Author: Courtney Kless
Courtney Kless
Courtney Kless is the Editor in Chief of Family Times. Courtney is originally from Maryland. She earned her Master’s degree in Magazine, Newspaper and Online Journalism from Syracuse University. Courtney began her career as a sports journalist, then spent several years working in higher education, before joining the company in August 2019. She enjoys traveling, reading and hiking, and recently adopted a Labrador Retriever, Bailey.
Central New York’s warmest months offer countless family-friendly activities. But they also come with several hazards. Family Times recently talked to Sarah Lockwood, director of nursing at the Onondaga County Health Department, about some ways you can keep your family safe this summer. This is what she said: Sun Safety Wear protective clothing (such as hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves). Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Don’t forget to reapply it every two hours – and after swimming, sweating, or drying off. Look for shade during the warmest part of the day (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).…
The first Oswego Harborfest was held in 1988.It has since transformed from a community event to a regional one, receiving approximately 75,000 visitors each year, according to its website.The festival returns July 27-30.“I think what makes Harborfest unique is that the festival is free to attend,” said Executive Director Dan Harrington. “We have a national touring band, The Guess Who, playing on Friday night of the festival, and on Saturday night, they are playing in Hammondsport, with a price of $100 minimum per person to attend. We also have Peppa Pig for the children, where elsewhere it is a high ticket show.”Harborfest…
Often referred to as the “Port City of Central New York,” Oswego is another great day trip destination.These are just a few of the family-friendly attractions you’ll find there:Museums and Historical SitesChildren’s Museum of OswegoDuring a visit to the museum, children can explore the town square, play with water, and learn about lake effect snow and the recycling process. And for adults, there is smash space, with electronics, dishes, bubble wrap, and more.Where: 7 W. Bridge St.More information: cmoo.org.Fort Ontario State Historic SiteDid you know the star-shaped fort is actually the fourth structure to stand in this spot? The others…
Did you know that the Great Swamp Conservancy is the only nature center in Madison County? Located in Canastota, it is a relatively new organization (it was established 26 years ago, in 1997), but the area has a long history. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Great Swamp, a remnant of Lake Iroquois, was drained to create farmland. The Great Swamp Conservancy has worked with private landowners and governmental agencies to restore some of those wetlands. Today, it is 98% run by volunteers. “Our driving organizational goals include habitat conservation, preservation of endangered species, wetland conservation and…
Now that summer is here, are you looking for places to visit with your family?Located about 30 minutes from Syracuse, Cazenovia has activities for all ages.Parks and Nature CentersChittenango Falls State ParkA short drive from the village, this state park features 2.5 miles of hiking – and a 167-foot waterfall (it can be viewed from the 0.36-mile Gorge Trail or an observation area near the parking lot).Where: 2300 Rathbun Road.More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/130.Lakeland ParkLocated in the village, next to Cazenovia Lake, the park’s grounds include a pier, a bandstand, a canoe and kayak launch, a diving board and a swimming beach (it…
Are you in need of a night out? Treat yourself to a show – or two – at Redhouse Arts Center. “One of the things that is particularly uplifting about coming to see any Redhouse show is that it is a positive experience that not only celebrates art, but celebrates community,” said Education Director Marguerite Mitchell. “One of the things that Redhouse really does no matter what piece they’re presenting, whether it be a modern piece, whether it be a classic piece, whether it be something that is seemingly going to be high art (like Shakespeare), is that we always…
This month, Family Times is introducing a new feature, Explore CNY, which will highlight some of the family-friendly activities in local towns. Our first stop is Baldwinsville. Located about 20 minutes north of Syracuse, it is home to parks, u-pick farms and historical sites. Parks and Nature Centers Beaver Lake Nature Center Beaver Lake Nature Center’s nine trails wind through wetlands, meadows, a bog and more (and they are open year-round). Where: 8477 E. Mud Lake Road. More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/beaver-lake-nature-center. Community Park Community Park’s newest addition, an accessible playground, opened in the fall. Families can also take a walk on one…
In the September issue, we introduced you to Symphoria, which is celebrating a milestone this season. Attending a performance also happens to be a wonderful way to treat yourself. “Symphoria can be a great spot to disconnect from the outside world for a little bit and reconnect to yourself and to other people in the community and have a shared experience of music,” said Executive Director Pamela Murchison. “There’s nothing quite like the experience of live music.” You may remember that Symphoria was officially started in 2012 (its successor, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, went bankrupt the year before, and its…
Are you looking to try something new? The Warrior Factory Syracuse offers ninja warrior training for children and adults alike. Located in Camillus, the business first opened in December 2019 (there are also locations in Rochester and Buffalo). Guests can try obstacles from American Ninja Warrior, including a spider climb, rings, and warped walls, during an open play session or sign up for a ninja warrior class. “It’s a really fun and unique way to get some exercise, while doing something outside of the box,” said Owner Kathryn Bolster. And no experience is necessary to participate. “You don’t have to…
Families have been visiting the Utica Zoo for more than a century. The land it is located on was donated by Thomas R. Proctor in 1909. “He had a dream that a park could do as much for South Utica as Central Park was doing for New York City,” said Executive Director Andria Heath. “He hired a famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Omstead, who had designed Central Park, to plan the roads and scenic walkways in Roscoe Conkling Park.” In 1914, 80 acres were set aside for the formation of a zoo. In the early days, the Utica Zoo had…