Family Times June 2025 by Family Times

JUNE 2025

GRADUATION GIFTS THE CLASS OF 2025 WILL LOVE

FIVE WAYS TO KEEP KIDS READING

SUMMER IN CNY

DISCOVERING SYRACUSE’S ‘SIMPLE WONDERS’ PAGE 15

BEST SUNSCREENS PAGE 20

ACTIVITIES GUIDE PAGES 22-25

Why more people say, “Take me to Crouse.”

Family Times talks to Angelene Guglielmo from Le Moyne College’s Summer Arts Institute.

10 Feature

Practical graduation gifts the class of 2025 will love.

Education

Five ways to encourage summer reading. 14 Summer in CNY

The best sunscreens for kids, plus our annual activities guide.

Calendar

Now that summer is here, are you planning any trips with your family? Why not take a staycation instead?

As part of its ‘Simple Wonders’ campaign, Visit Syracuse is inviting Central New Yorkers to do just that.

“We really just want to get visitors and locals alike out exploring the area, maybe find a hidden (or not so hidden) gem they never knew existed,” said Liz Judge, marketing portfolio director. “I think so many people, even those that have grown up around here, don’t know about all the spots that are even maybe just a 20-minute drive from where they live.”

There are eight different themed itineraries to choose from. I recently followed part of the ‘Family Fun’ one, which included stops at Beaver Lake Nature Center, Green Lakes State Park, and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. You can read more about the tour — and the app that goes along with it — on pages 15-18.

Then turn to page 22 for our annual list of miniature golf courses, u-pick berry farms, water activities, and more. There’s something for every member of the family!

The start of summer isn’t all we’re celebrating this month; it’s also graduation season. On pages 10 and 11, Pam Molnar shares some practical gifts the class of 2025 will love.

Thank you for reading, and Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures in Central New York — including my own!

SUMMER ACTIVITIES GUIDE

William Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF

Courtney Kless CourtneyK@familytimescny.com

Steve Guglielmo

Robin Barnes GRAPHIC

Renate Wood

Sarah Lyons, Pam Molnar SALES

Tim Hudson (ext. 201) ADVERTISING

Lesli Mitchell (ext. 204) LMitchell@familytimescny.com ADDRESS

9 Albany St., Suite 2e Cazenovia, NY 13035 (315) 422-7011 fax: (315) 422-1721

familytimescny.com

INSIDE:

Want to avoid the summer slide? Pages 12 and 13 have five ways parents can keep kids reading over the school break, plus an at-home activity from Ithaca’s Sciencenter. Stay tuned for even more in the July and August issues!

MOM OF NICU BABY

Every summer, I get to rediscover my own love for cinema through the fresh eyes of my campers.

Angelene Guglielmo, Film Program Instructor, Le Moyne College Summer Arts Institute

BY COURTNEY KLESS

What led you to become the film program instructor at Le Moyne College’s Summer Arts Institute?

As a former Phin who graduated from Le Moyne College with a B.A. in communications and minors in French, film, and criminology, returning to my roots to lead the film program at the Summer Arts Institute felt like a full-circle moment. While in undergrad at Le Moyne, I worked in the communications and film studies department as a work-study, which strengthened my connections to faculty and improved my knowledge of the film equipment. Stepping back on campus in this educator role is truly a dream come true. While I have previously worked in administrative roles at other summer camps, none offered this type of opportunity to combine my passions of education, film, and camp. Introducing youth to film studies and video production is deeply rewarding to me.

Tell us a little about the program. What skills do attendees leave with?

Well, the simplest answer is a basic introduction to film studies and video production, but the skills reach well beyond the obvious. Attendees learn how to watch films critically as works of art, rather than mere entertainment. This analytical foundation of film helps aid in their ability to then reproduce. They engage with every phase of the production process — from storyboarding, script writing, and creating shot lists in pre-production to filming and directing during production, and finally editing, color grading, and peer review in post-production. By the end of the two weeks, each camper leaves with a completed short film, which ultimately reflects their newfound understanding of cinema.

1 3

How do you approach teaching film to students who are new to the medium?

We structure the camp day to balance classroom learning of film and hands-on experience shooting film. In the morning, the campers learn a brief introduction to the daily screening: its title, director, scriptwriter, cinematographer, release year, and genre.

We then watch the film together on the big screen, followed by a group discussion to capture their initial reactions. This dialogue segues into a more in-depth analysis, where I present key cinematic and narrative elements tailored to our screening.

In the afternoon, campers then take what they’ve learned and put it into practice by working on their own short films. In my opinion, this is where the campers really learn — with a camera in their hands and room to experiment. Oftentimes, I discover the campers’ raw natural talent exceeds my expectations, and all they need is simple guidance to refine and focus it.

What is your favorite part of the program?

My favorite part of the program is witnessing campers fall in love with cinema. The theme of my year instructing was a study of the “coming-of-age” genre, which resonated deeply with our attendee population. One memorable moment was the day we screened The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012). Sitting in the back of the room, I was able to watch the campers react to the same critical scenes that teared me up upon my first viewing of the film when I was their age. It’s moments like that why I love my role as an educator. Every summer, I get to rediscover my own love for cinema through the fresh eyes of my campers. Cinema can always inspire, engage, and transform viewers through its power of storytelling in moving pictures.

Graduation Gifts the Class of 2025 Will Love

BY PAM MOLNAR

It’s that time of year again: graduation season. If you have a high school graduate in your life this year, you want to give them a gift that is both worthy of this milestone and something that won’t just sit on a shelf. If you are stuck for ideas, check out some of ours:

Spirit wear – Help your recent grad blend in at their new school by getting them some college spirit wear, such as hats, hoodies, or pajamas. Other options are travel mugs, Christmas ornaments, umbrellas, and pillows.

Luggage – Maybe your grad is taking a year off and plans to travel. Whether they are traveling first class or backpacking across the country, they need something to hold their things. For daily use, consider

purchasing a book bag for walking around campus or a duffel bag for the gym. You can also add on items, like a neck pillow or a lock for the locker room.

Toolkit – Tools are the things that are often overlooked on a college freshman’s move-in list. They are needed for putting together new furniture, taking the backs off battery compartments, and decorating a new space. A basic toolkit includes screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer, measuring tape, and other handy tools. You can find a ready-made toolkit at your local hardware store or online.

A Basket of Goodies – Whether your grad is starting out in their first apartment or headed to the dorm, they will appreciate a basket full of essentials. Fill a laundry

basket with snack foods, toiletries, Command Strips, first aid items, cold medicines, earplugs, sleep masks, lightbulbs, batteries, a dry erase calendar, a water filter, and a roll of quarters for the Laundromat.

Gift Cards – Gift cards are a one-sizefits-all type of gift. New college students might appreciate a gas card or a gift card to Walmart, where they can pick up food, toiletries, or household items. Other ideas include DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber, and Lyft. Check the local area for restaurants and coffee shops before purchasing to make sure those types of cards are accepted. You can never go wrong with Amazon, which delivers everywhere.

Money – The most popular gift for grads is cash. The question is always, “How much

should I spend?” A Google search for this question will give you a large range — $20 to $100 for a high school graduate. The range is based on your relationship with the graduate and whether you live in a city, suburb, or more rural area. If you haven’t been to a graduation in a while, it is best to ask other graduates (and their parents) what the customary gift is in your area.

Dorm Room Appliances – Cafeteria food at college gets old after just a couple of days. If allowed, many students choose to make meals in their rooms. The gift of an appliance might seem strange, but believe me, they will thank you later. If a microwave or mini fridge is already in the room, consider crockpots, personal blenders, a coffee maker, an electric kettle, an air fryer, or an electric frying pan.

Recreational Items – When your student has time off from class, they may appreciate some things they can do with their new friends. Send them to college with a basketball, pickleball rackets, cornhole, a hammock for the quad, a yoga mat, an Amazon Fire Stick, card games, crafting items, video games, or a small cooler for picnicking or tailgating.

Personalized Items – Everyone likes to see their name on something, especially those with unique names or spellings. There are dozens of options that you can order from Etsy or Personalization Mall, but if you are crafty, you can make some for yourself. Consider travel mugs, toiletry bags, key/ring trays, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, lanyards, and water bottles.

Five Ways to Keep Kids Reading This Summer

BY SARAH LYONS

School is out for the summer, and the kids are finally able to sleep in, play outdoors more, and take a break from homework. While the free time is enjoyable, kids often turn to screens or other activities and let their reading skills slide while on summer break. How can you stop the “summer slide” from happening?

Create a Book Club

Two people reading a book at the same time can be considered a book club. Pick a book your child would like to read or an old favorite from your own childhood and read it together. If you have multiple children that are about the same reading level, this can be a great way to get everyone involved.

See the Movie

Check out what books are becoming

movies this summer or those that are already available on DVD or streaming services and choose those books to read with your child. A reward for finishing the book will be watching the movie together.

Be a Role Model

Parents who enjoy reading often have children who enjoy reading. I notice if I sit down in the living room with a book instead of turning on the TV, my tweens will often find their own spot to relax and read near me. If I turn on the television, we all end up watching it together. Set a good example for your kids when it comes to reading. It isn’t just for schoolwork; it is a fun hobby as well.

Expand Your Reading

Not all kids will find a book they love easily. The goal is to practice reading; it

doesn’t matter if it is a book or something more creative. Find other things besides just books to read, such as graphic novels, magazines, or even audiobooks. You can even get kids into the kitchen and read recipes in the cookbook. They will enjoy helping prepare meals and not even notice they are practicing their reading skills at the same time.

Pick Interesting Topics

Find out what your child is interested in and check out books on that topic. My son became curious about volcanoes, so we headed to the library and checked out multiple books on volcanoes. When we returned home, he promptly started reading about them and writing down interesting facts in his journal. You can also encourage your child to try different genres to see what they prefer. Nonfiction, historical

fiction, mysteries, graphic novels, or classic literature — once kids find their niche, they will most likely be more excited about reading.

Kids who make reading a part of their daily routine are more likely to become lifetime lovers of reading. Set aside part of the day each day when your child can read for 30 minutes, or set this as a goal before they can play video games, meet up with friends, or go to the pool. Try to make it fun and come up with creative ways to incorporate reading into your daily schedule. Just a bit of daily reading will help them maintain their current reading levels and be ready to take on new material once school begins.

Summer Reading Programs in CNY

Note: We will update this list on the Family Times website as new programs are announced.

• Barnes & Noble

• Central Library

• Fairmount Community Library

• Fayetteville Free Library

• Onondaga Free Library

• Solvay Public Library

Ice Cream

Try This!

1. For each portion, put 1-2 cups of ice in a gallon bag with ¼ cup of salt.

2. Pour sugar, milk, and vanilla into the small bag and seal.

3. Place the small bag inside the large bag and seal.

4. Shake for 10-15 minutes.

5. Remove the small bag and rinse the salt water off or wipe it with a paper towel.

6. Open and enjoy! Add chocolate syrup if you wish.

What’s Going On?

Salt lowers the freezing temperature of water, which cools the cream and sugar mixture enough to allow tiny crystals of ice to grow. With a little shaking, the result is an emulsion of liquid cream, tiny crystals of ice, and air bubbles…also known as ice cream. Heat always flows from an area of higher temperature to an area of lower temperature. So, heat is transferred from the milk mixture to the ice and salt mixture in the outer bag. If only ice is used in the outer bag, the milk mixture would become cold as the ice melted, but would not actually freeze. Adding salt to the ice lowers the freezing point and allows the milk mixture to freeze.

Learning Objective

Salt lowers the freezing point of water, allowing us to make ice cream out of cream and sugar.

Materials

For each portion:

• 1-2 cups ice

• 1-3 teaspoons sugar, or 2 sugar packets

• ½ cup half and half

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup rock salt

• 1 pint or quart size zip or slider freezer weight bag

• 1 gallon size zip or slider freezer weight bag (slider is best)

For the group:

• Small cups and plastic spoons for serving ice cream

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Paper towels

• Sheet plastic or newspaper to protect working surface

• Chocolate syrup (optional)

• Large container to hold discarded ice and salt

Thank you to the Sciencenter for sharing this activity! Find more at sciencenter.org/resources-home.

SUMMER IN CNY

Summer has arrived in Central New York! And with it comes countless family-friendly activities.

Turn to pages 15-18 to learn about Visit Syracuse’s new campaign, ‘Simple Wonders,’ then check out our annual Summer Activities Guide on pages 22-25; it has the best local spots for miniature golf, u-pick berries, and more.

ISTOCK

PHOTO

VISIT SYRACUSE

ENCOURAGES LOCALS TO DISCOVER NEARBY ‘SIMPLE WONDERS’

BY COURTNEY KLESS

This summer, you don’t need to travel far to discover something new.

That’s the message behind Visit Syracuse’s campaign, ‘Simple Wonders.’

They recently invited me to experience the campaign for myself.

The first thing you should know is there’s an app you can download from the Apple and Google Play stores. It has eight different self-guided tours, covering everything from arts and culture to local history to family fun (I followed part of this one). There’s even a button that sends you to Google Maps for directions. Just make sure you download the tour before you leave in case you lose service somewhere along the way.

“The goal of the app was to simplify the trip planning experience and make it as easy as possible for visitors to explore all that Syracuse has to offer,” said Colleen Senglaub, digital account manager for Travel Alliance Partnership. “By following one of the tours on the app, their route is planned out for them, and they can learn about each location they visit.”

Locals will find it helpful, too, especially the short description of each stop.

My mom, who moved to the area in October, joined me for the first part of the day. It started with breakfast at Cake Bar, a café in downtown Syracuse known for its coffee and bakery items. I highly recommend the almond croissant, or, if you’re craving something a little more savory, the spinach and cheese croissant.

Cake Bar

Onondaga Lake Park

With our stomachs full, we made the 20-minute drive to Beaver Lake Nature Center

It has nine trails, most of which have an easy difficulty level. We walked on two of them: the Bog Trail (0.6 miles; elevated boardwalk, observation tower) and the Lakeview Trail (0.3 miles; views of the 200acre glacial lake).

Before leaving for your next destination, stop by the visitor center; it features a children’s room, a wildlife viewing area, and exhibits about the nature center’s plants and animals.

Next on the itinerary was another county park: Onondaga Lake Park.

Aside from a drive through Lights on the Lake four years ago, I have never visited the east side of the park (we usually take our dog to the West Shore Trail, which is closer to where we live, in Camillus).

You’ll find no shortage of things to do — there’s even a museum that is open seasonally! If your kids are with you, make some time to visit Wegman’s Landing; it has a boundless playground, a skatepark, and pickleball courts. Again, we opted for a walk along one of the trails, enjoying the views of Onondaga Lake and downtown Syracuse.

After lunch at Pastabilities, I headed to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

The zoo is small enough to explore in a couple of hours, yet it houses a wide variety of animals — more than 200 different species, to be exact. You can see

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

COURTNEY KLESS PHOTOS

Green Lakes State Park

some of them, including camels, elephants, a tiger, and a snow leopard, during a walk on the Wildlife Trail (and bonus, it’s stroller-friendly!).

By this point in the day, the weather had taken a turn for the worse. Fortunately, the zoo also has four indoor exhibits, and several of the outdoor exhibits have covered areas, so as long as you have a raincoat or an umbrella, it’s a good rainy day activity. One last tip: check the zoo’s website the day of your visit to see if any of the animals aren’t on display.

The final stop took me east of town to Green Lakes State Park, best known for its two meromictic lakes (this means their surface and bottom waters do not mix during the fall and spring).

I walked my usual route, the 1.9-mile Green Lakes Trail, which meanders around one of them — but this time, I discovered something new: the Environmental Education Center. Inside, there are educational displays, a 3D map of the park, and a fish tank. It’s worth a stop before heading out on your hike. There’s also a beach and some picnic tables right next to the main parking lot if you need a break from walking.

I always forget how beautiful the park is. It was the perfect place to end the day, even in the rain.

I should mention that the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) is also part of the ‘Family Fun’ tour, though it was closed the day I was following it. The museum has 35,000 square feet of science and technology exhibits, plus a state-of-the-art domed theatre with five daily screenings.

I was able to make it through about half of the tour in one day (it helped that everything was no more than 25 minutes apart), but if you’re bringing small children or prefer a slower pace, you might need a little more time. The full itinerary has even more stops — like Greek Peak Outdoor Adventure Center, The Wild Animal Park, and Highland Forest.

My mom didn’t realize there were so many parks to walk in, and even I found a few things along the way that I didn’t know about. That is, after all, what the campaign is all about.

IF YOU GO

CAKE BAR

Where: 252 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. More information: facebook.com/cakebar.syr

BEAVER LAKE NATURE CENTER

Where: 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Admission: $5/vehicle.

More information: beaverlakenaturecenter.org

ONONDAGA LAKE PARK

Where: 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool. Admission: Free.

More information: onondagacountyparks.com

PASTABILITIES

Where: 311 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. More information: pastabilities.com

ROSAMOND GIFFORD ZOO

Where: 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $9/adults (ages 18-61); $5/seniors (ages 65+) and youth (ages 3-17); free/ages 2 and under. More information: rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

GREEN LAKES STATE PARK

Where: 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville. Admission: $10/car.

More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/greenlakes

COURTNEY KLESS PHOTOS

THE BEST SUNSCREENS FOR KIDS

The sun is a double-edged sword — it gives life, warmth, and plenty of reasons to get outside, but it also carries hidden dangers, especially for kids. Every parent knows the struggle of chasing down a wriggling child, sunscreen bottle in hand, trying to apply a protective layer before they bolt toward the beach, the playground, or the soccer field.

Children’s skin is far more sensitive than adults,’ making them more vulnerable to sunburn and long-term damage from UV exposure. A single blistering sunburn in childhood can double the risk of melanoma later in life. That’s why choosing the right sunscreen is more than just a matter of convenience, it’s a critical investment in your child’s health. But with endless options on the shelves, filled with confusing ingredient lists and marketing claims, how do you know which sunscreen is actually safe and effective?

Not all sunscreens are created equally. Some contain harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin, while others wash off too easily, leaving your child unprotected. And then there’s the ever-growing concern about environmentally harmful ingredients, especially if you’re heading to the ocean, where certain chemicals in sunscreen can damage coral reefs.

The good news? You don’t have to navigate this sunscreen maze alone. We’ve done the research, tested the products, and sifted through the science to bring you the eight best sunscreens for kids, each excelling in a different category. Whether you need something hypoallergenic for sensitive skin, waterproof for pool days, organic for eco-conscious families, or just budget-friendly, we’ve got you covered — literally.

So, before the next adventure in the sun, take a moment to find the perfect sunscreen that will keep your little ones safe, comfortable, and free to enjoy every sun-drenched moment without worry. Here are the top picks that will make sunscreen application a breeze and ensure your child’s skin stays healthy for years to come:

BEST OVERALL:

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

Why It Wins:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ for superior UVA/UVB protection

• Mineral-based (zinc oxide & titanium dioxide) for sensitive skin

• Water-resistant up to 80 minutes

• No parabens or fragrances

Blue Lizard is a top choice for parents looking for an effective and gentle sunscreen for kids. Its mineral-based formula means it sits on top of the skin rather than being absorbed, reducing irritation and allergic reactions. Plus, its bottle turns blue in UV light, reminding parents to reapply.

BEST FOR BABIES:

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

Why It Wins:

• Extra-gentle formula for infants (6 months and up)

• 100% non-nano zinc oxide

• No oxybenzone, avobenzone, or harmful chemicals

• Dermatologist-recommended for sensitive skin

Thinkbaby’s sunscreen is designed specifically for delicate infant skin, offering effective sun protection without harsh chemicals. The non-nano zinc oxide ensures a safer barrier while still allowing the skin to breathe. Plus, it’s water-resistant for 80 minutes, making it great for beach days.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES GUIDE

Miniature Golf

Big Don’s Outdoor Fun Center

Where: 8408 Button Road, Cicero. More information: bigdons.com

Fairmount Glen Miniature Golf

Where: 210 Onondaga Road, Syracuse. More information: fairmountglen.com

Gold Rush Adventure Golf

Where: 4853 NY-233, Westmoreland. More information: goldrushminiature golf.weebly.com

Hickory Hill Golf Center

Where: 3451 State Route 31, Baldwinsville. More information: hickoryhillgolfcourse.com

Mr. Pudder’s Mini Golf & Ice Cream

Where: 687 W. Genesee St. Road, Skaneateles.

More information: mrpudders.com.

Palm Springs Mini Golf

Where: 9411 Maynard Drive, Marcy. More information: palmspringsminigolf.com

Shipwreck Amusements

Where: 759 State Route 13, Cortland. More information: shipwreck-amusements.com

Tom Thumb Drive In

Where: 6143 E. Lake Road, Auburn. More information: tomthumbdrivein.com.

Victory Golf Complex

Where: 7380 Thompson Road, Syracuse. More information: victorygolfcomplex.com

Zem’s Ice Cream & Miniature Golf

Where: 124 W. Hickory St., Canastota. More information: zemsicecream.com.

Shipwreck Amusements. COURTNEY KLESS PHOTO

U-Pick Farms

Abbott Farms

Where: 3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville. More information: abbottfarms.com

Behling Orchards

Where: 114 Potter Road, Mexico. More information: behlingorchards.org

Blueberry Hill Farms & Nursery

Where: 6884 Roberts Road, Clinton. More information: blueberryhillfarmsandnursery.com

Candella’s Farm & Greenhouses

Where: 9256 River Road, Marcy. More information: candellasfarm.com

Critz Farms

Where: 3232 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia. More information: critzfarms.com

Emmi Farms

Where: 1482 W. Genesee Road, Baldwinsville. More information: emmifarms.com

Fruit Valley Orchard

Where: 507 Bunker Hill Road, Oswego. More information: fruitvalleyorchard.com

Grisamore Farms

Where: 749 Cowan Road, Locke. More information: grisamorefarms.com.

Navarino Orchard

Where: 3655 Cherry Valley Turnpike, Syracuse. More information: navarinoorchard.com

Reeves Farms

Where: 1220 W. Genesee Road, Baldwinsville. More information: reevesfarms.com

Stan’s Berry Patch

Where: 208 County Route 84, West Monroe. More information: stansberrypatch.com

BLUEBERRIES STRAWBERRIES CHERRIES RASPBERRIES

Critz Farms.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CRITZ FARMS

Reeves Farms. COURTNEY KLESS PHOTO

Water Activities

Beaver Lake Nature Center

Where: 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville.

More information: beaverlakenature.org

Delta Lake State Park

Where: 8797 State Route 46, Rome. More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/deltalake.

Enchanted Forest Water Safari

Where: 3183 State Route 28, Old Forge. More information: watersafari.com

Emerson Park

Where: 6914 E. Lake Road, Auburn. More information: cayugacounty.us

Fair Haven Beach State Park

Where: 14985 State Park Road, Fair Haven. More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/fairhavenbeach

Green Lakes State Park

Where: 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville.

More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/greenlakes.

Jamesville Beach Park

Where: 3992 Apulia Road, Jamesville. More information: onondagacountyparks. com/parks/jamesville-beach-park

SPRAY PARKS AND SPLASH PADS

• Breitbeck Park – 91 Lake St., Oswego.

• Camillus Park – 1 Pool Road, Camillus.

• CFJ Park – 98 CFJ Blvd., Johnson City.

• Columbus Park – 9 Columbus Park E., Binghamton.

• Comfort Tyler Park – 1100 Comstock Ave., Syracuse.

• Donovan Memorial Park – Elm St., Chadwicks.

• Hulett Park – 609 Division St., Fulton.

• Joseph F. William Memorial Park – 7033 Lakeshore Road, Cicero.

• Lewis Park – 305 Lewis Ave., Syracuse.

• Lysander Park – Smokey Hollow Road, Baldwinsville.

• McKinley Park – 351 W. Newell St., Syracuse.

• O’Connor Park – 604 Plymouth Place, Utica.

• Onondaga Park – Lower – 655 Onondaga Ave., Syracuse.

• Onondaga Park – Upper – 301 Crossett St., Syracuse.

• Quinn Park – 1001-1099 St. Vincent St., Utica.

• Schiller Park – 1099 Oak St., Syracuse.

• Stewart Park – 1 James L Gibbs Drive, Ithaca.

• Suggett Park – 103 Madison St., Cortland.

• Thornden Park – 201 Ostrom Ave., Syracuse.

• Town of Owasco Playground – 6 Bristol Ave., Auburn.

• Union Park – 1001 N. Salina St., Syracuse.

• Verona Beach State Park – 6541 Lakeshore Road South, Route 13, Verona Beach.

• Wankel Playground – 424 Rugby Road, Utica.

• Washington Square Park – 101 Washington Square, Syracuse.

• Wilson Park – 1117 S. McBride St., Syracuse.

Oneida Shores Park

Where: 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton. More information: onondagacountyparks. com/parks/oneida-shores-park

Onondaga Lake Park

Where: 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool. More information: onondagacountyparks. com/parks/onondaga-lake-park

Roseland Waterpark

Where: 250 Eastern Blvd., Canandaigua. More information: roselandwaterpark.com

Sandy Island Beach State Park

Where: 3387 County Route 15, Pulaski. More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/ sandyisland.

Thunder Island Water Park

Where: 21 Wilcox Road, Fulton. More information: thunder-island.com.

Veterans Memorial Park at Gillie Lake

Where: 2260 Sands Road, Camillus. More information: camillusparksrec.wixsite.com

Outdoor Entertainment

Finger Lakes Drive-In

Where: 1064 Clark Street Road #9505, Auburn. More information: fingerlakesdrivein.com

Hangar Theatre

Where: 801 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca. More information: hangartheatre.org.

Midway Drive-In Theatre

Where: 2475 NY-48, Fulton. More information: midwaydrivein.com

Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview

Where: 490 Restoration Way, Syracuse. More information: asmsyracuse.com/p/amphitheater.

Syracuse Shakespeare-In-The-Park

Where: Thornden Park Amphitheater, Thornden Park Drive, Syracuse. More information: ssitp.org

Sweet

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SYRACUSE SHAKESPEAREIN-THE-PARK

Midway Drive-In Theatre. MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

Sandy Island Beach State Park.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF

Inlet

Upcoming Events

SATURDAY

JUNE 8 NORTH

40-mile gravel grinder through the Adirondacks. Spectators

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

JUNE 27-29

June

Please note: This calendar was up-todate at the time of publication. Please visit the sponsoring organization’s website to confirm event details.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

Chemsations: Polymer Party. 2-3 p.m. Attendees will investigate super-absorbent materials and create slime. Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca. Included with admission: $12.50/person; free/children under age 2. sciencenter.org

MONDAY, JUNE 2

See Library & Ongoing Events

TUESDAY, JUNE 3

Syracuse Mets vs. Buffalo Bisons. 6:35 p.m. The Mets host their second Bark in the Park of the season. NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse. $18+. milb. com/syracuse

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4

Storytime & Hike. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stop by the Rogers Environmental Education Center each week for stories, songs and a hike. Rogers Environmental Education Center, 2721 NY-80, Sherburne. Free. friendsofrogers.org

Delta Lake Rocks with Geology! 1-3

p.m. During this free event, families will learn about the park’s geological history, go on a fossil dig and make art out of sand. Delta Lake State Park, 8797 NY-46, Rome. Free. parks.ny.gov/events

THURSDAY, JUNE 5

Art Story. 10:30-11 a.m. Children of all ages are invited to a storytime at the museum, hosted by the Utica Public Library. Munson, 310 Genesee St., Utica. Free. munson.art.

Syracuse Mets vs. Buffalo Bisons. 6:35 p.m. Join the Mets as they celebrate Pride Night. NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse. $18+. milb.com/syracuse

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

The Wild at Dusk. 6-9 p.m. View the zoo’s animals when they are most active. The concession stand will remain open until 8 p.m. The Wild Animal Park, 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango. Admission: $19.99/ adults; $17.99/seniors and children up to 12; free/ages 2 and under. thewildpark.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Paige’s Butterfly Run. 9 a.m. The annual event features a Caterpillar Crawl for children ages 5 and younger, as well as a 3K walk and a timed

5K race. Runners and walkers can also participate virtually. The proceeds will benefit the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Downtown Syracuse. $50 (the Caterpillar Crawl is free). pbrun.org.

Junior Naturalist Program: Frog & Toad Fiesta. 10-11:30 a.m. Each month, families can enjoy themed walks and nature activities. Rice Creek Field Station, SUNY Oswego, Thompson Road, Oswego. Free. oswego.edu/rice-creek.

Music, Stories, and Art – Town Mouse & Country Mouse. 10 a.m.-noon. Listen to a retelling of Aesop’s Fable accompanied by horn music from Claire McKenney and Tyler Ogilvie – then complete an art project. Ideal for preschool and early elementary children. Rome Art and Community Center, 308 West Bloomfield St., Rome. Free. romeart.org.

Family Film Series. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Families can watch a screening of Sing 2 in the National Grid ExploraDome. A full concession stand will also be available. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. $4/members; $6/non-members. most.org/watch/family-film-series.

EDITOR’S PICK

Oz-Stravaganza 2025. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday’s festivities include: a costume contest; rides, games and children’s activities at Oz-Stravaganza Park; the Kids’ Munchkin Mile Fun Run and Toto’s Toddler Trot; and a parade (2 p.m.). Downtown Chittenango. Free admission. oz-stravaganza.com

Become a Junior Archeologist! 1-3 p.m. This free program introduces the history of Delta Lake State Park. Go on an archeology dig to find arrowheads and study pictures and postcards of the people of Delta Village who were here before the Delta dam. Delta Lake State Park, 8797 NY-46, Rome. Free. parks.ny.gov/events

Lorenzo Garden Day. 1-4 p.m. Kids of all ages can join the outdoor scavenger hunt. There will also be (free) tours on the mansion. Lorenzo State Historic Site, 17 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia. Free. parks.ny.gov/events.

Stroller Safari. 1:45-3 p.m. Children ages 5 and under, accompanied by an adult, will have the opportunity to explore the zoo, participate in interactive activities and listen to stories about animals. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $15 per child/adult pair. Registration required: rgz.campbrainregistration.com/Landing

Syracuse Mets vs. Buffalo Bisons. 6:35 p.m. Join the Mets as they celebrate Little League Night – then stick around for fireworks after the game. NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse. $18+. milb.com/syracuse

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

Oz-Stravaganza 2025. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. OzStravaganza concludes with rides, games and children’s activities at Oz-Stravaganza Park and the Grand Finale (4 p.m.). Downtown Chittenango. Free admission. oz-stravaganza.com

STEM Story Time with Author Cindy Smith. 11:30 a.m.-noon. Children ages 2 to 6 are invited to a reading of Ginger’s Story by author Cindy Smith. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse.

EDITOR’S

Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/ children (ages 2-11); $5/seniors (65+); free (under 2). most.org.

Syracuse Mets vs. Buffalo Bisons. 1:05 p.m. Kids can run the bases after the game. NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse. $18+. milb.com/syracuse.

Science Connections:

All About Dogs with the Jr. Tailwaggers. 2-3 p.m. Learn the basics of dog training with the 4-H Jr. Tailwaggers. Discover how to greet dogs safely and watch live obedience and agility demonstrations. Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca. Included with admission: $12.50/person; free/children under age 2. sciencenter.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 9

See Library & Ongoing Events

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

See Library & Ongoing Events

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11

Homeschool Days: Orienteering. 1-2 p.m. Homeschool students ages 8-13 will explore the fundamentals of orienteering and apply their new skills in a small-scale outdoor orienteering activity. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $6/child (members); $7/child (non-members). events.onondagacountyparks.com

Go Fish at Delta Lake State Park. 1-3 p.m. During this free event, families can learn about the types of fish that inhabit Delta Lake, create a fish-themed mobile, build a Delta Lake food chain, discover which animals – besides humans – enjoy fishing in the lake, put together a habitat puzzle and take part in an indoor introduction to fishing. Delta Lake State Park, 8797 NY-46, Rome. Free. parks.ny.gov/events

THURSDAY, JUNE 12

See Library & Ongoing Events

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

Photography with a Telescope. 8-10 p.m. During this interactive session, attendees ages 10 and up will discover techniques for mounting cameras and phones on telescopes to photograph the night sky. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $10-$15. Registration required: baltimorewoods.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

Sketching Reptiles and Amphibians. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Designed for ages 8 and up, this program will begin with the sketching of the turtles and amphibians at the nature center, followed by a caravan to Phillips’ Pond, where participants will catch and draw amphibians. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $10-$15. Registration required: baltimorewoods.org.

Bike Safety Rodeo. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Families can learn bicycle skills. The Syracuse Young Professionals Kiwanis Club will also be doing free bike safety checks. Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool. Free. onondagacountyparks.com

Storybook Character Day. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate Storybook Character Day at Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo with face painting, a character parade (2 p.m.), sack races and hula hoop contests, a story time and guest visits from the Magical Kingdom princesses. Plus, you’ll get a free portion of animal feed when you arrive dressed as your favorite storybook character. Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo, 5135 Rome-New London Road, Rome. Admission: $12 (plus tax)/ adults (16+); $10 (plus tax)/ages 2-15; free/ children under age 2. fortrickey.com.

Strawberry Festival. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This annual festival features strawberry picking, face painting, pony rides and wagon rides. For an additional fee, families can visit the paintball gallery (new this year) or test out the apple cannon. Abbott Farms, 3275

Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville. $9.95 (plus fee)/adults; $14.95 (plus fee)/children ages 3-17; free/children ages 2 and under. abbottfarms.com

Seneca River Days Family Festival. 11 a.m. The Seneca River Days Family Festival returns with live music, children’s activities and the Great Seneca River Duck Pluck (4 p.m.). Paper Mill Island, 136 Spensieri Ave., Baldwinsville. Free admission; fee for some activities. senecariverdays.com

Delta Lake is for the Birds. 1-3 p.m. During this free program, families can learn about blue birds, our state bird, identify some of the birds that live at Delta Lake, play a feather matching game and make a bird glider and a bird identification wheel. Delta Lake State Park, 8797 NY-46, Rome. Free. parks.ny.gov/events

The Madd Hatter Tea Room. 2-4 p.m. Embark on the Adirondack Railroad for a tea party with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Costumes are encouraged. Utica Station, 321 Main St., Utica. $30/adults (ages 13 and up); $20/children (ages 2-12). adirondackrr.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

SUNDAY, JUNE 15

SENSORY FRIENDLY

Sensory-Friendly Hours. 8:30-10 a.m. Museum of the Earth sensory-friendly hours “provide an opportunity for visitors with Sensory Processing Disorder, or other developmental disabilities to enjoy a more sensory-friendly experience at the Museum.” Museum of the Earth, 1259 Trumansburg Road (Route 96), Ithaca. Pay-What-You-Wish. museumoftheearth.org.

Sensory Friendly Time. 9-11 a.m. & 4-6 p.m. The museum turns down the noise, turns off the flashing lights and makes other accommodations, so people with sensory processing challenges can explore the exhibits. There will also be an ASL-

FATHER’S DAY FUN IN CNY

EVENTS

Father’s Day Canoe Tour

Search for turtles, eagles and more on this guided tour.

When: Sunday, June 15 from 8:30-10 a.m.

Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. More information: events.onondagacountyparks.com.

Dad Games 2025

Join a family arcade competition with prizes and a banquet menu.

When: Sunday, June 15 at 1 p.m.

Where: Dave and Buster’s, 10335 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse. More information: daveandbusters.com.

SPECIALS

Destiny USA

Make your own LEGO® Father’s Day Paddle — quantities are limited.

When: Sunday, June 8 from noon-2 p.m.

Where: 1 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse. More information: LEGO®.com/stores

Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo

Admission for fathers is free (but you must purchase one child admission). When: Sunday, June 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: 5135 Rome-New London Road, Rome. More information: fortrickey.com.

interpreted National Grid ExploraDome show at 10:30 a.m. ($4/members; $6/ non-members). Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. $9/adults; $7/youth and seniors. most.org.

Science Connections: Sunrise Ithaca. 2-3 p.m. Sunrise Ithaca, the youth climate group responsible for the Ithaca Green New Deal, will be on hand to share their ideas through interactive activities like group mind mapping and greenhouse gas models. Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca. Included with admission: $12.50/person; free/children under age 2. sciencenter.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 16

See Library & Ongoing Events

TUESDAY, JUNE 17

See Library & Ongoing Events

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

Flying Dragons of Delta Lake State Park. 1-3 p.m. During this free program, families can explore how dragonflies “see,” create a stick dragonfly, use a scratch-off craft to simulate a life-sized butterfly, make a clothespin butterfly craft and more. Delta Lake State Park, 8797 NY-46, Rome. Free. parks.ny.gov/events.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

Kid’s Paint & Juice. 10-11:30 a.m. Children ages 5-12 can take part in a painting class. Snacks are also included. Great Swamp Conservancy, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. $15/child. Must pay and register in advance: greatswampconservancy@ gmail.com or (315) 697-2950. greatswampconservancy.org

Syracuse Mets vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. 6:35 p.m. Join the Mets for their fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration. NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive,

Syracuse. $18+. milb.com/syracuse.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

Kids’ Night Out. 5-7:30 p.m. Little Village Play hosts a playtime for children ages 2-7, complete with pizza and juice. Little Village Play, 119 W. Seneca St., Manlius. $30 (plus tax)/first child; $20 (plus tax)/ each additional sibling. littlevillagecny. com/upcoming-events.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

TACNY Junior Cafe Scientifique. 9:30-11

a.m. This monthly program for middle school students features discussions about science, technology, engineering and mathematics with STEM professionals/ academics. The topic for June is “STEAM Challenge Accepted” with Rachel Gleason from Challenge Island. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: tacny.org/events.

Family Camp. 10 a.m.-noon. Families will have the chance to tour the zoo, play games, make crafts and meet animal ambassadors. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $40/ non-members per child/parent pair (7% discount for members). Registration required: rgz.campbrainregistration.com/ Landing.

Strawberry Festival. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Now spread across two days, the Strawberry Festival will feature a kid’s fun zone (with a bounce house) and rides on the apple ponies. Navarino Orchard, 3655 Cherry Valley Turnpike, Syracuse. Free admission. navarinoorchard.com.

Lake State Park and make a clay track of a mammal. Delta Lake State Park, 8797 NY46, Rome. Free. parks.ny.gov/events.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

EDITOR’S PICK

Syracuse Mets vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. 1:05 p.m. Join the Mets for Scooch’s Birthday Celebration. Then, kids can run the bases after the game. NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse. $18+. milb.com/syracuse

MONDAY, JUNE 23

See Library & Ongoing Events

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

See Library & Ongoing Events

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25

Homeschool Day. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Homeschooling families can take advantage of a special discount; make sure to bring a sample of your curriculum to qualify. Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo, 5135 RomeNew London Road, Rome. Admission: $7/ person. fortrickey.com

EDITOR’S PICK

How to Get Outside!

1-3 p.m. Attendees ages 15 and up will learn how to prepare for a variety of summer adventures. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $6-$9. Registration required: baltimorewoods.org

Make Tracks to Delta Lake! 1-3 p.m. During this free program, families can build a model beaver dam, explore the furs and tracks of mammals found at Delta

Delta Lake Frogs and Snakes and Turtles –Oh My! 1-3 p.m. During this free program, families can learn to identify frogs by their calls, help frogs reach their Delta Lake home in a “Leap Frog” game, discover how to stay “cool-headed” around cold-blooded creatures and paint realistic skin patterns on wooden snakes. Delta Lake State Park, 8797 NY-46, Rome. Free. parks.ny.gov/events

THURSDAY, JUNE 26

See Library & Ongoing Events

FRIDAY, JUNE 27

EDITOR’S PICK

Family-Friendly Fishing Program. 6-7:30 p.m. In this program, you'll learn the essentials of fishing (like how to cast, bait, and recognize various fish species). You can bring your own fishing rod or use one provided. Participants ages 16 and older must have a valid fishing license. Rogers Environmental Education Center, 2721 NY-80, Sherburne. Free/members; $8/ non-members. Registration required: erica@friendsofrogers.org. friendsofrogers.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 28

Amazon Presents Be the Physicist. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Explore the activities of a physicist. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. Free/student participants; $14/ adults; $12/seniors (ages 65+). most.org.

Family Pride Picnic. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Families are invited to a free celebration featuring food, music, activities and more. Rogers Environmental Education Center, 2721 NY-80, Sherburne. Free. friendsofrogers.org.

Delta Lake State Park Nature Program. 1-3 p.m. During this free event, families can explore the anatomy of a flower and decorate a flowerpot. Delta Lake State Park, 8797 NY-46, Rome. Free. parks.ny.gov/events

End of School Bash. 6-9 p.m.

EDITOR’S PICK

Kick off summer with bounce houses, carnival games and more. The Wild Animal Park, 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango. Admission: $19.99/adults; $17.99/seniors and children up to 12; free/ages 2 and under. thewildpark.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 29

Family Forest Therapy Walk. 1-3 p.m. Attendees ages 5 and up can join June Leo-Randazzo, an ANFT certified forest therapy guide, for a walk. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $5-$30. Registration required: baltimorewoods.org.

Science Connections: Little Bunny Foo Foos. 2-3 p.m. Meet the Tompkins County 4-H Little Bunny Foo Foos Club. They’ll have rabbits

EDITOR’S PICK

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Wine in the Wilderness. 6-9 p.m. Taste wines from New York State, listen to live music and grab a bite to eat from the food trucks. Utica Zoo, 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica. Tickets at the door: $35/members; $40/non-members. uticazoo.org/wine

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

Syracuse Shakespeare In-The-Park. 5:30 p.m.; also June 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22. Watch as Syracuse Shakespeare In-The-Park presents its first show of the summer, Othello. Thornden Park Amphitheater, Syracuse. $1.70/general; $12.10/donation; $43.30/premium (includes fees). ssitp.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

Adults Night Out. 7-10 p.m. Adults (ages 18+) can visit the animals, enjoy live music and make s’mores. Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo, 5135 Rome-New London Road, Rome. Included with admission: $12 (plus tax). fortrickey.com.

Have an event or an idea for Parents’ Night Out?

Email courtneyk@familytimescny.com with more information.

Syracuse Shakespeare In-The-Park. MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

to pet, a hopping demonstration and answers to all your rabbit questions. Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca. Included with admission: $12.50/person; free/ children under age 2. sciencenter.org

MONDAY, JUNE 30

Summer Concert: Oswego. 7 p.m. The Syracuse Orchestra will perform classic hits, patriotic songs and popular tunes. Fort Ontario, 1 E. 4th St., Oswego. Free. syracuseorchestra.org.

For the full calendar, visit familytimescny.com/ things-to-do-in-Syracuse-NY

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

Crafts with the Art House. 2-4 p.m.; also June 28. All ages. Free.

Click here for more events

LIBRARY EVENTS

BALDWINSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. (315) 635-5631. bville.lib.ny.us

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

Teen Hangout: Spike Ball. 3-5 p.m. Teens. Free.

FRIDAY. JUNE 20

Drop in Art: Sponge Ice Cream Cone Painting. 3-5 p.m. All ages. Free.

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

ONLINE: Living the Otter Life with Katherine Applegate. 4-5 p.m. Grades 3-6. Free. Registration required.

MONDAY, JUNE 30

The Color of Magic with Jeff the Magic Man. 2-3 p.m. All ages. Free. Click here for more events

BEAUCHAMP BRANCH LIBRARY

2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. (315) 435-3395. onlib.org

CENTRAL LIBRARY

447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. (315) 435-1900. onlib.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

Read to a Therapy Cat. 10:30-11:30 a.m. All ages. Free.

MONDAY, JUNE 30

Summer Kickoff Party with The Face Paint Lady. 2-4 p.m. All ages. Free.

Click here for more events

FAIRMOUNT COMMUNITY LIBRARY 406 Chapel Drive, Syracuse. (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4

Teen Study Session. 2:30-5:30 p.m.; also June 11 & 18. Grades 7-12. Free. Registration required.

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Father’s Day Craft. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Ages 4-8. Free. Registration required.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

Preschool Storytime – Father’s Day. 10:15-11 a.m. Ages 2-5. Free. Registration required.

MONDAY, JUNE 16

Homeschool Spanish Lesson – Summer Fun. 10:15-11 a.m. All ages. Free. Registration required.

TUESDAY, JUNE 17

Preschool Water Play. 10:15-11:30 a.m. Preschoolers. Free. Registration required. Click here for more events

FAYETTEVILLE FREE LIBRARY

300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 3

Ice Cream Taste Test. 4:15-5 p.m. Grades K-8. Free. Registration required.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

Nintendo Game Hour. 4:15-5 p.m. Grades K-8. Free. Registration required.

TUESDAY, JUNE 17

Craftapalooza and Spin Art. 4:15-5 p.m.

Grades K-8. Free. Registration required.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28

3D Printer Training for Teens. 2-3 p.m. Ages 10 and up. Free. Registration required. Click here for more events

LIVERPOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY

310 Tulip St., Liverpool. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Homeschool Resource Fair. 1:30-3:30 p.m. All ages. Free.

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

The Senses of Summer Storytime. 2-3 p.m. All ages. Free.

TUESDAY, JUNE 17

Teen Career Explorations. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tweens and teens. Free. Registration required.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

SunCycle: Art from Bike Parts. 4-5 p.m. Ages 13 and up. Free. Registration required.

Click here for more events

MANLIUS LIBRARY

1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 5

Finals Week De-Stress Night. 6-7:30 p.m.; also June 12. Ages 13 and up. Free.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

Preschool Story Time & Teddy Bear Picnic. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages 2.5-5. Free.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

Family Robotics Fun with the FM Robotics Team. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. All ages. Free.

Click here for more events

NOPL BREWERTON 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. (315) 676-7484. nopl.org

MONDAY, JUNE 9

Father’s Day Craft. 4:30-6 p.m. All ages. Free.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

Candy Sushi for Teens. 5-6 p.m. Ages 12 and up. Free. Registration required.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25

Pet Turtle Craft. 4:30-6 p.m. All ages. Free.

Click here for more events

NOPL CICERO

8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

Teen Craft: Pride Flags. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tweens and teens. Free. Registration required.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11

Kids Make: DIY Musical Instruments. 3:30-4:30 p.m. All ages. Free. Registration required.

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

Teen Craft: DIY Summer Vision Board. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tweens and teens. Free. Registration required.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25

Kids Make: STEM Color Experiments. 3:30-4:30 p.m. All ages. Free. Registration required.

Click here for more events

NOPL NORTH SYRACUSE

100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. (315) 458-6184. nopl.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 3

NOPL Pride Picnic. 4-7 p.m. All ages. Free.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

Kids Bake: Rainbow Cupcakes. 4-5 p.m. Grades 3-7. Free. Free. Registration required.

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

Pride Storytime. 6-6:30 p.m. All ages. Free.

Click here for more events

PAINE BRANCH LIBRARY 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. (315) 435-5442. onlib.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

Make Your Own Dream Weaver. 2-4 p.m. Teens. Free.

Click here for more events

PETIT BRANCH LIBRARY 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. (315) 435-3636. onlib.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 26

Summer Concert: Mark and Janiya Zane. 6:30-8 p.m. All ages. Free.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28

Color Our World – Sidewalk Chalk Art. 2:30-4 p.m. All ages. Free.

Click here for more events

SOULE BRANCH LIBRARY 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. (315) 435-5320. onlib.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Bagels and Financial Basics: Start Your Day Smarter. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Teens and adults. Free. Registration required.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

Books, Balls & Blocks from Help Me Grow Onondaga. 4-5 p.m. Ages 5 and under. Free.

Click here for more events

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Bad Art Afternoon. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up. Free.

ONGOING EVENTS

Time Out to Fish. Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-11:30 a.m. Families and individuals can come for a morning of fishing (no fishing license required). Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, Elbridge. $5/person. Pre-registration and pre-payment required: events.onondagacountyparks.com

Canoeing & Kayaking. Through June 22: Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. June 28 – Labor Day: Daily, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Paddle around Beaver Lake. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $10/hour of rental; $5/vehicle. beaverlakenature.org

Wegmans Playground. Boundless Playground for children (and parents) of

all ages and abilities includes accessible swings, slides, bridge and more, including special section just for the tiniest tykes. Onondaga Lake Park, Route 370, Liverpool. Free. onondagacountyparks.com.

STORYTIMES

Baldwinsville Public Library

Storytimes. Drop in Storytime with Mr. KC (ages 2-5): Mondays, 10:30-11 a.m. Read and Play Storytime (ages 6-24 months): Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 635-5631. bville.lib.ny.us

Barnes & Noble Storytimes (DeWitt). Storytime with Miss Rachael: Thursdays, 10 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. (315) 449-2948. barnesandnoble.com.

Central Library Storytime. BabyTime (ages 3 and under): Fridays (except June 20), 10:30-11 a.m. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900. onlib.org.

Children’s Museum of Oswego

Storytime. Storytime with Miss Kristine (ages 5 and under): Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Children’s Museum of Oswego, 7 W Bridge St., Oswego. Included with admission: $11/ children and adults; free/children under age 1. cmoo.org.

Elbridge Free Library Storytime. Story Hour (ages 1-5): Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Elbridge Free Library, 241 E. Main St., Elbridge. Free. (315) 689-7111. elbridgelibrary.org.

Fayetteville Free Library Storytimes. Storytime & Craft (preschoolers): Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Toddler Storytime (ages 0-3): Wednesdays, 9:30-10 a.m. Baby Storytime & Playtime (ages 0-18 months): Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org

Liverpool Public Library Storytimes. Baby Storytime (birth-18 months): Tuesdays (except June 24), 9:30-10:30 a.m. Toddler Storytime (toddlers and preschoolers): Wednesdays (except June 25), 9:3010:30 a.m. Storytime in the Garden (ages 5 and under): Thursdays (except June 19), 9:30-10:30 a.m. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 4570310. lpl.org.

Manlius Library Storytimes. Toddler Storytime (ages 0-3): Tuesdays, 10:3011:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime (ages 2.55): Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

2-6): Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m.-noon. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. Free with admission: $12/adults; $10/children (ages 2-11); $5/seniors (65+); free (under 2). (315) 4259068. most.org.

NOPL Brewerton Storytime. Story Time with Miss Megan: Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. (315) 676-7484. NOPL.org

NOPL Cicero Storytime. Family Storytime: Thursdays, 10-10:30 a.m. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. NOPL.org.

Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. (315) 435-3636. onlib.org

Skaneateles Library Storytimes. Baby Bounce & Rhyme (0-18 months): Wednesdays, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Read, Sing, Play Storytime (ages 2-5): Wednesdays (except June 25), 10:30-11:15 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles. Free. (315) 685-5135. skanlibrary.org.

Soule Branch Library Storytime. Lapsit Storytime: Thursdays (except June 19), 10:30-11 a.m. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. (315) 4355320. onlib.org

Maxwell Memorial Library Storytime. Storytots Story Time (ages 0-3): Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. Registration required: (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org

NOPL North Syracuse Storytime. Storytime with Miss Sarah (preschoolers): Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184. NOPL.org.

HOA WE SEE YOU: FAMILY TIMES

7.75” WIDE X 4.9” HIGH

Petit Branch Library Storytime. Read,

At Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, you are never just a diagnosis or a number. We see you...the whole person, with passions, hopes, dreams, histories, and loved ones who share in your journey. From diagnosis, to treatment, to survivorship – our personalized care focuses on truly understanding and planning for your unique needs. We provide genuinely compassionate support, collaborating with you, your family, and caregivers every step of the way. Learn more about HOA today. We’ll see you and care for you – body, mind and spirit.

Festivals, Fairs and Other Special Events JUNE

ST. SOPHIA’S GREEK CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Families can order festival favorites, such as gyros and dolmades. There will also be Greek music and dance performances.

When: June 5-8.

Where: 325 Waring Road, DeWitt.

Admission: Free.

More information: syracusegreekfest.com.

TASTE OF SYRACUSE

Enjoy $2 samples from local food vendors, plus performances by more than 30 bands and area musicians (Steven Page, known for his time with the Barenaked Ladies, is the headliner).

When: June 6 and 7 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Where: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse.

Admission: Free.

More information: tasteofsyracuse.com.