Author: Family Times

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…

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. The Polar Express TM train ride is a family favorite. Where: 321 Main St., Utica, NY. More information: adirondackrr.com. 2. Buffalo Cattaraugus & Jamestown Scenic…

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…

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…

Did you know? 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 2025 New York State Fair will run from Aug. 20 to Sept. 1 – 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 (however, adults…

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. If you have older children, it’s never too late for them to learn! Here are a few swimming lesson options for babies and children in Central New York: Champions Fitness Center Classes offered: Children’s swim lessons. Where: 7687 Frontage Road, Cicero. More information: championsfitness.com/services. City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs Classes offered: Children’s swim lessons.…

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

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. Before you dive in, remember to swim in designated areas, keep a close eye on children, and pay attention to posted water conditions and lifeguard instructions. Here are nine beaches you should visit this summer for a fun—and safe—day by the water: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…

Blueberry CrispRecipe and photo courtesy of HoodIngredients5 cups fresh or frozen blueberries¼ cup sugar3 Tbsp. flour + ¼ cup½ cup oats, raw½ cup packed brown sugar¼ tsp. ground cinnamon¼ cup butter, cold½ cup chopped walnutsHood® Vanilla Bean Ice Cream DirectionsSTEP 1Preheat oven to 375˚F.STEP 2In a medium mixing bowl, gently toss blueberries, sugar, and 3 Tbsp. flour. Place fruit mixture in a 2-quart baking dish. *Thaw frozen berries, but do not drain. STEP 3To make topping, place ¼ cup flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small mixing bowl. Combine well. Add butter and cut in until mixture is crumbly. Stir…

Now that summer is here, are you looking for some ways to beat the heat – without breaking the bank? Start with this list of Central New York splash pads and spray parks. There are plenty to choose from!Breitbeck Park📍91 Lake St., Oswego, NYCamillus Park📍1 Pool Road, Camillus, NYCFJ Park📍98 CFJ Blvd., Johnson City, NYColumbus Park📍9 Columbus Park East, Binghamton, NYComfort Tyler Park📍1100 Comstock Ave., Syracuse, NYDonovan Memorial Park📍Elm St., Chadwicks, NYHulett Park📍609 Division St., Fulton, NYJoseph F. William Memorial Park 📍7033 Lakeshore Road, Cicero, NYLewis Park📍305 Lewis Ave., Syracuse, NYLysander Park📍Smokey Hollow Road, Baldwinsville, NYMcKinley Park 📍351 W. Newell…