Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website.
Friday, April 27
Glove Monsters. 2-3 p.m. Kids age 8 and up can turn orphaned gloves into stuffed friends. Use provided gloves or bring your own. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.
Graphic Novel and Comic Book Club. 4 p.m. Young people ages 12-18 can discuss a book and use it as inspiration for their own graphic novels. This month’s book is Runaways Vol. 1: Pride and Joy, available through Hoopladigital.com. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.
Saturday, April 28
Party for the Planet. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day and learn about the zoo’s efforts to sustain biodiversity. See keeper talks and visit activity stations. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $8/person, plus zoo admission: $8/adults; $5/age 62 & up; $4/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger. (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.
Be the Scientist. Noon-4 p.m. Explore the activities of a nanoscientist. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors and ages 2-11. (315) 425-9068.
Hansel and Gretel. 12:30 p.m. The Magic Circle Children’s Theatre presents a comical, interactive version of the tale, in which the brother and sister are clueless until they get help from a leprechaun and children in the audience, and teach the grumpy witch the virtue of kindness. Children are invited to dress as their favorite fairy tale character. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $6. Reservations recommended: (315) 449-3823.
Sunday, April 29
Step Up 4 Kids. 8-11 a.m. A Kids Fun Run (9:30 a.m.), 5K (10 a.m.) and children’s activities help raise money for the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center, in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Sawmill Creek Shelter, Willow Bay, Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool. $30-$35/5K; $15/Kids Fun Run. mcmahonryan.org.
Monday, April 30
Rhyme Time. 10:30 a.m.; also also May 14. Children from infants to age 2 (siblings of all ages welcome) can, with a caregiver, learn songs and nursery rhymes, followed by free play. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.
Tuesday, May 1
Read, Sing and Play. 10:30 a.m.; also May 8, 15, 22 & 29. Children ages 1 ½ to 5 and families or caregivers can enjoy stories, games, fingerplays and songs. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3636.
Sign Language Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m.; also May 15 & 29. Children ages 3-6 can learn several signs that correspond to the stories that day. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
Hogwarts Craft. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 can take a trip to Hogwarts and learn to make their own potions out of everyday materials. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.
Wednesday, May 2
First Steps. 9:30-10 a.m.; also May 9, 16, 23 & 30. Children who are good walkers, up to age 3, can with a caregiver take part in a program with music, movement, crafts and more. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
Baby Storytime. 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also May 9, 16, 23 & 30. Babies and caregivers can share rhymes, songs, stories and signs in this language-building program. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
Early Learners Storytime. 11 a.m.-noon; also May 23. Children ages 2-4, with accompanying adult, can take part in a session with stories, rhymes, songs and crafts. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.
Homeschool STEAM Club. 1:30-3 p.m. Homeschoolers ages 5-10 can learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math with hands-on activities and experiments. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
After School at the Library. 3:30 p.m. Kids age 5 and up can play with Legos. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5442.
Teen Geeks. 6-8 p.m.; also May 16. Teens can play board games in the first session of the month and video games in the second. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Words and Music Songwriter Woodshed. 6:30-9 p.m. Songwriters of all ages and skill levels can bring work, and get and give constructive opinions and suggestions. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Thursday, May 3
After School Adventures. 3:30 p.m.; also May 10, 17 & 24. Students in grades 3-8 can play games, build projects, do crafts and more. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration recommended: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.
Friday, May 4
Kids Minecraft. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Kids in grades 3-5 can hang out and play on the library’s server. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.
May the 4th Be With You. 3:30 p.m. All ages can celebrate Star Wars day with crafts, activities and books. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.
Spaghetti Dinner. 4:30-7:30 p.m. All-you-can-eat dinner with beef and vegan marinara sauce, regular and gluten-free pasta, salad, dessert and drink. May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society, 3800 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $10/adult; $8/senior; $5/ages 5-12; free/under 5. (315) 402-2591.
Saturday, May 5
Public Fishing. 9:30-11:30 a.m.; also May 12 & 19. Families and individuals can come for a morning of fishing; bait, rods and reels provided. Volunteers are on site to help beginners. (Fishing license not required.) Carpenter’s Book Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, Elbridge. $5/person. Registration required: (315) 689-9367.
Saturday STEAM. 10 a.m.-noon. Kids in preschool and up can make a raised design with hot glue, cover it with foil, and decorate with paint or markers. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.
Mental Health Awareness Walk. 10 a.m. (Registration: 9-9:45 a.m.) Raise money and awareness of families affected by mental health challenges, with a walk and fun run. Saw Mill Creek Shelter, Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. $25/registration. familytapestryinc.org.
Wildlife Festival. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Families can learn about nature through presentations with live birds of prey and mammals. There will also be a climbing wall, a magic show, and more. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 Route 89, Savannah. $5/person; $20/family. (315) 365-3588.
Toddlers’ Tango. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Toddlers and preschoolers can take part in this music and movement class; no more than one adult per child, due to space limitations. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.
Paws to Read. 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also May 12, 19 & 26. Kids can read to a friendly dog from Paws Inc. of CNY. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Rice Creek Ramble. 11 a.m.; also May 12 & 19. Children and adults (those under 17 must be accompanied by a caregiver) can go on a walk led by a naturalist. Rice Creek Field Station, 193 Thompson Road, 1 mile south of SUNY Oswego’s main campus, Oswego. Free. Call day of walk to check trail conditions: (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/ricecreek.
Hansel and Gretel. 12:30 p.m. See April 28 listing.
A Star Wars Celebration. 1-4 p.m. Create galactic snacks, play Jedi games, vote for your favorite ’droid, and dress in costume. Fun for the whole family. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.
Ukulele for Beginners. 1-2 p.m. Pat Doherty teaches a class for newcomers to the ukulele. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Harry Potter Anniversary Party. 2 p.m. Celebrate 20 years of magic with themed crafts, games, trivia, a costume contest, and cake. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration recommended: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration. 2:30 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 can make mini piñatas, maracas and Mexican flags. Mexican snacks will be offered as well. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.
Mad Scientists. 2 p.m. Kids in grades K-5 can enjoy science demonstrations and hands-on activities. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.
Sunday, May 6
Pancake Breakfast. 6:30 a.m.-noon. A breakfast with choices including pancakes, eggs, sausage and beverages helps support Boy Scouts of America Troop 333. South Shore Rod and Gun Club, 6690 S. Bay Road, Cicero. $10/adults; $8/senior and child ages 5-12; free/under 5. debla59@hotmail.com.
Afternoon Tea.
2 p.m. Guests can enjoy teas, children’s tea or juice, and an assortment of sweets and savories. Event held outdoors unless the weather is inclement. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $25/person; $4/vehicle. Registration required: (315) 638-2519.
Music Garden Celebration. 2-3 p.m. Use the library’s instruments, including bongos and ukuleles, or bring your own to make sounds, along with the permanent tubular bells, tongue drum and more in the Music Garden. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Chemsations. 2 p.m.; also May 20. Local high school students demonstrate chemical reactions with color changes, bubbles and light. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600. sciencenter.org.
Syracuse Children’s Chorus Concert. 4 p.m. In a concert titled “The Song That Nature Sings,” four choruses will perform music about nature’s beauty, with works by Franz Schubert, Aaron Copland and Kirby Shaw. Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University, Syracuse. $10/adults; $5/ages 5-16; free/under 5. (315) 478-0582.
Monday, May 7
Gaming for Adults with Special Needs. 1:30-3 p.m. Adults with special needs can play Wii games and board games; caregivers must remain in the room. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
STEAM Discovery Hour. 3 p.m.; also May 21. Students in middle school can take part in a different science, technology, engineering, art and math challenge at each session: (May 7) Makey Makey; (May 21) interactive storytelling. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727.
Paws to Read. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Readers can work with therapy dog Mollie for 15 minutes. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.
Multiple Moms Mingle. 6:30 p.m. Monthly meeting of mothers and expectant mothers of multiples. Twin Trees Too, 1029 Milton Ave., Syracuse. For more details and to reserve if you wish to attend: multiplemomsmingle.com.
Tuesday, May 8
Yoga Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m.; also May 22. Children ages 3-6 take part in a full-body experience that incorporates yoga poses, breathing exercises, songs and more. Mats are provided; socks must be worn. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. ffl.org.
Teen MOPS. 4-6 p.m. Young mothers, ages 13-21, with children under 6 enjoy a faith-based program with fun, food and activities while their children are cared for by the childcare program. Liverpool First United Methodist Church, 604 Oswego St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 569-2542.
Spring Crafts Drop-In. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Celebrate spring by making a flower wreath, a butterfly craft, and more. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184. nopl.org.
Wednesday, May 9
Teen Anime Night. 6-8 p.m. Teens can come and talk about anime. Cosplay is okay, but library staff must approve. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Thursday, May 10
Smartplay. 10:30 a.m. In this self-guided program, children from infants to age 6 can put on a puppet show, play games, shop in the grocery mart, and meet other families. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
Open Late ’Til 8. 4-8 p.m. Explore a science theme with hands-on activities. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Half-price museum admission: $6/adults; $5/seniors and ages 2-11. (315) 425-9068. most.org.
Friday, May 11
Time for Tots Playgroup. 9:30-10:45 a.m.; also May 25. Education playgroup for children ages 18 months-5 years and their caregiver. Stories, songs, arts and crafts, and more. Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 8131 Soule Road, Liverpool. $3/family. Registration recommended: (315) 622-2843. NYCrossofChrist.org/Tots.
Star Party. 8-10 p.m. See constellations and planets through telescopes. Jupiter will appear big and bright, and Venus will be visible at the start of the program. (Backup date: May 12.) Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. (315) 673-1350. Register: baltimorewoods.org.
Saturday, May 12
Lion Legends. 11 a.m. Puppets tell a collection of African stories starring the king of beasts. Open Hand Theater, Shoppingtown Mall, Suite No. 3, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. $5. (315) 476-0466. openhandtheater.org.
Fun with Science. 11 a.m. Learn how forensics can identify people and make strawberry fingerprints. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5442.
Young Artists. 2 p.m. Kids age 8 and up can learn about a period of art and make masterpieces of their own; at this session, explore abstract art. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727.
Sunday, May 13
MOTHER’S DAY
Mother’s Day Garden Tour at Sycamore Hill. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy over 250 acres of landscaped gardens and ponds (filled with koi fish), 500,000 flowering bulbs and 700 flowering trees and shrubs. A benefit for Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Sycamore Hill Gardens, 2130 Old Seneca Turnpike, Marcellus. $12/general, at door; free/age 8 and under. (315) 673-1350. baltimorewoods.org.
Mother’s Day Buffet. Noon & 3 p.m. seatings. An extensive spread including muffins, Seafood Newburg, Riggies with Vodka Sauce, carved baked ham, a full dessert bar, and more—plus a view of southern Onondaga County. Skyline Lodge, Highland Forest, Route 80, 3 miles east of Fabius. $23.95/adult; $11.95/ages 5-11; free/under 5. Registration required: (315) 677-3303.
Monday, May 14
Rhyme Time. 10:30 a.m. See April 30 listing.
American Girl. 6 p.m. Children ages 7-12 can learn about the historical events and culture that influenced the American Girls, with stories, crafts, music and more. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727.
Tuesday, May 15
Teen Theater Group. 6-7 p.m. Teens can play improvisation games and read through scenes in plays. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.
Wednesday, May 16
Osmo iPad Time. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 can check out the library’s Osmo interactive gaming system. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1940.
Thursday, May 17
Trail Tales. 1 p.m. Children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult, can hear two stories and then go on a walk with a naturalist. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.
Friday, May 18
Music & Stories with Donna B. 10:30 a.m. Children age 3 and up can join Donna Butterfield for songs, dancing, stories and more. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration requested: (315) 492-1727.
Peppa Pig Live. 6 p.m. See the live musical based on the popular Nick Jr. series, with life-size puppets as the characters of Peppa Pig and her family members. Crouse Hinds Theater, Oncenter, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $33-$133. ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, May 19
Komen CNY Race for the Cure. 7:30-11:30 a.m. Ceremony, activities and a 5K run and a run/walk raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research; opening ceremonies at 8 a.m. State Fairgrounds, Geddes. Registration: $35-$40/adult; $20/age 12 and under. (315) 472-6162, Ext. 2.
South Otselic Fishing Heritage Day. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fishing clinics for beginners, educational activities, guided tours of the hatchery, live birds of prey, live music and more. Locations around the hamlet including the State Fish Hatchery and Otselic Town Park, South Otselic. Free admission. (315) 653-7490. ovfish.org.
Junior Café Scientifique. 9:30-11 a.m. The Technology Alliance of Central New York presents a talk titled “Engineering the Human Machine,” given by Douglas Yung of Syracuse University. The talk is geared toward middle school students, who must be accompanied by an adult. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free. Register by email: jrcafe@tacny.org.
Angelman Syndrome Walk. 10 a.m. A walk to raise awareness of and funds for research about the rare genetic disorder; a picnic follows the walk. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Camillus Town Park, 1 Pool Road, Camillus. $20/registration
for adults; free/kids. More information:
justinbomgren@yahoo.com.
Big Rig Day. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Children and their families can get an up-close view of some of the city’s trucks, along with big rigs from area companies. There will also be pony hop racing and giant life-size games. Burnet Park, South Avery Avenue, Syracuse. Free admission. (315) 473-4330.
Teddy Bear Picnic. 11 a.m.-noon. Bring your teddy bear, pack a lunch, and go for an adventure through the woods. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. (315) 673-1350. Register: baltimorewoods.org.
Pups ’n Pages. 11 a.m.-noon. All ages of participants can come read to or just hang out with a dog. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.
Kids’ Board Game Day. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Children in grades K-8 can have a day of food, drinks, prizes and games. Drop off is permitted. The event is a fundraiser for The New School. The New School, 400 Bradford Parkway, Syracuse. $40.
Registration required: (315) 706-8585. newschool
syracuse.org.
Hansel and Gretel. 12:30 p.m. See April 28 listing.
Lego Club. 2:30 p.m. Kids age 5-12 can build whatever they can imagine and play Lego Dimensions on the Xbox One. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.
Family Dance. 6:30 p.m. Children and adults of all ages and abilities are welcome to join in fun and simple dances. United Church of Fayetteville, 310 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. $2/adults; $1/teens & kids. syracusecountrydancers.org.
Sunday, May 20
See Ongoing Events
Monday, May 21
Teen Minecraft. 3-4:30 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 can hang out and play on the library’s server. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salina
library.org.
Chorus Open Auditions. 3-6 p.m.; also May 22. Syracuse Children’s Chorus open auditions for ages 8-17 (by Sept. 1). First Unitarian Universalist Society, 109 Waring Road, Syracuse. Auditions by appointment only: (315) 478-0582.
Creation Station. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Children ages 5-12 can stop by to make three crafts; supplies provided. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.
Minecraft Nights. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Kids can compete in survival mode with others their age. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
DIY Girls. 6:30 p.m. Girls in grades 4-7 can learn about the history of origami and create their own fortune cookie. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727.
Homeschooling 101 for Parents. 7-8:30 p.m. Parents of homeschoolers can learn about different topics; in this session, participants will ask questions of homeschool alumni. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Tuesday, May 22
Homeschool Chess Club. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Homeschoolers and families can learn to play chess or match strategies. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Wednesday, May 23
Code Dojo. 7-8 p.m. Tweens can join other techies to explore different aspects of technology each month. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. Registration required: lpl.org.
Thursday, May 24
Stardust Memories. 1-2:30 p.m. Guitarist and singer Gerry Chmielewski performs a selection of pop music, mostly from the early 20th century, and will talk about the songs’ history. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Friday, May 25
Sensory Play Time. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Babies and toddlers can engage in sensory exploration and play in this self-guided program. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
Go, Dog, Go!. 7 p.m.; through June 16. Gifford Family Theatre performs a musical based on the beloved book by P.D. Eastman, a show full of color, clowning, surprises, and dogs. Coyne Center for the Performing Arts, Le Moyne College, 1419 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse. $15/adult; $10/child. (315) 445-4200. giffordfamilytheatre.org.
Saturday, May 26
Pokemon Open Play. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Children ages 8-12 can come play Pokemon at the library. Bring cards to play and trade, or use provided decks. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.
North Syracuse Family Festival. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Annual festival features crafters, music, and games for children, among other activities. Lonergan Park, 524 S. Main St., North Syracuse. Free. facebook.com/NorthSyracuse
FamilyFestival.
Be the Scientist. Noon-4 p.m. Explore the activities of an architect. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors and ages 2-11. (315) 425-9068.
Go, Dog, Go!. 2 p.m.; through June 16. See May 25 listing.
Treefrogs and Peepers. 8-10 p.m. Adults and kids (age 5 and up) can go on a night hike to Philips Pond, to listen for and try to spot frogs. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. (315) 673-1350. Register: baltimorewoods.org.
Sunday, May 27
Memorial Day Watchfire. Dusk-8 p.m. Veterans and non-veterans gather for a watchfire ceremony and lighting of a pyre to honor those who have served the nation. Watchfire Park (between Routes 690, 695 & State Fair Boulevard), State Fairgrounds, Geddes. Free. cnyvva103.org/watchfire.html.
Monday, May 28
MEMORIAL DAY
See Ongoing Events
Tuesday, May 29
See Ongoing Events
Wednesday, May 30
Brewerton Teen Book Club. 4-5 p.m. Teens will talk about this month’s selection, The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. (315) 676-7484.
Thursday, May 31
Pajama Story Hour and Craft. 6:30 p.m. Kids can wear pajamas, hear stories, make a craft and eat a snack. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3636.
ONGOING EVENTS
Canoeing & Kayaking. May 12-Sept. 3: Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Paddle around Beaver Lake searching for beaver lodges, turtles and herons. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $10/hour of rental. Admission: $4/vehicle. Call for current weather conditions: (315) 638-2519.
Peanut Butter Jelly Time. Thursdays, 5 p.m. Members of the community can join in making more than a hundred bagged lunches to hand out to the hungry and homeless in downtown Syracuse. The Road, 4845 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. (315) 218-6066. wholelygroundsat
theroad.org.
Weekend Walks With a Naturalist. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. Nature discovery hike with different topics each weekend. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.
Great Swamp Conservancy Nature Trails. Daily, dawn to dusk. Throughout the year, visitors can grab their walking shoes and explore 4.5 miles of well-groomed, flat trails. Trails feature a 900-foot boardwalk, osprey nesting platform, and wetland and grassland restoration areas. The area is a stop for many migratory waterfowl and songbirds; other wildlife include muskrats and beavers. Great Swamp Conservancy, 3.5 miles off I-90, Exit 34, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. Free. (315) 697-2950.
Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. Interpretive Center open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sundays. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. (315) 673-1350.
Wegmans Playground. Boundless Playground for children (and parents) of all ages and abilities includes accessible swings, slides, bridge and more, including special section just for the tiniest tykes. Onondaga Lake Park, Route 370, Liverpool. Free. (315) 451-PARK.
Barnes & Noble Storytimes. Thursdays, 10 a.m. Join a storytime for toddlers and preschoolers that’s features a book, songs and coloring. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. (315) 449-2948.
Maxwell Library Storytimes. Storytimes and book groups for all ages. Call for dates and times. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661.
Northeast Community Center Library Storytimes. Preschool storytimes with rhymes and occasional games; youngsters learn group listening and participation skills. Call for times. Northeast Community Center Library, 716 Hawley Ave., Syracuse. Free. (315) 472-6343, Ext. 208.
NOPL Brewerton Storytimes. Age 2 and up: Mondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. (315) 676-7484.
NOPL Cicero Library Storytimes. Toddler Story Hour: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Preschool Story Hour: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032.
NOPL North Syracuse Library Storytimes. Birth-age 3: Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Ages 3-5: Thursdays, 11 a.m.-noon. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. Registration requested: (315) 458-6184.
