Get Offline, Get Outside” family challenge or “Fresh Air Fridays,” contact Janice Jenosheck at [email protected] or 716-278-1991.

The Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies Coalition works collaboratively to promote the health and well-being of mothers, babies and families throughout Niagara County through education, advocacy and community partnerships. Any partners interested in joining can reach out to Constance Desmarais ([email protected]) or Jenosheck ([email protected]), who serve as the coalition co-chairpersons.