Author: Kylie Fahnestock

The best family trips don’t always require a flight, a passport, or a lot of advance planning — sometimes all you need is a few hours on the road. If you’ve been following along with our getaway series, you’ll remember that the February break edition was all about finding ways to embrace (or escape) the cold. The spring getaways guide celebrated the shift in seasons, and that first glimpse of milder weather after a long CNY winter. But this one? This is the one you’ve been waiting for. Summer in Central New York is pure magic. No school schedules to…

Skip the long drive (and the gas bill) — and head to the 1000 Islands If you’re a parent, chances are the idea of a family vacation sounds equal parts exciting and exhausting. Between the rising cost of gas, the logistics of packing for everyone, and — if you have young children — the thought of keeping a toddler entertained for hours in the backseat, a big trip can start to feel more like a project than a getaway. And yet…the itch to go somewhere, to break up your routine and make some memories, doesn’t go away just because life…

It’s a little after two in the morning, and I’m wide awake in our upstairs bathroom. My heart and my thoughts are racing, and I’m convinced I might be dying. I’ve made a mistake, and this is my punishment for thinking I was cut out to be a mom. My husband and our eight week old son are fast asleep downstairs. I look down and brace my hands against my thighs, try to focus on the pattern printed on my pajamas. I convince myself to take a breath. And another and another… until I can feel my heartbeat finally slow.…

A note on language: Throughout this article, you’ll see us use both “autistic children” and “children with autism.” We do this intentionally, out of respect for the range of preferences within the autism community. Many autistic individuals and self-advocates prefer identity-first language (“autistic child”), while some families prefer person-first language (“child with autism”). Both are used here with equal care and respect. If you’ve ever stood in a toy aisle — or fallen down an online shopping rabbit hole at 11pm — trying to find the right toy for your child, you know how quickly overwhelming it can get. For…

We’re celebrating National Library Week! This year’s theme is “Find Your Joy,” and we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on someone who embodies that spirit of joy every single day. Megan McDaniels, the Youth Services Librarian at the Northern Onondaga Public Library’s Brewerton branch, has made it her mission to spark curiosity and create experiences that kids and families genuinely look forward to. In just one year at NOPL, she’s already left a meaningful mark on the community — and we’re thrilled to recognize her as this month’s Family Times Educator of the Month. What inspired you to pursue a…

April is Autism Acceptance Month — a perfect time to be reminded of how important it is to celebrate and show up for the autistic individuals and families in our community. Whether you’re the parent of an autistic child looking for a low-stress outing, or simply someone who wants to know what CNY has to offer when it comes to inclusive experiences, you’re in the right place. The good news? Central New York has more to offer than you might think. From recurring sensory-friendly programs at local museums and theaters to annual community events, there are real, accessible options here…

If the calendar says spring but the weather outside hasn’t quite gotten the memo yet — welcome to Central New York. If you’ve lived here for any amount of time, you know spring can feel slow to arrive, but once it does, it’s welcomed with open arms. Whether there’s still a dusting of snow on the ground or the first hints of warmth are finally starting to break through, one thing is certain: spring break is just around the corner, and after the winter we’ve had, CNY families are more than ready to get out and go somewhere. This is…

You would think buying a ride-on toy for your child would be simple…but one “quick” search later you’ve likely found yourself buried in options — electric vs. pedal, this brand vs. that one, suitable for ages 2-4 but also maybe 5? It’s a lot to sift through. And when you’re trying to find something your kid will actually use (and that’s worth the investment), the feeling of overwhelm is completely understandable. That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up our favorite outdoor ride-on toys organized by age, so you can easily find the right fit for your child and shop…

Concert season in Central New York will be here before we know it! There has been a constant stream of announcements, and it looks like 2026 is going to be one of the best seasons yet for live music in Syracuse and beyond. With so many updates, we decided to put together a guide so you and your family can start planning ahead, and easily see what’s on the horizon for spring and summer. There’s something for everyone here, no matter your taste in music! We’ve included updates from the Lakeview Amphitheater 2026 schedule, the Landmark Theatre, the 2026 NYS…

Does your family have a case of cabin fever? With this brutal winter weather we’ve been having, you’re definitely not alone! February break in Central New York is just around the corner, and it often means one thing: restless kids bouncing off the walls while you’re scrambling to find activities that don’t involve another day of screen time. Between the gray skies, lingering cold and snow, and that seemingly endless stretch between the holidays and spring, finding the perfect February break getaway from Central New York can feel like a challenge — but it doesn’t have to be. Some of…