Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website.
Wednesday, Dec. 30
Aladdin. 12:30 p.m. The Magic Circle Children’s Theatre presents an original, interactive version of the tale, in which children in the audience can dress as a fairy tale character and help Aladdin find the magic lamp and win the princess’ heart. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $5. 449-3823.
Meet Orchestra Musicians. 1-2 p.m. A viola duo performs. NOPL at Brewerton, 5437 Library St., Brewerton. Free. 676-7484.
Puppet Making Workshop. 5 p.m. An Open Hand Theater staffer teaches children ages 8-14 to make simple jointed puppets that can be manipulated through scenes and stories; supplies provided. Mundy Branch Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3797.
Teen Decoupage. 6-8 p.m. Teens can learn the art of decoupage and make something (perhaps a picture frame) to take home; materials provided. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.
Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream. 7 p.m.; through Jan. 3. Onondaga County War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $20 and up. 435-2121.
Thursday, Dec. 31
Noon Year’s Eve. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ring in the “noon” year with a dance party, a ball drop and a sparkling juice toast at noon. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $8/adults (ages 19-61); $5/over age 62; $4/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger. 435-8511.
Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream. Noon; through Jan. 3. See Dec. 30 listing.
New Year’s Craft. 2 p.m. Kids age 5 and up can make a holiday-themed craft. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3395.
Puppet Making Workshop. 2 p.m. An Open Hand Theater staffer teaches children ages 8-14 to make simple jointed puppets that can be manipulated through scenes and stories. Central Library, Galleries of Syracuse, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1900.
Teen Mug Cake Bake. 3 p.m. Teens can make mini cakes in a mug; supplies and mugs provided. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1940.
Friday, Jan. 1
NEW YEAR’S DAY
Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream. 2 p.m.; through Jan. 3. See Dec. 30 listing.
Saturday, Jan. 2
First Snow Leopard Day. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. See snow leopards, Humboldt penguins, red wolves and other animals for half price through Feb. 29. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $4/adults; $2.50/age 62 & up; $2/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger. 435-8511.
Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream. 11 a.m., 3 & 7 p.m.; through Jan. 3. See Dec. 30 listing.
Meet the Orchestra. 1 p.m. Kids in K-grade 4 can learn about the flute and violin from two musicians. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1944.
Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m.; Saturdays. Every Saturday, see an interactive presentation on a different aspect of science. Upcoming topics include: birds, dog behavior, chemistry, and more. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600. www.sciencenter.org.
Make a Calendar. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 can make their own 2016 calendar and keep track of birthdays, holidays and more. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.
Sunday, Jan. 3
Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream. 1 & 5 p.m. See Dec. 30 listing.
Chemsations. 2 p.m.; also Jan. 17. 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. www.sciencenter.org.
Monday, Jan. 4
WeDo Lego Robotics. 4-4:45 p.m. Children in kindergarten through grade 2 in teams of two will use a kit to build and program a robot. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.
Yoga for Everyone. 6 p.m.; also Jan. 11 & 25. One-hour class of gentle yoga for all ages. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1944.
Tuesday, Jan. 5
Yoga for Families. 10:30-11:15 a.m.; also Jan. 19. Kids ages 3-6 and their parents can take part in a full-body experience that features puppets, stories, songs, yoga poses and breathing exercises. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.
PJ Storytime. 6:30-7 p.m. Kids can wear pajamas, bring a stuffed animal, sing songs and make a simple craft. NOPL at North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 458-6184.
Wednesday, Jan. 6
Read, Sing, Play Storytime. 10 a.m.; also Jan. 13, 20 & 27. Children ages 2-5 can take part in stories, songs, fingerplays, music and more. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. 435-5442.
Creation Club Junior. 4-5:15 p.m.; also Jan. 20. Students in grades 3-5 can learn skills for using technology for everything from 3D printing to game design. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.
Teen Geeks Lite. 6-8 p.m. Teens can hang out, play games, eat snacks, and create—video-game free, in this version of Teen Geeks. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.
Thursday, Jan. 7
Astronomy 101. 7-8 p.m.; also Jan. 14 & 28. For teens age 12 and up and for adults, a chance to make telescopes, stargaze and learn about the cosmos. On poor-weather days, there will be indoor hands-on activities. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.
Friday, Jan. 8
Toddler Dance Party. 10:30 a.m. Children age 18 months to 5 years can dance, play musical instruments, play with bubbles, and more. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 446-3578.
CNY Reads One Book Kickoff. 7 p.m. Learn about how the book To Kill a Mockingbird will be celebrated throughout the season and get a taste of Syracuse Stage’s upcoming theater production based on the book. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.
Saturday, Jan. 9
Paws and Books. 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also Jan. 23. Children ages 6-12 can read to Cooper, a trained dog certified as a Canine Good Citizen. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.
Exploring Science. 10:30 a.m.; also Jan. 16, 23 & 30. Parents can engage with toddlers and preschoolers in self-guided, hands-on science activities. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600.
Alice in Wonderland. 12:30 p.m. The Magic Circle Children’s Theatre presents an original, interactive version of the story of a girl’s escapade down the rabbit hole. Children in the audience can dress as a fairy tale character, become part of the Queen of Hearts’ Royal Court, and help Alice in her adventure. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $5. 449-3823.
Drop in Family Games. 1-3 p.m.; also Jan. 30. Come play games for children ages 5-12. Parents, caregivers and preschoolers (who can play with Duplos) also welcome. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.
Meet the Orchestra. 1 p.m. Children in grades K-4 can meet members of the orchestra and learn about instrument families in this Onondaga County Public Library series. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 446-3578.
Sensory Friendly Time. 5:30-7:30 p.m. MOST staffers turn down the noise, turn off the flashing lights and shut off the air compressors so people with sensory issues can enjoy the museum. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Cost: $5. 425-9068, Ext. 2143.
Sunday, Jan. 10
Moto-Inventions. 1-2 p.m.; Sundays in January. Tinker with recycled materials and electricity to make whirling, moving machines. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Free admission Jan. 10. (607) 272-0600.
Monday, Jan. 11
Comfort Measures for Childbirth. 6 p.m. CNY Doula Connection presents an event to help pregnant women learn tips and tricks for a comfortable birth. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. Light snacks provided. Simpson Family Wellness, 309 Kasson Road, No. 1, Camillus. Free. Registration recommended: 447-4343.
Tuesday, Jan. 12
Signing Storytime. 10:30-11:05 a.m.; also Jan. 26. Parents and young children can learn six to seven signs that correspond to the week’s story. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. www.fflib.org.
Teen MOPS. 4-6 p.m.; also Jan. 26. 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. Call or text: 569-2542, (518) 441-3690 or 412-4054.
Wednesday, Jan. 13
Homeschool STEAM Club. 3-8 p.m. Children can learn about science, technology, engineering, art and music through hands-on activities and experiments. Parents and siblings welcome. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.
Anime Night. 6-8 p.m. Teens can watch an anime on the projector screen and then participate in activities, which change each month. Cosplay is welcomed but must be deemed appropriate by library staff. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.
Thursday, Jan. 14
Smartplay. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children age 6 and under can explore a free-play environment that promotes discovery, creativity and the development of early literacy skills. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. www.fflib.org.
Trail Tales. 1 p.m.; also Jan. 28. A naturalist reads two nature-themed stories and then leads a hike whose theme matches the stories; for children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult. Beaver Lake Nature Center parking lot, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $4/parking. 638-2519.
Art Masters. 4-4:45 p.m. Children in kindergarten through grade 2 can explore the art of major artists and make their own works inspired by the masters. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. www.fflib.org.
Friday, Jan. 15
Winter Wonderland Family Fun Night. 5-8 p.m. Little princes and princesses will enjoy a night of singing, dancing and playing games with Oswego County’s Princess Pearl. For children up to age 8. KidzClub Indoor Play and Party Place, 219 Route 57, Phoenix. $10/advance, per child; $12/at door, per child. 695-2211. www.kidzclubfun.com.
Saturday, Jan. 16
Junior Café Scientifique. 9:30-11 a.m. The Technology Alliance of Central New York presents a talk by Skaneateles High School junior Alexander Wulff, who will discuss electronics development and coding. The talk is geared toward middle school students, who must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees can visit the exhibits after the presentation. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free. Register by email: [email protected].
Preschool Fair. 10 a.m.-noon. Parents can meet with representatives from local preschools and kids can enjoy activities. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.
Cubelets Beginning Robotics. 10:30 a.m. Children ages 6-12 can experiment with magnetic robot blocks that snap together and learn basic robotics principles. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. 435-5442.
Winter Living Celebration. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Outdoor activities and demonstrations include cross-country skiing, horsedrawn sleigh rides and winter camping. Indoors there’ll be live music, children’s crafts, nature-related exhibits, and refreshments for sale. Rogers Environmental Education Center, 2721 State Highway 80, Sherburne. Donations. (607) 674-4733.
Alice in Wonderland. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 9 listing.
Baked Chicken Dinner. 3:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner for adults includes half a chicken, roasted potatoes, dessert, and more. Kids’ meals will include chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, dessert, and more. St. Daniel School gym, 3004 Court St., Syracuse. $10/adults; $6/age 12 and under. 454-4946.
Battle of the Bands. 7 p.m. In the 14th annual competition, high school bands vie for the title of best band (and a cash prize of $200 and recording time at a local studio). Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt. $9/admission. 445-2360.
Sunday, Jan. 17
See Ongoing Events
Monday, Jan. 18
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
See Ongoing Events
Tuesday, Jan. 19
Legos Family Fun Night. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Make a cool creation with Legos. NOPL at North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 458-6184.
Wednesday, Jan. 20
Homeschool Book Club. 1-2:30 p.m. Tweens and teens will read Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and younger kids will read Abby Hanlon’s Dory Fantasmagory. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.
Wagging Wednesdays. 3:30-5 p.m. Go Team Therapy Dogs visit the library, where people of all ages can read to or hang out with them. NOPL at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. 699-2032.
Discovery Club. 4-5 p.m. Fun facts, science videos and experiments for budding scientists, ages 7-12. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.
Thursday, Jan. 21
Terrific Thursdays. 11 a.m.-noon. In this session of the series for homeschooling families, kids in grades K-12 will explore the theme “Toothpick World,” working with Stan Munro to learn how to build something awesome out of toothpicks. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required (including names and ages of all children attending): 446-3578.
Say Yes to Fruits and Veggies. 2-3 p.m. The registered dietitian from Food Bank of Central New York will talk about new ways to eat and cook fruits and vegetables. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. www.fflib.org.
Moonlight Skiing and Snowshoeing. Until 9 p.m.; through Jan. 24. Venture onto Beaver Lake’s 10 miles of trails (if the snow cover is adequate) lit by the moon. Hot chocolate and other refreshments available at the visitor center. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3/snowshoe rental; $4/vehicle. 638-2519.
Friday, Jan. 22
Guided Moonlight Snowshoeing. 7 p.m. Explore the woodlands and frozen marshes on snowshoes with a guide; space limited. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3/snowshoe rental; $4/vehicle. Registration required day of hike: 638-2519.
Saturday, Jan. 23
Pirate Island Weekend. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; also Jan. 24. Dive in for a fun-filled weekend featuring land and ocean-themed activities. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $14/general; free/younger than 2. (585) 263-2700. museumofplay.org.
Alice in Wonderland. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 9 listing.
Meet Musicians of the Orchestra. 2-3 p.m. Enjoy a marimba duo’s concert for parents and children, and learn about percussion instruments. NOPL at North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 458-6184.
NYS Teen Video Challenge Workshop. 3-5 p.m. Young people ages 13-18 will learn how they can create a video of 30-90 minutes that promotes libraries. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required (including names and ages of all children attending): 446-3578.
Sunday, Jan. 24
Pirate Island Weekend. Noon-5 p.m. See Jan. 23 listing.
Chilly Chili 5K Run/Walk. 1 p.m. A benefit for Cazenovia Children’s House features a run (or walk), followed by a chance to chow down on some hearty chili. Cazenovia College Athletic Center, Liberty Street, Cazenovia. $30/registration (late registration more): www.chillychili.com. 655-KIDS.
Monday, Jan. 25
See Ongoing Events
Tuesday, Jan. 26
Tween Techtorials. 5-6 p.m. Make a stop-motion film with other tweens. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.
Wednesday, Jan. 27
Teen Baking and Trivia. 6-8 p.m. Teens can learn how to make French toast. After eating their creations, they can stick around to challenge friends to trivia contests. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.
Thursday, Jan. 28
See Ongoing Events
Friday, Jan. 29
Teen Chocolate Bingo. 2 p.m. Teens can put their pop culture knowledge to the test. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1944.
Saturday, Jan. 30
Puzzle Day for Kids. 10:30 a.m. Kids ages 6-12 can create a puzzle using a blank puzzle background and markers or paints. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. 435-5442.
Alice in Wonderland. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 9 listing.
Sunday, Jan. 31
Syracuse Opera Preview. 1 p.m. Douglas Kinney Frost, music director, and selected principals give a preview performance of Puccini’s La Boheme. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.
ONGOING EVENTS
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. 638-2519.
Horsedrawn Hay or Sleigh Rides. Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; through Feb. 28. Twenty-minute ride into the woods at Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Park Road (off Route 80), Fabius. $6/person; $3/age 5 & under. 683-5550.
Snow Leopard Days. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., daily; Jan. 2-Feb. 29. Half-price admission at the zoo. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission in January & February: $4/adults; $2.50/age 62 & up; $2/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger. 435-8511. Ongoing attractions include Humboldt penguins.
Try Snowshoeing. Saturdays & Sundays, 12:30 p.m.; Jan. 2-Feb. 28. One-hour clinic includes instructions and a short snowshoe hike. Offered when weather permits. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. $5/person; $4 /vehicle for parking. Registration required (day of hike, starting at 8 a.m.): 638-2519.
Cross Country Ski Lessons. Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m.; through Feb. 28. One-hour introductory lesson, weather permitting. Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Park Road (off Route 80), Fabius. $25/lesson & equipment rental; $10/lesson only. Reservations required: 683-5550.
Great Swamp Conservancy Nature Trails. Daily, dawn to dusk. Throughout the year, visitors can grab their walking shoes (or snowshoes) 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. 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. Snowshoe rental: $5/day. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. 673-1350.
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. 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. 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. 472-6343, Ext. 208.
DeWitt Community Library. Library offers hundreds of free programs for parents and children. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. 446-3578.
Fayetteville Free Library Storytimes. (Excluding holidays.) First Steps: (Wednesdays, 9:30-10 a.m.) for good walkers up to age 3. Sign, Learn, Sign: (Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m.) for babies, with instruction in six basic signs to use before children can talk. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.
