Author: Family Times

Last season was one for the record books, with 56,378 vehicles driving through Lights on the Lake, according to its Facebook page. The popular holiday show will return to Onondaga Lake Park this month. Here is everything you need to know about this year’s event: What’s New  The show will feature several new pieces, including a holiday dragon and a winter skyline. Dates and Hours Lights on the Lake officially opens Nov. 15, and continues through Jan. 14. Cars can drive through the show from 5-10 p.m. each day – but keep in mind, weekends tend to be busiest.  Admission…

Baltimore Woods Nature Center Hosts Fall Exhibit Looking for something to do this month? Baltimore Woods Nature Center is hosting a free fall exhibit. Titled Nature’s Magic, it features creations by Lisa Davis and photographs by Dean Kolts – both are inspired by nature, and both are Central New York residents. The exhibit will run through Oct. 28, and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Saturday (guests can also visit Nature’s Magic Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. by calling (315) 673-1350). For more information, visit baltimorewoods.org/art-gallery. Programming Resumes at Rice Creek Field…

Now that school is back in session, are you looking for ways to supplement your child’s learning? These apps cover everything from physics to coding to foreign languages – and they all cost $2.99 or less. Book Creator Interactive stories. Comic books. Science reports. Poetry books. Children and teens can use text, images, video, and audio to create these, and much more, with the Book Creator app. Ages: 4+. Platform: iOS. Cost: $2.99. More information: bookcreator.com. BrainPOP Jr. Movie of the Week Open this app each week for a new movie – and related activities. Topics include: science, social studies,…

Wreaths Across America’s Mobile Education Exhibit National Tour to Visit CNY Wreaths Across America’s Mobile Education Exhibit will visit New York this month, making two stops locally. The Mobile Education Exhibit features exhibits, stories and short films. It will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery on Sunday, Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Cayuga Community College on Monday, Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. There is no cost to attend. “The goal of the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit is to bring community together and teach patriotism while remembering the service and sacrifice of our…

The season for farmers markets is in full swing. These Central New York destinations have everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to local products and live entertainment. Auburn Farmer’s Co-op Market Where: 96 State St., Auburn. When: Tuesdays, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Thursdays, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. (through October). More information: facebook.com/AuburnFarmersCoOpMarketInc. Baldwinsville Farmers Market Where: 1 Denio St., Baldwinsville. When: Tuesdays, 3 – 7 p.m. (through Sept. 14). More information: facebook.com/baldwinsvillemarket. Bayberry Plaza Farmers Market Where: 7608 Oswego Road, Liverpool. When: Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. More information: bayberryplaza.com/farmers-market. Camillus…

Are you looking to spend some quality time with your family outdoors? Spend a night (or a week) at these family-friendly camping spots – and the best part is, they’re all within two hours of Syracuse. Please note: Visit each website for more information about current COVID regulations. Buttermilk Falls State Park – Located on the outskirts of Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls State Park is home to waterfalls, gorges, hiking trails, and a natural pool. Cabin rentals are available. Where: 112 E. Buttermilk Falls Road, Ithaca. More information: (607) 273-5761. ny.gov/parks/buttermilkfalls/details.aspx. Cooperstown Beaver Valley Cabins & Campsites – This campground has no…

Syracuse Stage, Landmark Theatre, Redhouse Arts Center Announce Plans for 2021/22 Season Live theater is returning to downtown Syracuse. Syracuse Stage recently announced that it will present six shows during its 2021/22 season: Eureka Day (October 13-31); Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (November 19-January 2); Yoga Play (January 19-February 6); Somewhere Over the Border (February 23- March 13); The Play that Goes Wrong (April 13-May 1); and salt/city/blues (June 8-26). The season will also feature several family programs, including Doodle POP and the Young Playwrights Festival. Subscriptions will go on sale beginning Tuesday, July 6. “Our new season is uplifting,”…

Picnics at the Park Comes to Onondaga Lake Park Looking to sample some local cuisine? Picnics at the Park will be held every Thursday throughout the summer at Onondaga Lake Park. Food trucks will offer $1 samples, and live music will also be available. Picnics at the Park takes the place of Taste of Syracuse, which was cancelled for a second year due to COVID-19. Two popular events will also return to Central New York this month. From June 10-13, families can stop by the St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival and order a variety of dishes, including Greek salad, gyros,…

Whether you’re celebrating National Donut Day (the first Friday in June) or simply craving something sweet, Central New York is home to some of the best local donut shops around. From classic glazed donuts and homemade cider donuts to creative specialty flavors, bakeries across Syracuse and the surrounding CNY region offer fresh treats that are worth the trip. Here’s where to find the sweet treat in Central New York, including family-owned bakeries and local favorites perfect for breakfast, dessert, or your next coffee run: Bella Bakery 📍904 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse, NY Camerons Bakery 📍169 Grant Ave., Auburn, NY Country…

Hangar Theatre to Present Outdoor KIDDSTUFF Shows Hoping to catch a play or musical this summer? The Hangar Theatre will present KIDDSTUFF shows from June 25 – July 31. Families can enjoy four performances: Elephant and Piggie’s We Are In A Play! (June 25-26); The Little Mermaid (July 9-10); The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (July 16-17); and Stoo’s Famous Martian-American Gumbo (July 30-31). There will also be a sensory-friendly performance each Saturday. Tickets are $12. Families can also purchase a subscription for all four shows ($40) or reserve (Pay) What You Will tickets in advance. For more information, visit hangartheatre.org/buy-tickets/category/kiddstuff/list.  …