Author: Family Times

Four Ways You Can Celebrate Father’s Day in Central New YorkThis Father’s Day, there’s no need to search far and wide for the perfect celebration. There are plenty of ways to make the day memorable right here in Central New York. Here are four ideas:Catch a baseball game. Celebrate Father’s Day with the Syracuse Mets. Their June 16 matchup with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs will feature Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act, a jersey giveaway, and a catch with dad on the field once the game is over.Go canoeing or kayaking. If dad loves the outdoors, take the family to Beaver Lake…

Baltimore Woods Nature Center Hosts Student Art Exhibit The Student Art Exhibit is returning to the Baltimore Woods Nature Center this month. The nature-inspired artwork, created by elementary, middle, and high schoolers in the Auburn, Marcellus, Onondaga, Skaneateles, and West Genesee Central School Districts, will be on display in the Interpretive Center from May 6-31. “We look forward to this display every year,” said Karen Jean Smith, gallery coordinator, in a press release. “It’s fun to see the enthusiasm expressed by the students in their work and also when they come to see the show. On a more serious note,…

Symphoria Changes NameA local non-profit organization has a new name. Symphoria, which was founded in 2012, is now The Syracuse Orchestra.“Since our inception, our goal has been to serve the Central New York area through the gift of orchestral music,” it said in a statement on its Facebook page. “As a result, we have received tremendous support from the Syracuse community in ways we couldn’t have imagined…Our vision with this rebrand is to reflect the community that has pillared our organization for so long.”To learn more about The Syracuse Orchestra, visit syracuseorchestra.org. Syracuse Mets Add New Food Option for 2024…

Every child deserves to play, explore, and feel like they belong — and that includes kids of all abilities. Inclusive playgrounds are thoughtfully designed to welcome children with physical, sensory, and developmental differences, offering features like wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory play elements, and ground-level activities that let kids of all abilities play side by side. Whether your child has a disability, or you simply want to find a space where every kid in your group can fully participate, these CNY playgrounds are a great place to start. Here’s a look at inclusive playgrounds across Central New York worth checking out.ARISE at…

Next month, a solar eclipse is set to captivate skywatchers around the country as the moon passes between Earth and the sun – and parts of Central New York (including Syracuse) will be in the path of totality. If you’re looking for some kid-friendly places to observe the eclipse (and to learn more about it), take a look at this list:Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) The museum will host a Solar Eclipse Festival on its east lawn with tabling activities and food trucks. Families can snag some complimentary glasses too – while supplies last. Where: 500 S. Franklin St.,…

Cookie Season Begins for Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways Craving cookies? Troops in the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways (GSNYPENN) Council are selling the sweet treat through March 31. This year, there are nine varieties to choose from: Samoas®, Tagalongs®, Do-si-dos®, Lemon-Ups®, Thin Mints®, Toffee-tastic®, Trefoils®, Girl Scout S’mores®, and Adventurefuls™. Each box costs $6, a $1 increase from 2023. “When our bold, goal-setting Girl Scouts sell cookies, they’re doing so much more than what we see at face value,” said GSNYPENN CEO Julie Dale in a press release. “They’re entrepreneurial youth leaders creating a more equitable future for themselves and…

Are you looking for some things you can do with your family over winter break? Start with this list of area camps and attractions: Camps Art Infusion School Break Camp. Feb. 16-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 5-12. This camp will feature art, drama, and games. Rome Art and Community Center, 308 W. Bloomfield St., Rome. romeart.org. Rock Climbing Vacation Program. February 16 – 20, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ages 8-13. This week-long winter break program for blends climbing, obstacle courses, and team-building activities to build confidence, strength, and new skills—no prior climbing experience required. Central Rock Gym, 600 N.…

Glazed Raspberry Donuts Recipe and photo courtesy of Hood Ingredients: Donuts 2 cups whole wheat flour 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt ⅔ cup sugar 2 large eggs 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 2 tbsp. canola oil ½ cup Hood 1% Lowfat Milk in the LightBlock Bottle 1 cup Hood Sour Cream 1 ½ cup fresh raspberries, washed and dried, divided Glaze 2 cups powdered sugar ¼ cup Hood 1% Lowfat Milk in the LightBlock Bottle 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract Directions: STEP 1 Preheat oven to 350˚F. Coat donut baking pan with cooking spray.…

Tickets Go on Sale for Broadway Shows Are you hoping to catch a Broadway show at the Landmark Theatre this year? Well, you’re in luck! Tickets are now on sale for the rest of the 2023-2024 M&T Bank Broadway Season. There are four more shows on the schedule (including one that starts this month): Hairspray (Jan. 30-Feb. 3); Pretty Woman: The Musical (March 19-23); Hadestown (April 16-21); and Six (May 28-June 2). For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit BroadwayInSyracuse.com. Oneida County History Center Hosts Not So Tiny Nutcracker Display Not ready for the holidays to be over? Stop…

Central New York has no shortage of outdoor activities during the winter months. These are some of the best places to hike, snowshoe, ice skate, and more. Baltimore Woods Nature Center Where: 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. More information: baltimorewoods.org. Beaver Lake Nature Center Where: 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/beaver-lake-nature-center. Camillus Erie Canal Park Where: 5750 Devoe Road, Camillus. More information: eriecanalcamillus.com. Camillus Ski Hill   Where: 401 Blackmore Road, Camillus. More information: camillusskihill.com. Clark Reservation State Park Where: 6105 E. Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville. More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/clarkreservation. Clinton Square Ice Rink Where: 2 S. Clinton St., Syracuse. More…