Author: Family Times
It’s the season of giving, so what better time to volunteer? In the November issue of Family Times, we offered some tips for families looking to give back to their community. This month, our staff is highlighting non-profit organizations in Central New York and beyond. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: For years, I have walked in the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk in honor of a dear friend who lost her battle, and just this year, I lost my beloved cousin to his. As wonderful as the holidays are for the majority of people, there are too many…
The Junior League of Syracuse Moves Holiday Shoppes Online Looking to get started on your holiday shopping? Holiday Shoppes, the Junior League of Syracuse’s annual fundraiser, is returning for its 25th year – in a virtual format. Visit the JLS’ Facebook page, facebook.com/events/362898214900703, from November 6-8 for videos, merchant features and shopping links. WonderWorks Syracuse offers free admission for essential workers Are you an essential worker? WonderWorks is offering free admission through November 20 – just fill out the form on its website and provide a paystub or work ID at the box office. Essential workers can also receive a…
After a recent recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to avoid traditional trick-or-treating, Halloween may look a little different this year. With that in mind, we compiled a list of some socially-distanced events in Central New York. You can also click here for some games and movies that you can enjoy with your family – from home. Happy Halloween! Beethoven’s Ghost – Get in the Halloween spirit with music by Beethoven. During this virtual Symphoria performance, families can enjoy music from the famous composer and learn about the influence of his music during a visit from his…
Are you looking to get out and enjoy fall in Central New York? These area apple orchards and pumpkin patches have no shortage of family-friendly activities. Please note: Visit each website for more information about COVID-19 guidelines. Apple Orchards • Abbott Farms – Abbott Farms has something for every member of the family. On weekends during the Fall Festival, Children can enjoy tube slides, an apple cannon, a jump pillow and a corn maze (which you can also visit on Friday and Saturday nights – bring a flashlight), and there is a cider and wine bar for adults. Families can…
When the market goes up and down, and you’re wondering what that means to your budget, it is tempting to put off saving for college. Of course you want the best for your children, but it’s hard to save for future plans when current needs are so pressing. A 529 lets you click, start, save. Every 529 account is designed to make college savings easier. Start one online in just a few minutes, and with automatic contributions and tax-deferred growth, your account can have the momentum to reach your goal. Why are 529 accounts so important? Tuition costs are trending up, and student debt is rising. This increase in college costs and student debt may be a key factor in decreasing home ownership among young New Yorkers.1 Parents and grandparents are taking on debt to help…
Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website. Friday, Sept. 27 Time for Tots Playgroup. 9:30-10:45 a.m. 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. Apple Festival. 5-9 p.m.; through Sept. 29. Annual event features rides and food (only) on the first day. Other days of the festival include live demonstrations, a DJ, an apple pie contest—and rides and food. Presented by the Lioness Club…
Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website. Friday, August 30 New York State Fair. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (exhibits); through Sept. 2. The fair features thousands of animals, hundreds of commercial attractions, scores of rides and innumerable unusual, exotic and fried foods. Also see the works of New York artists and crafters. New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse. Admission: $10/general; free/age 12 and younger. $1/Sept. 2. Parking: $5. (800) 475-FAIR. nysfair.org. Saturday, August 31 New York State Fair. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (exhibits); through Sept. 2. See August 30 listing. Sunday, Sept.…
Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website. Friday, July 26 Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; through July 28. More than 160 artists, entertainers and craftspeople make their mark on Columbus Circle in Syracuse. (315) 422-8284. downtownsyracuse.com. The Dirtmeister Show. 11 a.m.-noon. Steve “The Dirtmeister” Tomecek demonstrates concepts related to flight, airplanes, rockets, and space exploration. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578. Children’s Activities at Oswego Harborfest. 10:30 a.m.-midnight; through July 28. Harborfest includes a Children’s Stage at…
Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website. Friday, June 28 BubbleCircus. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Doug Rougeux presents a soapy show with mime, juggling and bubbles. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578. Pride Picnic. 2-4 p.m. Celebrate the end of Pride Month with food, games and face painting. The library will provide pizza and soda. Participants may bring a dish to share if they wish. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184. nopl.org. Summer Learning Kickoff Party. 2:30…
We have had a fun year at NAPPA Awards – unboxing, testing and playing with lots of children’s gifts, toys and other family products. And now we’re bringing you the best of the best. We have something for everyone on your list – toys focused on creative play and robots that teach about circuits, creative games for family fun night and the newest surprise collectibles. At NAPPA Awards we know the best memories are made through play and family time spent together. That’s why we have been celebrating the best family products for the past 28 years. — Elena Epstein, NAPPA…