Author: Family Times

For more than three decades, families around Central New York have been making Lights on the Lake part of their holiday traditions. The event returns to Onondaga Lake Park this month. Here is everything you need to know: What’s New The show will feature several new additions, including cheerleading elves in the Wide World of Sports section and two new displays in the Holiday Traditions section. Dates and Hours Lights on the Lake officially opens Nov. 18 and continues through Jan. 13. Cars can drive through the show from 5-10 p.m. each day—but keep in mind, weekends tend to be…

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Volunteering has countless benefits for children and teens, and the holiday season is a great time to give back. Read on for eight places where you can volunteer locally this year: 1. CNY Diaper Bank Founded in May 2016, the CNY Diaper Bank collects and distributes diapers to local families. Volunteers are needed to count, sort, and repackage donations—or you can coordinate your own diaper drive. More information: cnydiaperbank.org/volunteer. 2. Food Bank of Central New York The Food Bank of Central New York distributes more than 18 million pounds of food each year, according to its website. Families can volunteer in…

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Scenic train rides are a great family-friendly activity—especially during the fall months! These are our picks (they’re all within three hours of Syracuse): 1. Adirondack Railroad The first option on our list also happens to be the closest (the Adirondack Railroad connects Central New York and the northern Adirondacks). From the Utica station, you can book roundtrip rides to Old Forge and Tupper Lake—or you can journey from Holland Patent to Remsen on the Halloween train. Where: 321 Main St., Utica. More information: adirondackrr.com. 2. Buffalo Cattaraugus & Jamestown Scenic Railway Looking for an option near Buffalo? Consider Hamburg, home of…

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Ingredients 2 cups Hood® Lowfat Cottage Cheese 2 tablespoons Hood® Whole Milk in the Lightblock Bottle 4 large eggs 2 tablespoons sugar 1 large apple, grated (skin on), and more for garnish, if desired 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ¾ cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Directions STEP 1 Place cottage cheese and milk in a small food processor or blender. Process on high until smooth, about 1 minute. STEP 2 In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar. Add the cottage cheese mixture and combine until blended. Add the apple and vanilla…

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Fall has officially arrived in Central New York—and what better way to celebrate the season than with a scenic train ride? Click here for our picks (all of them are within three hours of Syracuse). Then don’t forget to check out our annual fall activities guide below; it features area apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and much more!

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The start of the school year is a great time to sign up your child or teen for a new after-school program or activity. And there are a lot of options in Central New York. Here are a few of them:GeneralBASCOLAges: Grades K-6.Offers: Before and after school programs.Location: Central Square Central School District; Liverpool Central School District; Lyncourt School; Solvay Union Free School District; St. Mary’s Academy (Baldwinsville); West Genesee Central School District.More information: bascol.org.Boys and Girls Clubs of SyracuseAges: 5-18.Offers: Academic Success; Character & Leadership Development; Healthy Lifestyles.Location: 2100 E. Fayette St., Syracuse (East Fayette Street Club); 201 Shonnard…

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The first New York State Fair took place in 1841. Nearly two centuries later, it continues to be a staple of the summer calendar. Here is everything you need to know about this year’s event: DATES AND HOURS The 2024 New York State Fair will run from Aug. 21 to Sept. 2 – a total of 13 days. The fairground will be open from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. each day (except Labor Day, when its hours will be 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.). DAILY ADMISSION AND PARKING The admission fee is $8 per person (unless someone in your family…

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When is the best time for your child to start swimming? The American Association of Pediatrics recommends that lessons begin at age 1, but infants as young as six months old can participate in classes that acclimate them to the water. Here are a few options in Central New York:Champions Fitness CenterClasses offered: Children’s swim lessons.Where: 7687 Frontage Road, Cicero.More information: championsfitness.com/services.City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth ProgramsClasses offered: Children’s swim lessons.Where: 7687 Frontage Road, Cicero.More information: championsfitness.com/services.Elevate FitnessClasses offered: Parent & Child (9 months-4 years); Introduction to Water Skills (ages 4+); Fundamental Aquatic Skills (ages 5+);…

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Ingredients: ½ cup heavy cream ½ cup whole milk Juice from two oranges Zest from one orange 1 tsp. vanilla ¼ cup honey Instructions: In a blender, add cream, milk, honey, and vanilla. Zest one orange, then cut and squeeze two oranges into blender. Blend until well combined. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 3 hours or until completely frozen. Serve. Recipe from Leanne Ziemba

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Beaches may not be the first thing you associate with Central New York, but the region is actually home to many family-friendly swimming spots. Here are nine you should visit this summer:1. Delta Lake State Park (Rome)Lake Delta was first created in the early 1900s. These days, the park’s sandy beach, playgrounds, and hiking and nature trails make it a family favorite during the summer months.Where: 8797 State Route 46, Rome. Admission fee: $7/vehicle.More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/deltalake.2. Emerson Park (Auburn)Come to this Finger Lakes park for its beach, then stay for its many other amenities, including playgrounds, disc golf, a dog…

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