A large group of well-meaning officials from several states have a message for you and your family: Go take a hike.

They’re urging moms and dads to take their kids away from the television and go outside for some fresh air as part of “Take a Child Outside” week Sept. 24-30.

The special week began last year in North Carolina and has now spread throughout much of the U.S. About 250 organizations in the U.S. and Canada are taking part this year. Do children really need a themed week to encourage them to play outside?

Supporters say it certainly could help. With child obesity on the rise and children spending more time playing electronic games or surfing the Internet, supporters of the effort are extolling the virtues of getting out of the house. “There’s just a disconnect with the natural world around you,” said Sue Holst, a spokeswoman for Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources, which oversees the state parks.