Author: Family Times

The holiday season is here, and there are many ways to celebrate locally. Here are a few: Light Displays Broome County Festival of Lights Where: Otsiningo Park, 1 Otsiningo Park, Binghamton. When: Daily, through Dec. 31. More information: bcfestivaloflights.com. Holiday Nights Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. When: Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 16. More information: rosamondgiffordzoo.org. Jungle Bells: Holiday Lights Where: Animal Adventure Park, 85 Martin Hill Road, Harpursville. When: Thursdays-Sundays (except Christmas Eve and Christmas), through Dec. 31 – plus Dec. 26 and 27. More information: theanimaladventurepark.com. Lights on the Lake Where: Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. When: Daily through Jan.…

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Rosamond Gifford Zoo Announces “Dragons Reign!” Exhibit The Rosamond Gifford Zoo will have a new exhibit in 2024 – but it won’t feature live animals. Instead, from Memorial Day weekend until Halloween, families can visit 10 “species” of animatronic dragons (they will include a Chinese Dragon and a Western Dragon, and range in height from five to 20 feet). “Dragons Reign! will be an incredible experience for our guests, providing great entertainment and inspiring the imagination,” said Carrie Large, executive director of Friends of the Zoo, in a press release. “Dragon mythology is prevalent in many cultures – past and…

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For more than three decades, families around Central New York have been making Lights on the Lake part of their holiday traditions. The event returns to Onondaga Lake Park this month. Here is everything you need to know: What’s New The show will feature several new pieces, including a pickleball court. Dates and Hours Lights on the Lake officially opens Nov. 13, and continues through Jan. 12. Cars can drive through the show from 5-10 p.m. each day – but keep in mind, weekends tend to be busiest. Admission Tickets must be purchased in advance online, and the price will…

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Candied Carrots Ingredients: 1 lb. carrots peeled and sliced into ½ inch pieces 2 tbsp. butter 3 tbsp. brown sugar ¼ tsp. salt ⅛ tsp. pepper 1 tbsp. chopped parsley Instructions: Place carrots in large pan. Add 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Drain water and return pan to stove over medium heat. Add brown sugar, butter, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until butter and sugar have melted and carrots are coated in glaze. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. — Lesli Mitchell   Creamy Sweet Potato Bisque…

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MOST Introduces New Exhibit Now that the weather is cooling, are you looking for new indoor activities to do with your family? Well, you’re in luck! A new exhibit, the Novelis Recycling Station, recently opened at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST), where visitors can explore topics such as recycling and sustainability. “Novelis is grateful for the opportunity to work with the MOST on an exhibit that highlights the benefits of aluminum and recycling,” said Kristen Nelson, plant manager of Novelis Oswego, in a press release. “This exhibit will add to the already incredible line up…

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Friends and family will soon come together to celebrate Thanksgiving – and the dinner table is at the heart of those celebrations. But selecting the perfect plates for your feast is not just about functionality; it’s a chance to infuse your table with style and charm. From elegant ceramic dinnerware to convenient disposable options, the plates on this list are sure to impress your guests (plus they are all highly rated on Amazon). Best Plates for Thanksgiving Appetizers​Appetizers help set the stage for your holiday feast, so you need a plate that is up to the task. We had to,…

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It’s that time of year again! Halloween will be here before we know it. If you’re still searching for the perfect costume for your child, check out these ideas (they’re all highly rated on Amazon): Best Classic Costumes Does it get more classic than a witch or a skeleton costume? But these both have a modern twist (they light up). Links: https://amzn.to/459vSqD https://amzn.to/3ZvCsXg Best Scary Costume Another Halloween classic, this vampire costume is just the right amount of scary for younger children. Link: https://amzn.to/4684AC6 Best Funny Costume This inflatable alien costume is sure to get many laughs as you walk…

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From apple orchards to pumpkin patches to haunted attractions, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities in our annual guide.Abbott FarmsWhere: 3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville.More information: abbottfarms.com.Adams AcresWhere: 7047 Sevier Road, Jamesville.More information: adamsacres.net.Appledale OrchardsWhere: 6018 State Route 3, Mexico.More information: appledaleorchard.com.Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard Where: 2708 Lords Hill Road, Lafayette.More information: beakandskiff.com.Behling OrchardsWhere: 114 Potter Road, Mexico.More information: behlingorchards.com.Cicero “Pumkin” PatchWhere: 7169 Island Road, Cicero.More information: ciceropumkinpatch.com.Critz FarmsWhere: 3232 Rippleton Road, State Route 13, Cazenovia.More information: critzfarms.com.Deer Run Farms OrchardWhere: 2695 NY-11A, Lafayette.More information: deerrunfarms.webs.com.Emmi FarmsWhere: 1482 W. Genesee Road, Baldwinsville.More information: emmifarms.com.Fruit Valley OrchardWhere: 507 Bunker Hill Road, Oswego.More information: fruitvalleyorchard.com.Greco Family Farm &…

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 Rosamond Gifford Zoo Introduces Amur Tiger CubsFamilies can now visit two new residents of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.The Amur tiger cubs, whose names are Zuzaan and Soba, were born at the end of April.“Since the birth of the cubs, our team of tiger care specialists have worked tirelessly to provide routine vaccinations and regular health check-ups to ensure their well-being,” said Ted Fox, executive director, in a press release. “We’ve all waited for this moment, and know the public is anxious to see them. Now we get to enjoy seeing the curious tiger cubs as they explore their exhibit –…

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Everson Museum of Art Seeks Teens for Art Council Do you know a high school junior or senior that is interested in art? Spots are available in the Everson Teen Arts Council, which will hold biweekly meetings during the academic year. The deadline to apply is Sept. 29. “The Teen Council provides teens with dynamic leadership opportunities to create meaningful and relevant programs and exhibitions, while giving teens space to explore identity, build skills and prepare for college and careers,” the museum said in a Facebook post. To learn more, visit everson.org. Summer of Lights Exhibit Opens at MOST The…

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