Author: Family Times

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 plenty of options in Central New York:GeneralBASCOLAges: Grades K-6.Offers: After school programs in art, sciences, cooperative group games, and physical activities.Location: Central Square Central School District, Liverpool Central School District, Lyncourt School, Solvay Union Free School District, St. Mary’s Academy (Baldwinsville), and Stonehedge Elementary School.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…

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: Little Swimmer (ages 14 months to 3 years); Seahorse (ages 3-5); Goldfish (ages 5+); Bullfrogs (ages 6+); Blue Whales (ages 7+); Starfish (ages 8+); and Eels (ages 9+). Where: 230 Lincoln Ave, Syracuse (Southwest Community Center Pool). 4942 S. Salina St., Syracuse (Valley Pool). More information: syr.gov/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Learn-to-Swim. Elevate Fitness Classes offered: Parent & Child (9 months-4 years); Introduction to Water Skills (ages 4+); Fundamental Aquatic Skills (ages 5+); and Stroke Development &…

Join Us at Towpath DayBy John WhitfordOn Aug.12, Towpath Day returns to Camillus Erie Canal Park. We are happy that the Hillcourt Museum will sponsor an information table on the Erie Canal Historic Trail Award. We invite all youth groups and families to join us. All youths in attendance will receive a free trail hike patch while supplies last.Go back in time for this family-oriented event celebrating the Erie Canal. There will be lots of entertainment, children’s activities, narrated boat rides, re-enactors, crafters, vendors, food, and more. Admission is free and there will be free parking in the Department of…

Area Girl Scouts Wrap Up 2023 Cookie Season Another cookie season is in the books for the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways (GSNYPENN) Council. It sold a a total of 1,673,785 boxes of cookies during this year’s program (and donated 24,520 more), according to a press release, a 16.56% increase from 2022. “Through the annual cookie program, our members learn financial literacy, practice entrepreneurship and further develop and strengthen their leadership skills,” said GSNYPENN CEO Julie Dale, in a press release. “It was wonderful to feel a return to ‘normalcy’ this season. Despite a few bumps in the road, we…

Dates Announced for 2023 Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival The Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is returning for its 29th year. The event will take place on Sept. 9 and 10 in downtown Norwich, and feature artist demonstrations, hands-on activities and entertainment. There is no admission fee. Applications are also being accepted for its Francis K. Wilcox Emerging Young Artist Scholarship. Two high school seniors will be awarded $350, and their work will be displayed at the festival. Applications must be mailed by June 16, and are available online or at area libraries and high school art departments. “This is our 15th…

Recipe and photo courtesy of Hood Ingredients 4 large croissants (a day or two old is best) 1 cup strawberries, fresh, sliced, divided 1 cup fresh blueberries, divided 4 large eggs 2 cups Hood® Light Cream 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 tsp salt 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup Hood® Heavy Cream Directions STEP 1 Preheat oven to 350˚F. STEP 2 Coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Tear up two croissants and layer them in the baking dish. Add half of the strawberries and half of the blueberries. Cover the berries with the remaining torn croissants, and top…

Miniature Golf Big Don’s Outdoor Fun CenterWhere: 8408 Button Road, Cicero.More information: bigdons.com. Fairmount Glen Miniature GolfWhere: 210 Onondaga Road, Syracuse.More information: fairmountglen.com. Four Seasons Golf & Ski CenterWhere: 8012 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville.More information: fourseasonsgolfandski.com. Gold Rush Adventure GolfWhere: 4853 NY-233, Westmoreland.More information: goldrushminiaturegolf.weebly.com. Hickory Hill Golf Center Where: 3451 State Route 31, Baldwinsville.More information: hickoryhillgolfcourse.com/amenities/mini-golf. Lakeview LanesWhere: 723 W. Broadway, Fulton.More information: lakeviewbowling.com/mini-golf. Mr. Pudder’s Mini Golf & Ice CreamWhere: 687 W. Genesee St. Road, Skaneateles.More information: mrpudders.com. Palm Springs Mini GolfWhere: 9411 Maynard Drive, Marcy.More information: palmspringsminigolf.com. Shipwreck AmusementsWhere: 759 State Route 13, Cortland.More information: shipwreck-amusements.com. Tom Thumb Drive…

Central New York is home to numerous waterfalls, big and small.Here are 12 that you should check out this summer:Buttermilk Falls State ParkBegin at the lower entrance – it is a short walk from the 165-foot Buttermilk Falls – then explore one of the park’s six trails, which range in length from .75 miles to 1.5 miles.Where: 112 E. Buttermilk Falls Road, Ithaca.More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/buttermilkfalls/details.aspx.Carpenter Falls Unique AreaView not one, but two, waterfalls on your .59-mile hike. Make sure to also check out the nearby Bahar Preserve.Where: 5986-6062 Appletree Point, Moravia.More information: dec.ny.gov/lands/108942.html.Chittenango Falls State ParkThis state park features 2.5 miles…

Kids, CNY SPCA Help Save Lives By John Whitford Each year at the CNY SPCA, hundreds of dogs, cats and other ‘critters’ (like birds, hamsters, rabbits and ferrets) are adopted into loving homes. Kids often play an important role in the rescue, care, and placement of these wonderful creatures. First, a bit of history. The CNY SPCA was founded in 1891 to help ensure the proper and humane care of the mules along the Erie Canal. Over the years, the mission of the CNY SPCA expanded to include all domestic, and even farm, animals. Recently two pigs and some chickens…

By Terri Skeele Family Times is 20! To celebrate, we will pick one article from our archive each month including this one, which appeared in the May 2005 issue. View our other anniversary content here. The end of the school year elicits mixed emotions from students and teachers. While everyone looks forward to summer break, a major hurdle must first be cleared. Of course, this hurdle involves parents, too. Who else is hounding the kids to study, study, study? You’ve done it throughout the year for unit exams, quizzes, and midterms, but the final is the biggie. In many courses,…