Author: Family Times

Fall has officially arrived in Central New York! Are you hoping to start a new family tradition this year? Sarah Lyons shares eight ideas. Or maybe you’re looking to take a quick day trip. Click here  four destinations where you can embrace the season. And of course, don’t forget to check out our annual fall activities guide, which features area apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and much more!

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Baltimore Woods Nature Center Hosts Nature in Pastel Families can explore the Finger Lakes region at Baltimore Woods Nature Center’s latest exhibit. Created by Robin McCondichie, Nature in Pastel features a variety of landscape paintings. “The drama of the early morning light as it touches the trees, the grasses, or the water particularly calls to me,” she said in a press release. The free exhibit will run through Oct. 27, and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Saturday (guests can also visit Nature in Pastel Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. by calling (315) 673-1350).…

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By Gina Roberts-Grey Family Times is 20! To celebrate, we will pick one article (or a few) from our archive each month – including this one, which appeared in our October 2006 issue. View our other anniversary content here. What are you going to be for Halloween? A task synonymous with October, choosing and locating a Halloween costume can haunt children and parents alike. Most children resist donning handed-down costumes or recycling last year’s scary ensemble. They also do not always understand the need choose a costume that is not frightening to your wallet. But with a mix of creativity, ingenuity…

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Syracuse Stage Announces Sensory-Friendly Performances Syracuse Stage held its first sensory-friendly performance during the 2016/17 season. During the 2022/23 season, there will be three: How to Dance in Ohio (Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.); Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Saturday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m.); and Clue (Saturday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m.). Accommodations will include: dimmed house lights, fidget toys, trained support staff, and quiet rooms and “cool down” spaces. There may be additional adjustments, depending on the show. Tickets are $30 (they can be returned until the performance begins). “After seeing how successful our sensory friendly series has…

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By Sami Arseculeratne Family Times is 20! To celebrate, we will pick one article from our archive each month – including this one, which appeared in our Back to School Issue in 2006. View our other anniversary content here. The beginning of a new school year is prime time for settling back into healthy routines and for starting new habits to save time and avoid conflict. Here are some ways to structure and simplify school routines and avoid common pitfalls. Establish new bedtimes and curfews. Pre-school and school-age children need at least 10 hours of sleep. Establish a reasonable bedtime and…

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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 fair will run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5 – a total of 13 days. The fairground’s hours are: Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Friday – Sunday from 9 a.m. – midnight. On Labor Day, the fair will be open from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. DAILY ADMISSION AND PARKING Tickets will again cost $3 per…

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‘The Next Level of Recovery’ Former NFL player Arthur Jones helped found the first wellness and recovery facility in Syracuse By Courtney Kless Arthur Jones spent eight seasons in the National Football League, winning a Super Bowl title in 2013 with the Baltimore Ravens, before announcing his retirement in 2018. It was during this time that former teammate (and Hall of Famer) Ray Lewis introduced him to a new concept. “He said, ‘Hey Art, I want to show you how to take care of your body and how to recover!’ And he took me to a place like this. I…

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By Maggie Simone Family Times is 20! To celebrate, we will pick one article from our archive each month – including this one, which originally appeared in the July 2003 issue. View our other anniversary content here. It’s that time of year again. Time to take off from work and relax with your family. Vacation time. It’s amazing how the concept has changed over the years. When we are kids, vacation means no school. Period. In college, it means no school plus group trips to go crazy in places where people will never see us again. When we become grown-ups,…

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Did you know July is National Ice Cream Month? Here are some places you can enjoy the sweet treat in Central New York. Abbott’s Frozen Custard Where: 4282 Fay Road, Syracuse. More information: abbottscustard.com. Arctic Island & Café Where: 210 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. More information: arcticislandsyracuse.com.  Big Dip Ice Cream Where: 216 N. Main St., North Syracuse. More information: bigdipicecream.com. Charlee’s Ice Cream Where: 112 Kasson Road, Camillus. More information: charleesicecream.com.  Coneheads Ice Cream Where: 646 Lenox Ave., Oneida. More information: facebook.com/Coneheads-Ice-Cream-Oneida-103490108684462. Fifi’s Ice Cream & Sweets Where: 3021 James St., Syracuse. More information: fifisicecream.com. Gannon’s Ice Cream Where:…

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Syracuse Opens Outdoor Pools Are you looking for a place to cool off this summer? The pools at Thornden Park, Onondaga Park, Schiller Park, Kirk Park and Burnet Park are now open Monday-Saturday from noon-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Reservations are no longer required. Some of the city’s other pools (including those at McKinley Park, Wilson Park and Lincoln Park) will be closed this season due to a shortage of lifeguards. For more information, visit syracuse.recdesk.com. Area Girl Scouts Wrap Up 2022 Cookie Program The 2022 cookie program has come to an end. Troops in the Girl…

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