February 15 Family Times

The Parenting Guide of Central New York www.familytimes.biz | February 2015

Get Jumpy!

22 indoor activities to cure cabin fever Chocolate chip cookies that wow Fight bullying with heart Cozy reading time

Cute outfits that cause conflict

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Family Times February 2015

FAMILY TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

4 • Editor’s Note 6 • Together Times

There are lots of ways to instill reading habits.

8 • Live & Learn 6

A dose of compassion can help kids diminish bullying problems.

10 • ATypical Family

A mother and daughter butt heads over what not to wear.

12 • Recipe Doctor

Chocolate chip cookies become more delicious with a secret ingredient.

12

14 • Family Matters

Stepfamilies can evolve to become more harmonious.

16 • Get Jumpy

Twenty-two indoor activities get kids to have fun and burn extra energy.

14

21 • Family Fun Calendar of Events Advertiser Index

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We welcome reader submissions, whether photos of your kids or their artwork. Send high-resolution photos (jpg format saved at 3inches-by-5-inches or larger) or color artwork to editorial@family times.biz. Please include the child’s first name, age, hometown, and information about what’s going on in the photo (or the art), as well as the parent or guardian’s full name and daytime phone number, for verification.

Learn.......................................7 Practice ....................................11 Party.........................................13 Backpack Directory................ 20

Family Times February 2015

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family times The Parenting

Winning at Winter

F

Guide of Central New York

FEBRUARY 2015

ISSUE NO. 154

PUBLISHER/OWNER Bill Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF Reid Sullivan editorial@familytimes.biz VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Michelle Bowers (Ext. 114) MBowers@syracusenewtimes.com

or many people, February can be a hard month to love. It’s got Valentine’s Day and that holiday’s unrealistic emphasis on perfectly romantic romance.

It’s cold and cloudy.

However, February does have things going for it. School break week (Feb. 16 through 20) is filled with activities at local libraries (see the calendar, starting on page 21). Basketball season is in full swing, as is winter-festival season. And Feb. 14 doesn’t have to be a bummer if you don’t take it too seriously.

In this month’s issue, we feature 22 indoor activities assembled by Laura Livingston Snyder (page 16). The games and challenges will get your kids (and you!) hopping, crawling and dancing enough to break into a sweat and break out of the winter doldrums.

And there’s a mother’s meditation on guiding her daughter toward sensible—but fun!—fashion choices (page 10).

Also, we’ve got an explanation of a stepfamily’s phases (page 14); ideas for turning your kids into readers (page 6); proposals for helping children fight bullying (page 8); and a special chocolate chip cookie recipe (page 12).

Enjoy!

MANAGING EDITOR Bill DeLapp PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Michael Davis CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tom Tartaro (Ext. 134) CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Caitlin O’Donnell DESIGNER Meaghan Arbital DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Ty Marshal (ext. 144) CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Cavanagh,Tammy DiDomenico, Aaron Gifford, Eileen Gilligan, Linda Lowen, Cary Rector,Tonja Rector, Maggie Lamond Simone, Laura Livingston Snyder, Chris Xaver ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Advertising Sales Manager Jessica Luisi (ext. 139) JLuisi@syracusenewtimes.com Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@syracusenewtimes.com

Reid Sullivan Editor in Chief

Lija Spoor (ext. 111) LijaSpoor@syracusenewtimes.com Joseph Taranto (ext. 115) JTaranto@syracusenewtimes.com COMPTROLLER Deana Vigliotti (ext. 118) CLASSIFIED SALES Lija Spoor (ext. 111)

On the cover: Camryn Miller, 5, and Finnegan Coons, 7, get jumpy for one of the 22 activities in the feature on page 16.

Inside photo: Camryn’s brother, Carson, 2, and mother, Jenn, and Camryn, and Finnegan’s brother, Xander, 11, mother, Kim, and Finnegan. Both families live in Phoenix.

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Advertising deadline for March is Feb. 13. Calendar deadline for March is Feb. 6.

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Family Times February 2015

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Reading Routines Rock Help your kids get into books |

W

hile most parents agree that reading is important, many of us struggle with how to foster a love of reading at a time when electronic devices vie for the attention of our kids. How can some bound sheets of paper with writing on them compete with games and apps designed to offer challenge and reward in the perfect mix to create addiction? And, as parents, how can we get kids to read without making it sound like punishment? “Step away from the Xbox and read for 20 minutes!”

One way to help develop a love of reading, and a habit of it, is to make it part of your daily (or at least weekly) routine. If you’re lucky enough to still have a family dinner time, make the 15 minutes after the meal reading time for everyone, then begin cleanup after a few chapters have been consumed.

Alternatively, begin the bedtime routine a few minutes earlier, building in an automatic time to read to the younger kids, but also take time to read to or with the older 6

Family Times February 2015

BY MERRILEE WITHERELL

kids in the family. Once children begin reading independently, their own reading level still lags what they can understand and appreciate if it is read to them. Taking the time to read with older kids still helps them to develop as readers and is a great time to bond and share your thoughts about the stories. Find a great chapter book, and you will have the kids clamoring for the next couple of chapters, night after night.

Another way to incorporate reading into your family time is to make it a fun event.

Who doesn’t love the relaxing atmosphere at a bookstore that serves coffee and desserts? Have your own family coffeehouse night, serving hot chocolate and having the whole family tuck into a cozy spot for an hour of reading.

Another way to make reading time all about fun is to choose a bookstore, library or park to visit for the purpose of hanging out and reading for a while. This could be a good monthly tradition, made more interesting if you vary the locations and

try some bookstores or places that you wouldn’t normally go.

Of course, the ultimate way to get kids excited about reading is to help them find the books and stories that will spark their imaginations and leave them wanting more.

Think about your kids’ interests, and let that be your guide for finding books.

Don’t underestimate the power of good nonfiction, either. Many readers, particularly boys, prefer nonfiction. Boys and girls alike enjoy graphic novels, which require the reader to interpret illustrations as well as text to understand the story. Either your school librarian or a public librarian would be glad to offer a wealth of expert advice on books that would fit young readers’ interests.

If you prefer to go it alone, try websites such as GoodReads.com, which offer lists based on reader recommendations. For the “best of” lists for kids, go to www. goodreads.com/list/tag/kids.

The International Children’s Digital Library offers free books online in English as well as many different languages, with many in Persian/Farsi. Beautiful illustrations in these digital books will make you want to have something larger than a smartphone for reading. This can be a great site for having kids read books together with a friend who may have a different native language, to read with a parent whose college French or Spanish isn’t too rusty, or to read with family members who speak languages other than English. Visit www. childrenslibrary.org and use the “sort” tab to arrange books by language.

Whatever tricks you use to help your children develop a love of reading, know that it will pay off in the long run.

According to a 2006 report by the National Literacy Trust in the United Kingdom, those who read for pleasure have increased levels of general knowledge, better understanding of other cultures, greater levels of community participation, and greater insight into human nature and decision making. Who knows — maybe a really good reader will someday figure out how to make books as alluring as Angry Birds.

Merrilee Witherell is an elementary school librarian with the Auburn Enlarged City School District. She lives in Cayuga County with her husband, daughter and three dogs, all of whom love a good story.

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Learn

For young readers who are able to take a more independent approach, there’s Biblionasium.com, a site designed specifically for kids. It complies with privacy recommendations for minors, allows readers to talk about books with other kids, track their own reading with an online bookshelf, and find links to book lists based on genre and age level.

Responsibility

Have Heart!

Empathy

Leading with the Heart Teach your kids how to live their values | BY MICHAEL GILBERT

E

very day our children are confronted with moral dilemmas that require their hearts and minds work together to solve a problem.

Bullying is one such challenge.

Bullying hurts all children involved in the incidents: the bully, the bullied and the bystander. Despite recent legislation and numerous school programs, there has been minimal improvement. Perhaps this is because policies only address the symptoms of bullying, not the underlying causes.

Developing social-emotional skills within all children can improve a school’s climate and decrease the frequency of bullying behavior. Therefore, it is essential that children possess skills such as compassion and empathy.

How can we support this process? There is a variety of ways parents can foster a child’s moral compass to help him confront and solve everyday problems.

Be aware you are a role model.

Children learn through observation.

Therefore, adults need to consistently model the types of behaviors they want kids to develop. We want our kids to be intrinsically motivated, simply to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Making positive choices feels good and contributes to one’s self-confidence.

Provide feedback and let them know what it says about their character, such as they are brave, trustworthy or thoughtful.

Take responsibility for your actions. We all make mistakes. When we do, we must own it and attempt to make things right. Try to model appropriate expression of feelings when things go wrong.

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Family Times February 2015

If you do react poorly, and we all do sometimes, let your kids know there may have been a better way to handle the situation. The ability to stay calm and in control in difficult situations is extremely important. Be sure to demonstrate kindness and respect in your own interactions and your children will be much more likely to follow suit.

Encourage empathy. The ability to identify and understand the feelings, needs and viewpoints of those around us is something we are born with. This is also true for the desire to help others. One’s experiences can shape how well these skills are ultimately developed over time.

Therefore, it is something that needs to be nurtured.

There are many ways we can work to promote empathy, ranging from our everyday interactions with children to more planned activities. We can talk about empathy and kindness, or other important values, discuss what these values mean and set clear expectations—suggesting to our children, for example, that they include kids at school who typically are isolated. We can also give children opportunities to practice empathy and engage in the habit of caring for others. Volunteering as a family throughout the year helps provide a broader context into the range of the human experience. Involve children in making plans or solving conflicts, and encourage them to reflect on the perspectives of others. Asking children to reflect on who they have empathy for and who they may not typically be aware of can be a great way to encourage them to think about others, especially those who are different from themselves.

Talk about it. Establish routines that promote opportunities for conversation.

Eat meals together as often as possible.

Read and talk together as part of the bedtime routine. There are many books that include themes such as bullying, responsibility, empathy and problem solving. We can ask questions about the stories (for instance, what were the characters feeling and what might they do differently?) and help our kids connect them to real-life situations. The important thing is for your children to feel comfortable and confident enough to be able to come to you with concerns or questions. At times, our kids just need us to listen and validate whatever feelings they may be experiencing.

We won’t always have a solution to offer, and that is all right; sometimes just really being present with them is enough.

A school must have heart. Continue to talk to your children, set high ethical expectations for them, and model those behaviors yourself. In addition, find out what your child’s school has planned for improving the building climate and social norms. Most schools have programs to address social-emotional skill development.

However, such programs might not be getting enough attention or being meaningfully implemented. Ask questions. Find ways that you can get involved.

Michael Gilbert, Psy.D., is a school psychologist with the Syracuse City School District and founder of the non-profit It’s About Childhood & Family, Inc. He has worked in a variety of settings with children and families for the past 25 years. He lives with his wife and two daughters in DeWitt.

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Family Times February 2015

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In Search of The Right Look

Encouraging fashion flair while discouraging barely there looks | BY DEBORAH CAVANAGH

M

y mom had it easy. I attended high school during the early 1980s. Remember fashion back then? The preppy look.

Baggy jeans. Benetton sweaters. Prairie shirts. And Gunne Sax prom dresses that went up to your neck and down to the floor with lace.

“Goth” did not exist. Sporty kids dressed sporty. Nerdy kids dressed nerdy. Even girls of questionable reputation kept body parts under wraps. Their jeans were just a tad tighter, their hair a bit higher.

I was definitely a fashion follower. I preferred conservative and comfortable.

If it was poking, pinching or pushing any part of me, it was not worn. I don’t recall ever hearing about the “fingertip” rule. I never had a teacher or administrator pull a school jersey out of a desk drawer to cover me up in any way.

Today I am a mom with a high school daughter living in my house. Her first day of ninth grade I sat in my car in horror as I 10

Family Times February 2015

watched teenage girls saunter into the high school.

I will admit, there was a wee bit of envy.

I won’t see firm or cellulite-free ever again.

And to be honest, I never came close to looking as good as some of these young girls. But Holy Skin, Batman! The cleavage. The butt cheeks. And even much that was covered left nothing to the imagination.

Thoughts of “Where is the bottom part of her outfit?” flew through my mind. I wanted to jump out of my car and pull things down and button things up. But there was not enough fabric to do either.

Now, not every ensemble provokes fear.

I love the skater skirts and dresses, or yoga pants with a long sweater or shirt, or skinny jeans with layered tops, scarves and boots.

My 17-year-old daughter, Amanda, is very fashion-aware. She likes “cute outfits.” When shopping she will pull something off a rack and say, “Like so and so

wears.” She watches the Disney Channel and tries to accessorize with the same flair as the stars.

My challenge is that she seems to have no awareness of body type or size. I used to attribute this to the fact that she has special needs. I rationalized having Down syndrome, and certain cognitive challenges, must be affecting her fashion decisions.

Now I am not so sure. I realized— through observation while waiting in the pickup line at the end of the day, and working at the school store for a couple of hours each month—that many typical teen girls struggle with balancing fashionable styles and good decisions.

What flatters one does not flatter all.

And what is worn by a star on TV is not always appropriate for a teen in high school. Most importantly, just because one girl has her shorts hiked up her booty does not mean it is OK for my daughter to do the same.

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How do we convey these messages to our daughters without damaging self-esteem? What language do we use to make them understand that less is not always more?

That it is possible to have style without looking slutty?

My fashion sense is not the same as my daughter’s. To make matters more challenging, our body types are totally different. I am tall, thinnish, with no noticeable shape. She is petite and curvy. I have to make a conscious effort to not project my style, or lack thereof, on her.

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Plus, I am not a teenage girl and have not been one for a very, very long time. I counsel, “You don’t have to follow the lead of the so-called popular girls.” “Not all attention is good attention.”

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But I also remember that the excitement of a new outfit can make you jump out of bed in the morning and head blissfully into school. Far be it for me to kill that joy.

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However, there are times when the girl emerges from her bedroom and poses at the top of the stairs and inside my head I scream “No!” If I am only on my first cup of coffee, the filter needed, and creativity required, to address the situation with tact are just not in place.

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“That outfit is just not going to happen.” And our morning heads in a bad direction fast.

You may be thinking, “Just have her pick her clothes out the night before so you know what she is going to wear.”

Doesn’t work, as that outfit may end up sitting in its sad little spot on her chair while she pulls together a nonmom-approved ensemble. “Rid her closet of offensive, ill-fitting items.” I try, but sometimes it is not the article of clothing by itself, but the way it is hitched, cinched or manipulated that causes the problem.

I know I need to give her the freedom to make her own style choices while I respectfully give guidance when it is needed. I must remember that everyone makes unfortunate outfit decisions, and that it is not the end of the world if one of those outfits is on my child every now and then.

I am lucky. My daughter does not have image issues.

She believes she looks fabulous in whatever getup she’s got on. I need to be careful to not kill that belief. I must remember, once again, it is not about me.

The first school morning of 2015 dawned. Amanda stood at the top of the stairs in a cute new outfit Nana Vecchio bought her for Christmas: sweater dress, leggings, matching hair accessories, socks, and a big smile. I gazed up at her, second cup of coffee in hand, and said, “Oh, you look so wonderful this morning!” Thank you, God, Nana, and Amanda. I am holding onto that good feeling because there are many more mornings to come.

Deborah Cavanagh lives in Manlius with her husband and two children. She has written for local organizations supporting children and adults with special needs and publishes the blog www.momofmanyneeds.com.

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Chipping In

Here’s a Toll House cookie variation that’ll win you over | BY CHRIS XAVER

M

y love affair with cookies began decades ago. Didn’t yours? There’s nothing like a warm cookie from the oven to say “I love you.” And making them with kids is more than making a treat: It’s about making memories.

It’s no surprise then the United States is the No. 1 nation of cookie eaters and bakers. However, it might surprise you to learn the famous “Toll House” cookie recipe was created by accident. The story goes that Ruth Wakefield, who owned the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Mass., used to serve her guests fresh cookies at the end of their meals. Her go-to cookie was chocolate, crisp, and about the size of a quarter coin.

There are three versions of what happened that fateful evening in Massachusetts. One account is that Ruth went to get her Nestle baking bar of chocolate and realized she simply didn’t have enough.

In a pinch, she broke the bar into bits and stirred it into the batter, hoping the chocolate would melt and the cookie would “make do.” Another report says she was stirring nuts into her cookies and didn’t have enough, so she broke up bits of chocolate to resemble nuts.

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Family Times February 2015

And still a third story says that’s not what happened at all. Instead, the box of chocolate “fell” into the bowl and, pragmatic rather than proud, she decided to bake the cookies rather than throw out the dough. Ruth named these cookies “Butterdrop Do” cookies. My guess is the name was given for “making do” with what she had. Little did she know that folks would prefer these to her famous chocolate crisps!

Here’s a couple of interesting tidbits about chocolate bits. Ruth Wakefield “sold” her recipe to Nestle and was paid in a “lifetime” supply of chocolate. Nestle also bought the rights to the name “Toll House” cookie and the recipe is still America’s favorite.

So, I’m tempting fate by giving you a different recipe. But, hey, you can’t just have one favorite, can you? Life should be full of variety. And the secret ingredient in my cookie recipe adds a dimension we just don’t find in Ruth’s cookie. Not that I am dissin’ hers—because believe me, I’m not.

But mine has something special to offer.

My secret ingredient: cream cheese.

Here’s why I add the cream cheese.

I pull out the majority of sugar in my cookies. And when I do that, I lose a lot of the texture we have grown to expect. But

when I add cream cheese, it contributes a richness, and also a lactic sour flavor note to the cookies that marries beautifully with the butter and the semisweet chocolate.

Think wine and cheese. This is chocolate and cheese. Mmmmm.

Carolyn Wyman wrote a volume called The Great American Chocolate Chip Cookie Book. She fills it with fun facts like: Chocolate chip cookies are among only four foods acceptable to even the pickiest of eaters. Or: People in the in the Middle East top their cookies with chocolate sauce and eat them on a plate with a knife and fork. And if you think you’re alone in fighting to eat just one cookie, you’re wrong.

Wyman says 13.5 percent of Americans admit to sitting down and eating more than 20 chocolate chip cookies at a time!

This recipe makes approximately 36 cookies. Enough for everyone to have more than one.

Chris Xaver, Ph.D., is a local TV and radio personality with three children and five grandchildren.

Her healthy lifestyle show, The Sweet Life, is airing on public television stations nationwide.

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¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature ¼ cup cream cheese, room temperature 1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract 2 large eggs 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips ½ cup walnuts (optional) Cream together butter, cream cheese, sweetener, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg.

Gently stir in the dry ingredients and then fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if desired).

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SCOTT GRIESSEL | THINKSTOCK PHOTO

The Evolution of a Stepfamily Certain stages mark a family’s growing closeness |

S

tepfamilies are a common family structure yet information about what is typical and expected at different stages can be difficult to find. We often work with stepfamilies and find this lack of information contributes to feelings of confusion and discouragement for all family members.

Stepfamilies are fundamentally different from first-time families. One difference is a parent-child relationship predates the married couple’s relationship. The kids were there “first.” This dynamic affects all relationships in a stepfamily.

Another difference is adults and children with no prior relationship living in the same household. The thing that brings them together is the marriage. The stepparent-child relationship is broadened as they live together and get to know each other better. Getting to know someone while living together can be difficult.

Patricia Papernow, author of Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships, has studied and published on stepfamily stages. Her work helps establish norms and gives families realistic expectations

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Family Times February 2015

BY CARY AND TONJA RECTOR

and a frame of reference about what is occurring in their stepfamily.

Stages of a stepfamily are fluid and continuous. Families move back and forth between “stages” as life events occur. The birth of a baby to the remarried couple, a change in custody, visitation schedules or a move can cause a stepfamily to return to a previous stage.

The first stage of a new stepfamily is the fantasy stage. The couple has fallen in love and decided to spend their lives together. They feel joyful and excited about how wonderful life together will be.

Thoughts often include how the kids and stepparent are going to love each other, how the stepparent will be a great parent to the children and that everyone’s life (kids included) will be enhanced by the marriage. Ex-spouses will fade into the background. If the children are grown, the couple may believe it will be just the two of them. The fantasy stage is sometimes experienced by everyone, sometimes only by the adults. Children may not believe this new family structure is wonderful.

After the fantasy stage comes the immersion/reality stage. This is where the realities of stepfamily structure set in.

Coming on the heels of the fantasy stage, it can be a shock. If unexpected, feelings of despair, fear and confusion might take root. Living together exposes differences not known before and in the reality stage it’s normal for family members to experience increased conflict. Parents may feel conflicting loyalties, caught in the middle between their new spouse and their children. Parenting differences come to light and conflict between the couple over expectations, rules and consequences for kids is common. As children establish a relationship with their stepparent, they often experience loyalty binds, feeling disloyal to their mother if they become closer to their stepmother. The influence of ex-spouses and extended family is felt within the household.

Next is the awareness stage, which includes clarity and acceptance. Letting go of the fantasy of “how things will be” and acknowledgement of the challenges lead to a clearer understanding and a more matter-of-fact approach. Many of the conflicts

from the reality stage remain, but the emotional response from family members is more tempered. With less emotional tension in the house, kids may feel more comfortable voicing their needs and concerns, such as dissatisfaction with the visitation schedule or differences in rules between households. Realistic expectations of stepfamily life help families move more quickly through fantasy and reality/immersion into awareness.

During the middle stages of stepfamily life, relationships are more firmly established. In the mobilization stage, conflicts are more openly dealt with and can initially look like a setback.

Increased conflict in this stage is due to family members feeling more comfortable and confident with each other. These conflicts can lead to needed and positive changes in the family. Families experience more satisfaction if they can keep the conflict short and effective.

The action stage is when things start to feel like they are coming together. Each member of the couple has a better understanding of what’s important to his or her partner, and shared experiences among family members become common ground.

The stepfamily has established some new routines and traditions of its own. Stepparents and stepchildren begin to deal with each other more directly.

The later stages of a stepfamily are contact and resolution, marked by feelings of caring and stabilization. During the contact stage, relationships between children and stepparents often resolve and grow into earnest, loving relationships. The couple is

aware of and respectful of each other’s needs and concerns. Conflict diminishes and arguments feel like they get “finished.”

By the resolution stage, stepparents feel they have found their place in their stepchildren’s lives and both sides often highly value the relationship. According to Patricia Papernow, a stepparent’s position as an “intimate outsider” makes him or her a valuable resource for children, and some children prefer to talk to a stepparent about certain subjects. Conflicts in the family are now viewed as a normal part of family life and are handled as such.

The amount of time it takes to move through the stages varies for each family. Families can get stuck in one stage, some for years, and movement through the stages is not always linear. A change in life circumstances can return a family to a previous stage.

Successful stepfamilies are able to bring a sense of respect, caring, humor, patience and acceptance to the household. Those families move into the later stages in five to seven years. Families with more challenges, or who get stuck in a stage, can take more time. Having realistic expectations for a stepfamily can ease anxieties and lead to more satisfying relationships for everyone.

Cary and Tonja Rector are married and live with their son in Manlius. Cary is a licensed mental health counselor and Tonja is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, February 8, 2015 2:00 - 4:00 PM www.mssyr.org 155 Waldorf Parkway Syracuse, New York 13224 315.449.9033

A preschool and elementary school for children ages 3 to 12 Family Times February 2015

15

Get Jumpy!

Cure your family’s cabin fever with 22 energy-burning indoor activities | BY LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER

I

t’s February in Syracuse. What to do? Turn your house into a gym, with circuit training, calisthenics and games. Children of all ages can stay fit in their homes—even those with limited space—when the weather is bad.

Most of the activities here have spurts of intense effort balanced with rest time (like Tag). This allows for longer play and gets in a great aerobic workout.

Kids need activity. Their bodies are made to move and play. Using large

16

Family Times February 2015

motor skills increases their concentration and alertness. It keeps bones and muscles strong, decreases health risks like diabetes, and helps reduce depression and anxiety. Structure from games also keeps them busy and less likely to get into trouble with their siblings.

To them it isn’t work: It’s having fun.

Here are 22 heart-pumping activities to get started. Whether it’s scaled down for inside or expanded for outdoors, the modifications are endless.

Wheelbarrow and Crab Races

Freeze Dance While the music is on, all dancers boogie down. Once the music stops, all must freeze until the music starts again.

This is a great substitute for watching TV one night a week and allows the little ones an opportunity to show off their moves.

Using a wrapping paper tube or pool noodle, sweep around in a circle or back and forth and have the kids jump over it.

The Blob One person starts as the Blob.

Chase another until he is caught. That child grabs the Blob’s hand and becomes part of the Blob. Continue holding hands but with only the free hands continue to catch others, growing with each capture. The Blob can either tag or encircle its prey. The Blob can also split off to form its own Blob as long as there are at least two members. The game ends when everyone is caught.

For Several Children/Large Room

Identify a start and finish line. Contestants for the crab race are stomach up and use only their hands and feet to travel. For wheelbarrow races, break the group into partners (one person on her hands, the other holds her legs and feet) to travel. This will end with everyone laughing and Mom and Dad will realize how many muscles they don’t use on a regular basis.

Noodle Jumping

All Hands on Deck Use three separate areas of the room, with one side as the “ship,” the opposite side the “shore” and in between is the “deck.” One person is the Captain, who barks orders. When he yells “All hands on deck!” all must run to the deck and sit. The order of “Salute!” has everyone stand up to salute. “All hands on ship!” means everyone must run to the ship side. The order for “All hands ashore!” means everyone must run to the shore side.

Each takes a turn as Captain. Try variations such as two pushups for each visit to the shore or three situps when returning to the ship.

Musical Chairs

Party Classic

The number of chairs should be one less than the number of people playing.

Walk around the circle of empty chairs that face outward while music is playing. Once the music stops, everyone must find a chair. Whoever remains standing is out. Remove a chair and continue until there’s a winner.

Jumping Jacks If you are setting up a circuit, have a certain number of jumps to complete.

Have participants count to 20. Little kids can count to 10 twice. Do they know how to count in Spanish? Can they jump in time to “Mary Had a Little Lamb”?

Crouch and Bear Walk Crab Walk Balloon Kick

Penguin Shuffle Relay

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

Glued Have two kids sit on the floor back to back, with arms linked at the elbows.

See if they can work together to stand without coming unglued. Have them walk around and pick up items off the floor, all the while staying together.

Hold a small ball between your feet or knees while hopping to the bowl at the finish line. Get the ball into the bowl. If it misses the bowl, go back and start again.

Circuit Activities

Strengthen stomach muscles while keeping a balloon up only by kicking it.

Is it possible to keep it in the air to the finish line?

Have each child walk while squatting around the tape pieces in a zigzag pattern. This is tougher than it sounds!

Then have players lumber around the tape in a bear walk. Only hands and feet on the floor!

Fast Fun Football Hustle Put a piece of masking tape on the floor every 12 inches or so. With feet together, have kids jump on them, hop in front, hop behind, hop side to side (like football practice jumping in tires).

Younger kids can do a single hop or hop on one foot.

Family Times February 2015

17

22 Indoor Activities Hot Potato

Sock Basketball

For a Few Children/Small Area

Sitting in a circle, participants toss a small ball or beanbag from person to person while music is playing. When the song stops, the person holding the “potato” is out. Continue until there’s one winner.

This is my favorite and one that my boys love to play. Put a large bowl or bucket in each room. I use plastic stacking mixing bowls. Give each player a balled sock and have him or her stand in the doorway and try to toss the sock into the basket. When a participant scores he can move on to the next room. The first person to make all rooms’ baskets wins.

Clean the House

Pick Up/Put Down Anything can be used for the object.

Use a key word to stand and hold a toy every time it’s heard and another key word to squat and put the object down. Try it to a nursery rhyme or a song such as “The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round.”

Go Words One Fish The same concept as above. Choose a word from Two Fish repeated a book read out loud.

Red Fish

Blue Fish

Almost anything by Dr. Seuss will work (One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish or The Cat in the Hat). Have the kids stand up and sit down each time they hear it.

Simon Says

Parent’s

Choice!

Have each child get into the crab stance. Can she balance a toy on her belly? How many can she hold while moving to a finish line? Can she move her toys to her room without dropping any? (This is a great way to make picking up a little more engaging.)

Headstands Choose a wall as a support and have child stand on her head.

Compete with others for upside-down time.

18

Family Times February 2015

Bop around the House Gather mismatched towels or colorful sheets of construction paper and make a path through the house. Use certain colors to direct, like “only step on blue,” or have the kids hop from red to red to go from room to room.

Active Games

Ideas from these websites supplemented my own family’s games and activities.

Snowball Race Dump a dozen cotton balls on the floor. Using a spoon and crawling, children move each one into a bowl placed in another room.

Set a timer if you wish.

Make sure “Simon says” comes first! Be sure to include toe touches and run in place.

Dance with a Friend Gather a few stuffed animals, turn on the music and dance. When the music stops, freeze. Whoever moves picks up a “stuffed partner.” Dance and pause until all the animals are in play. When the next person moves during a freeze, he takes the animal from his opponent.

Continue until one player has all the animals.

MommyPoppins.com Care.com JumpBunch.com KidsHealth.org

Laura Livingston Snyder is a writer and mother of four who lives north of Syracuse. She blogs at freshapplesnyder.com.

SewSyracuse Sewing Lessons

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“My child would never gamble.”

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Body Recognition Class

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(315) 471–1359 PreventionNetworkCNY.org 20

Family Times February 2015

movement. music. instruments. imagination.

We will explore the motions of our bodies with dance.

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Birthday parties available.

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Joe Ball 436-9008 (Onondaga County only)

February Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website.

FRIDAY, JAN. 30

Guided Moonlight Snowshoeing. 7 p.m.

Explore the woodlands and frozen marshes on snowshoes with a guide; space limited. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $5/snowshoe rental; $4/vehicle.

Registration required day of hike: 638-2519.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. The American Hockey League team faces the Rochester Americans. War Memorial, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. $16-$20, plus processing fees. 473-4444.

SATURDAY, JAN. 31

Snow Day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Build snowmen or

slide on snow banks on the winter playground, or enjoy indoor carnival games, art projects, entertainment and more. CNY Arts Center, Cayuga Community College Campus, 11 River Glen Plaza, Fulton. Carnival-game tickets: 3 for $1. 598-2787.

The Thrill of the Orchestra. 10:30 a.m.

Symphoria performs a program of pieces designed to introduce children to the excitement of the symphony orchestra and the sound of each instrument. Inspiration Hall, 709 James St., Syracuse. $4-$15. 299-5598.

College Fair. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Colleges and universities will offer information about their schools; and mini-seminars on financial aid, writing a great college essay and other topics will take place.

Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Cinderella. 12:30 p.m. The Magic Circle Chil-

dren’s Theatre presents an original, interactive version of the fairy tale. Children in the audience can dress as a fairy tale character, attend the ball and help with the action of the story. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $5.

449-3823.

SUNDAY, FEB. 1

Moto-Inventions. 1-2 p.m.; Sundays in February.

MONDAY, FEB. 2

Yoga for Everyone. 6-7 p.m.; also Feb. 9 & 23.

Gentle yoga class. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1940.

TUESDAY, FEB. 3

and up can make stick, hand and finger puppets.

Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration preferred: 492-1727.

FRIDAY, FEB. 6

Storytime. 10 a.m.; also Feb. 10, 17 & 21. Kids

Special Olympics Winter Games Opening Ceremonies. 8-9:30 p.m. Parade of athletes,

Sweet Treats. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A variety of

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Bridgeport Sound

ages 1-5 can enjoy books, songs, dance and fun.

White Branch Library, 763 Butternut St., Syracuse.

Free. 435-3519. animals will receive heart-shaped treats including popsicles made with juice and fruits, meat patties and jelly beans. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $4/adults; $2.50/seniors; $2/ages 3-18; free/age 2 & younger.

Signing Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m.; also Feb. 17.

Children ages 3-6 can learn six to seven signs that correspond to the week’s story. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Kids in Motion. 6:30 p.m. Preschoolers (ages

1-5) can take part in a video-guided activity that will get them moving, dancing and playing with maracas and other items. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4

Read, Sing, Play Storytime. 10 a.m.; also Feb.

motivational speakers, entertainment and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Oncenter, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. Free. 314-6839 or (518) 388-0790.

Tigers. See Jan. 30 listing.

SATURDAY, FEB. 7

Special Olympics Winter Games. Alpine

skiing, starting at 10 a.m. (Greek Peak, 2000 Route 392, Cortland); cross country skiing, starting at 9:30 a.m. (Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Forest Road, Fabius); snowshoeing, starting at 10:15 a.m.

(Thornden Park, Thornden Park Drive, Syracuse); figure skating, starting at 9 a.m. (War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse); floor hockey team, starting at 10:30 a.m. (Oncenter, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse). Free. 314-6839 or (518) 388-0790.

College Goal NY. 9 a.m.-noon. Program helps families complete financial aid forms to help pay for college expenses. Public Service Academy at Fowler High School, 227 Magnolia St., Syracuse.

Free. 435-6275.

Book and Bake Sale. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Baked

11 & 25. Toddlers and preschool-aged children can hear stories and take part in more fun. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free.

435-5442.

goods, and used books, DVDs, audiobooks, CDs and more will be for sale. A $2 bag sale takes place 1:30-3 p.m. Northern Onondaga Public Library at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. 699-2032. www.nopl.org.

Teen Geeks. 6-8 p.m.; also Feb. 21. Kids in

Take Your Child to the Library Day. 10

grades 7-12 can hang out, play games, eat snacks and create. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Pajama Storytime. 6-6:30 p.m. Children ages

2-5, with a caregiver, can wear pajamas, bring a stuffed toy, and hear stories, songs and rhymes suitable for nighttime. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Tinker with recycled materials and electricity to make whirling, moving machines. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. First Sunday of the month (through March): Free admission. Regular admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/ under 3. (607) 272-0600.

Multiple Moms Mingle. 6:30 p.m. Monthly

Lightapalooza. 2 p.m.; also Feb. 15. High school

Pack. See Jan. 30 listing.

students demonstrate optical illusions, bending light and making sound waves visible. Sciencenter.

601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600. www.sciencenter.org.

Making Puppets. 3:30 p.m. Children age 4

meeting of mothers and expectant mothers of multiples. Ruby Tuesday, 3220 Erie Blvd.

E., DeWitt. Reserve if you wish to attend: multiplemomsmingle@gmail.com.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Hartford Wolf

THURSDAY, FEB. 5

Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; also Feb. 12, 19 & 26. A

lively mix of stories, songs and rhymes for children and their caregivers. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1940.

a.m.-4 p.m. Games, crafts and refreshments all day, plus face painting (10-11 a.m.) and Jeff the Magic Man (2:30 p.m.). Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. 635-5631.

A World of Puppets. 11 a.m. Tom Knight and

his puppets perform “Library Boogie.” Children as young as 3 and parents can come for an up-close look at the performance at 10 a.m. for an additional $5. International Mask and Puppet Museum, 518 Prospect Ave., Syracuse. $10/adults; $6/children.

Reserve: 476-0466.

Take Your Child to the Library Day. 11

a.m.-4:45 p.m. Make a craft such as a Chinese lantern, a penguin or a Frozen movie item. Galleries of Syracuse, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free.

435-1900.

Reading to Rover. 11 a.m.-noon. Kids ages 6-10 can read a story to a dog from Paws of CNY; five 10-minute sessions. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727.

Family Times February 2015

21

Sweet Treats, Feb. 3

admission; $5/child, party admission; $12/person, tubing after the derby. (800) 475-2340. www.

ACRHealth.org.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Springfield Falcons. See Jan. 30 listing.

SUNDAY, FEB. 8

Abracadabra Weekend. 1-4 p.m. See Feb. 7 listing.

Montessori Open House. 2-4 p.m. Find

out about the school that serves more than 150 children, ages 3 through 12, and its preschool and elementary education based on Montessori philosophy and methods. Montessori School of Syracuse, 155 Waldorf Parkway, DeWitt. 4499033. www.mssyr.org.

Chemsations. 2 p.m.; also Feb. 22. High school students demonstrate chemical reactions with color changes, bubbles and light. Sciencenter.

601 First St., Ithaca. First Sunday of the month (through March): Free admission. Regular admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/ under 3. (607) 272-0600.

MONDAY, FEB. 9

Circuits and Robots. 4-5:30 p.m. The series

provides a project-based introduction to circuits and robotics. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

TUESDAY, FEB. 10

Yoga Storytime. 10:30-11:15 a.m.; also Feb. 24.

Kids ages 3-6 and parents can have a full-body experience that builds early literacy skills and healthy bodies at the same time. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Teen MOPS. 4-6 p.m.; also Feb. 24. Young

mothers, ages 13-21, with children under 6 enjoy a faith-based program with fun, food and activities while their children are cared for by the childcare program. Liverpool First United Methodist Church, 604 Oswego St., Liverpool.

Free. 569-2542.

Holy Cross School Open House. 5:30-7

p.m. Learn about the school’s pre-K through sixth-grade options, afterschool care, instrumental and voice lessons, and more. Holy Cross School, 4200 E. Genesee St., DeWitt. 446-4890. www.hcschooldewitt.org.

Father-Daughter Valentine Ball. 6:30-8:30

Abracadabra Weekend. Noon-4 p.m.; also

Feb. 8. Watch a magician perform; learn some tricks in the Magic Lab; make a magic wand; take home a bag of tricks. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $13.50/general; free/younger than 2. (585) 2632700.

Cinderella. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 31 listing.

Artful Tales. 1 p.m. Children age 3 and up and

caregivers can hear a story that makes a connection between a picture book and art in the museum. Lower level, Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 474-6064, Ext. 308, or kgriffiths@everson.org.

Music with Donna B. 1 p.m. Donna Butterfield

of Milk & Cookies performs; there will also be face painting. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration preferred: 492-1727.

22

Family Times February 2015

up in fancy clothes, dance and enjoy treats. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

p.m. Fathers and daughters (age 3 and older) can enjoy a memorable evening, with dancing, magicians, a gift bag, and a light snack of cookies and soft drinks. Space is limited and reservations are required. A benefit for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. New York State Fairgrounds, Geddes. $50/father & daughter; $15/additional daughter. Reservations required: 464-4416. www.foundationforupstate.org/fdvb.

Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m.; Saturdays.

Astronomy 101. 7-8:30 p.m.; also also Feb.

Sled for Red Derby. 4-8 p.m. Teams construct

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11

Valentine’s Day Dance Party. 2-3 p.m. Dress

Every Saturday, see an interactive presentation on a different aspect of science. Upcoming topics include: design and engineering; an underwater robot; coral reefs; and light and energy. Sciencenter. 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/ seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 2720600. www.sciencenter.org. cardboard sleds (raising a minimum of $250 in donations) and compete in the derby. A tubing party, with hot chocolate, food, beer and wine sampling follows the competition. Event raises money for ACR Health’s youth prevention and other programs. Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center, 8012 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. $10/adult, party

17. For teens age 12 and up and for adults, a chance to make telescopes, stargaze and learn about the cosmos. On poor-weather days, there will be indoor hands-on activities. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

637-6374.

Anime Night. 6-8 p.m. Teens can watch

anime on the large screen, take part in drawing and trivia contests, and more. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Calendar

Presents A PuPPet workshoP About

Autism For more information: The Margaret L. Williams Developmental Evaluation Center 3 1 5. 472. 44 0 4 K o hls A u t is m . c o m

Free

Family Times February 2015

23

THURSDAY, FEB. 12

Cinderella, Saturdays and Feb. 18

Smart Play. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Children age 5 and under can explore a free-play environment that promotes discovery, creativity and the development of early literacy skills. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 6376374. www.fflib.org.

Annual Auto Expo. 4-9 p.m.; through Feb. 15.

See new models and concept cars from the Syracuse Auto Dealers Association in 135,000 square feet of show space. Convention Center, 500 S. State St., Syracuse. $9/adults; $7/seniors; $3/under 12; free/under 5. 474-1041.

Yoga Storytime. 4:15-5 p.m.; also Feb. 26. Kids ages 4-8 and parents can have a full-body experience that builds early literacy skills and healthy bodies at the same time. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Naviance Training. 5:30-7 p.m. Families with

KATHE HARRINGTON PHOTO

students in grades 6-12 can get an overview of the Naviance College and Career Readiness Curriculum, a tool that helps students develop skills to reach college and career goals. Corcoran High School, 919 Glenwood Ave., Syracuse. Free.

435-6275.

FRIDAY, FEB. 13

Annual Auto Expo. 4-9 p.m.; through Feb. 15.

See Feb. 12 listing.

Animal Fun. 5-8 p.m. Visit with live animals (6

p.m.), make a craft and play. Bring an item for the pet food pantry and get a free drink in return.

KidzClub Indoor Play and Party Place, 219 Route 57, Phoenix. $12/child. 695-2211. www.kidzclubfun. com.

Join our After School Enrichment Program!

3:00pm - 6:00pm monday-Friday Safe Hands on with Horses Horse Care Education Time for Homework Experienced Trainers Fun arts & crafts

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315-440-2244 for Tours and Information 24

Family Times February 2015

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VALENTINE’S DAY

Exhibit Opening Weekend. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.;

also Feb. 15. Learn about the history and culture of the United States with Trivial Pursuit: A 50-State Adventure Exhibit. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $13.50/general; free/younger than 2. (585) 2632700.

Kids Karnival. Noon-4 p.m.; also Feb. 15, 20,

21 & 22. Activities for kids include face painting, appearances by Disney characters, and more.

Part of Syracuse Winterfest. City Hall Commons, 201 E. Washington St., Syracuse. Free admission; nominal fees for activities. 243-2500. wacooper@ twcny.rr.com.

Animal ABCs. Noon. A Rosamond Gifford Zoo

educator introduces audience members to live animals, animal artifacts and more. Best for children from birth to age 5, accompanied by a caregiver.

White Branch Library, 763 Butternut St., Syracuse.

Free. 435-3519.

Winter Hibernation Festival. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

There’ll be food, snow art, igloo building, winter crafts, sledding, snowshoeing, a winter wildlife outdoor safari, and more. Great Swamp Conservancy, 3.5 miles off I-90, Exit 34, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. Suggested donation: $3. 697-2950.

A World of Puppets. 11 a.m. Open Hand Pup-

Anti-Valentine’s Day Party. 2 p.m. Teens can

Valentine’s Day Storytime. 11 a.m. Children

can take part in a storytime and activities featuring I Love You Just Like This. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Kids Karnival. Noon-4 p.m.; also Feb. 20, 21 & 22. See Feb. 14 listing.

Annual Auto Expo. Noon-5 p.m. See Feb. 12 listing.

Exhibit Opening Weekend. 1-4 p.m. See Feb. 14 listing.

MONDAY, FEB. 16 PRESIDENTS’ DAY

Snowshoe and Chocolate Tasting. 1-3 p.m.

Feb. 15. See Feb. 12 listing.

pet Theater’s Geoffrey Navias performs “Masks of Life.” International Mask and Puppet Museum, 518 Prospect Ave., Syracuse. $10/adults; $6/children.

Reserve: 476-0466.

SUNDAY, FEB. 15

Cinderella. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 31 listing.

Explore the center on snowshoes, then taste chocolates and learn how the chocolates protect warbler habitat in winter. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 Route 89, Savannah. $12/adult with snowshoe rental; $10/child with snowshoe rental.

365-3588.

Annual Auto Expo. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; through

seum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Cost: $5.

425-9068, Ext. 2143.

Calendar

SATURDAY, FEB. 14

create an anti-romantic card, enjoy broken-hearted snacks and hang out with friends. Guests are invited to wear black. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1940.

Sensory Friendly Time. 5:30-7:30 p.m. MOST staffers turn down the noise, turn off the flashing lights and shut off the air compressors so people with sensory issues can enjoy the museum. Mu-

Geek Girl Day. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Girls in grades

3-5 take part in hands-on activities related to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics and hear from inspiring women working in those fields. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 6376374.

INDOOR, ELECTRIC GO KART RACING The Ultimate Indoor Experience

Now Open in Rochester!!

Adult & Junior Karts (Must be 48” tall) Birthday Parties & Corporate Events Gift Certificates Available for Purchase Kart Speeds Up to 45mph

SFT

Video Games & Sports Memorabilia 9090 Destiny USA Drive Syracuse, NY 13204 315-423-RACE (7223) This location is an independently operated franchise owned by Destiny Raceway, LLC

Family Times February 2015

25

FRIDAY, FEB. 20

Neverland Night, Feb. 27

Kids Karnival. Noon-4 p.m.; also Feb. 21 & 22.

See Feb. 14 listing.

Frozen Sing-Along. 1-4 p.m. Get fancy and

sing along to the movie, then have a special treat afterward. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

Author-Illustrator Talk. 2 p.m. Anita

Schmidt-Kyanka, author and illustrator of a wildlife tale about a family of great blue herons, talks about and signs copies of her book. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Albany Devils. See Jan. 30 listing.

Star Party. 7-9 p.m. (Backup date Feb. 21.) Use

an astronomer’s telescopes to observe Jupiter at its finest and possibly catch a glimpse of Venus.

Dress warmly. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $8. Register: 673-1350.

SATURDAY, FEB. 21

Junior Café Scientifique. 9:30-11 a.m. The

Winter Wonders Week. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.;

daily through Feb. 20. Various special break-week activities. All activities are weather dependent.

Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $4/vehicle. $5/snowshoe rental. 638-2519.

Shipwrecked Surprise. 2 p.m. Kids age 6 and

up can make a pirate flag and search for shipwrecked surprise. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727.

Minion Madness Party. 2 p.m. All ages of

kids are invited to a party that celebrates Gru, the Minions and others from Despicable Me, with crafts and snacks. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required: 446-3578.

TUESDAY, FEB. 17

Penguins and Polar Bears. 2 p.m. Children

can do math and science and hear stories about the creatures of the North and South poles.

They will also make a craft and have a treat. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free.

435-5442.

Frozen Party. 2 p.m. Children of all ages can

dress in costume and enjoy a sing-along showing of Frozen, winter-themed crafts and more. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free.

Registration required: 446-3578.

Craft and Cocoa. 2 p.m. Kids can make a fun

wintertime craft and enjoy warm cocoa. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free.

435-1940.

Winter Break at Hazard Branch. 2:30 p.m.; daily at the same time, through Feb. 20. Kids ages 5-12 can make a different cool thing each day of vacation; all materials provided. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free.

435-5326.

Tween Techtorials. 5 p.m. Kids ages 9-12 can

learn how to make moving images in the form of GIFs. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.

26

Family Times February 2015

Magic with Ron Cain. 6:30 p.m. Ron Cain per-

forms a magic show on the shipwrecked theme.

Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration preferred: 492-1727.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18

Snow Much Fun. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Indoor

play date for kids from age 4 to grade 6. Drop off or parents can stay and play. Bring a bagged lunch.

Grace Covenant Church, 5300 Route 31, Clay.

Free. Registration required: 699-1551 or a.evens@ gracecovchurch.org.

Music with Donna B. 10 a.m. Preschool and

early-elementary-aged kids will enjoy an interactive musical performance by Donna Butterfield.

Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse.

Free. 435-5442.

Technology Alliance of Central New York presents a talk about the Onondaga Lake cleanup project, geared toward middle school students. Must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees can visit the exhibits after the presentation. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free. Register by email: jrcafe@tacny.org.

Animal ABCs. 10:30 a.m. A Rosamond Gifford

Zoo staffer talks about an animal and shows participants one up close. Food and drink also provided.

Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

Kids Karnival. Noon-4 p.m.; also Feb. 22. See Feb. 14 listing.

Cinderella. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 31 listing.

Caricatures. 1-3 p.m. Have your own caricature drawn. Central Library, Galleries of Syracuse, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1900.

Teen Geeks. 1 p.m. See Feb. 4 listing.

Cocoa and Crafts. 11 a.m. Children age 5 and up can have some hot cocoa and make crafts.

DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt.

Free. Registration required: 446-3578.

Music with Donna B. 2-4 p.m. Kids can get

Cinderella. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 31 listing.

costume and make a festive mask, learn about the New Orleans event, and have cake and goodies.

DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt.

Free. Registration required: 446-3578.

BINGO Day. 2:30 p.m. Kids age 7 and up can

play BINGO for prizes. White Branch Library, 763 Butternut St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3519.

THURSDAY, FEB. 19

Drop in for Crafts. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Children

from preschool age to grade 6 with a caregiver can make seasonal crafts; all materials provided.

Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

their faces painted and watch a fun, interactive show. Central Library, Galleries of Syracuse, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1900.

Mardi Gras Party. 2-4 p.m. Kids can come in

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Binghamton Senators. See Jan. 30 listing.

SUNDAY, FEB. 22

Train Show. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Operating train

Tinker Tots. 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 2-6 will have hands-on opportunities to learn, explore and invent. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

layouts and displays, Lego train layout, a Thomas the Tank Engine model, and dealers selling train items. Presented by the Syracuse Model Railroad Club. Eastwood American Legion Post 1276, James Street and Nichols Avenue, Syracuse. $4/adult; $2/ age 12 and under; $12/family max. 373-7887.

Shipwrecked Crafts. 2 p.m. Children age 5

Kids Karnival. Noon-4 p.m. See Feb. 14 listing.

and up can make crafts including ocean in a jar, a seagull and a volcano. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727.

Craft Creations. 2:30 p.m. Kids can drop by the children’s area and make their own craft. White Branch Library, 763 Butternut St., Syracuse. Free.

435-3519.

MONDAY, FEB. 23 See Ongoing Events

Calendar

$10.00 OFF your Birthday Party for parties of 8 or more. Exp. 3/1/15

Thunderbird Lanes

$5.00 OFF Family Fun Night

Every Saturday 4pm - 10pm. Shoes & balls included.

2 hours of bowling, fun, pizza & soda. For up to 6. Exp. 3/1/15

Thunderbird Lanes

PRE K — 6 TH GRADE Faith & Values, Academic Excellence , Family & Community

This is the Immaculate Conception way

Book your birthday party

today Package one: $8.95 Per child Includes 2 hours of bowling fun, shoes & balls or Package two: $10.95 Per child Includes 2 hours of bowling fun, shoes, balls, pizza & soda

Thunderbird

Lanes

• Pre - K Program • Full Day Kindergarten • Technology Integration (all grades)

• Spanish (starting in Kindergarten!)

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED. Call Mrs. Lisi, 637-3961, for more information and/or a personal tour.

Sports & Recreation

Immaculate Conception School holds the prestigious Middle States Accreditation

(315) 303-5801 | www.tbirdlanes.net 7252 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse

LIkE uS on

400 Salt Springs St., Fayetteville www.icschool.org Family Times February 2015

27

Calendar

TUESDAY, FEB. 24

Fun with Science. 3-8 p.m. Kids in grades

kindergarten through 6, and their families, can learn fun facts about fossils, rocks, minerals and more using hands-on science kits. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Minecraft and Coding. 4-5:30 p.m. Teens in

grades 6-12 can learn how to code in Forge for Minecraft. Participants must have computer experience. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25 See Ongoing Events

THURSDAY, FEB. 26 See Ongoing Events

FRIDAY, FEB. 27

Neverland Night. 5-8 p.m. Children can play

with the Tinker Fairy and Jake the Pirate, search for treasure, get a kid’s meal and more. KidzClub Indoor Play and Party Place, 219 Route 57, Phoenix. $18/child. Registration required: 695-2211. www.kidzclubfun.com.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Albany Devils. See Jan. 30 listing.

SATURDAY, FEB. 28

Winter Tracking for Kids. 10-11 a.m. Look in

the woods for tracks and, back indoors, craft your own track to take home. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $8.

Register: 673-1350.

Black History Month Storytime. 11 a.m.

Kids can enjoy a storytime and activities featuring the books I Am Rosa Parks and I Am Jackie Robinson.

Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free.

449-2948.

Cinderella. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 31 listing.

Sun Party. 1-3 p.m. (Backup date March 1.) Ob-

serve the sun through specially filtered telescopes and see what it looks like up close. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $8/individual; $25/family. Register: 673-1350.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Utica Comets. See Jan. 30 listing.

ONGOING EVENTS

City of Syracuse Ice Skating. Through March

30 at indoor rinks; weather permitting, through March 11 at Clinton Square. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs offers skating at these locations. Meachem Rink (121 W. Seneca Turnpike). Open skating: Tuesdays-Fridays, 12:15 to 3:15 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays.

7:15 to 10 p.m. Call in advance as some hockey games interfere with open skate hours: 492-0179.

Sunnycrest Rink (698 Robinson St., near Henninger High School). Open skating: Mondays and Tuesdays, 12:15 to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, noon to 5:30 and 7:15 to 9:30 p.m.; Thursdays, noon to 4:30 p.m.; Fridays, noon to 4:30 and 7:15 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, 1:45 to 6:45 p.m., 7 to 8:15 p.m. and 8:30 to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Call in advance; hours subject to change: 473-4696.

Clinton Square Ice Rink. Free admission Wednesday nights. Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays and school breaks, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Rink open weather permitting, so call in advance: 423-0129. Admission at all rinks:

$3/adults; $2/age 12 and under and age 55 and older; $3/skate rental.

Horsedrawn Hay or Sleigh Rides. 11 a.m.-4

p.m.; weekends through February. Twenty-minute ride into the woods at Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Park Road (off Route 80), Fabius. $6/person; $3/age 5 & under. Registration required: 683-5550.

Cross Country Ski Lessons. Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m.; through Feb. 23. One-hour introductory lesson, weather permitting. Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Park Road (off Route 80), Fabius. $25/lesson & equipment rental; $10/lesson only.

Reservations required: 683-5550.

Try Snowshoeing. Sundays, 12:30 p.m.; through

March 1. One-hour clinic includes instructions and a short snowshoe hike. Offered when weather permits. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4 per vehicle. Registration required (day of hike, starting at 8 a.m.): 638-2519.

Snow Leopard Days. Daily, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Half-price admission at the zoo through Feb. 28.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission in January and February: $4/adults; $2.50/senior citizens; $2/children; free/age 2 and younger. 435-8511. Ongoing attractions include Humboldt penguins.

Weekend Walks With a Naturalist. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. Nature discovery hike with different topics each weekend. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4 per vehicle. 638-2519.

Great Swamp Conservancy Nature Trails.

Daily, dawn to dusk. Throughout the year, visitors can grab their walking shoes (or snowshoes) and explore 4.5 miles of well-groomed, flat trails. Trails feature a 900-foot boardwalk, osprey nesting platform, and wetland and grassland restoration areas.

PolkaTot Children’s Consignment Sale

Clothing, Baby Gear, Toys & MUCH more!

PolkaTot Spring/Summer Children’s Consignment Sale

BISHOP GRIMES JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE:

Date: 2/4/2015 • Time: 6:15pm to 8:00pm

SCHOLARSHIP/ENTRANCE EXAM: Date: 2/7/2015 • Time: 7:45am For students entering grades 7 or 9

For Admissions information and exam registration, please call: 315.314.7157 or email scollins@syrdiocese.org

Bishop Grimes Jr/Sr High School 6653 Kirkville Road East Syracuse, NY

Faith • Academic Excellence • Service 28

Family Times February 2015

MEGA SAlE

Consignor registration now open!

Earn up to 70% of your sales!

www.polkatotsale.com

Consignor registration now open!

Earn up to 70% of your sales!

(and limited!)

www.polkatotsale.com March 20

10am-4pm

March 21 March 22

10am-4pm 9am-2pm

New Inventory added Saturday.

Many items 50% off on the final day of sale

Wegmans Plaza on W. Taft Rd., Liverpool

Snowshoeing at Baltimore Woods; see Ongoing Events

Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Hiking

trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. Interpretive Center open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sundays. Snowshoe rental: $5/day. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. 673-1350.

Barnes & Noble Storytimes. Thursdays, 10

a.m. Join a storytime for toddlers and preschoolers that’s features a book, songs and coloring.

Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free.

449-2948.

Maxwell Library Storytimes. Storytimes and

book groups for all ages. Call for dates and times.

Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. 672-3661.

Northeast Community Center Library Storytimes. Preschool storytimes with rhymes

and occasional games; youngsters learn group listening and participation skills. Call for times.

Northeast Community Center Library, 716 Hawley Ave., Syracuse. Free. 472-6343, Ext. 208.

DeWitt Community Library. Library offers

hundreds of free programs for parents and children. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. 446-3578.

Fayetteville Free Library Storytimes. (Ex-

cluding holidays.) First Steps: (Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.) for children up to age 2. Pre-K Storytime: (Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.) for ages 3-6. Cuddletime: (Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.) for babies not yet walking and an adult. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

Onondaga Free Library Storytimes. Tod-

Syracuse Go Club. Every Monday, 7-10 p.m.

Petit Branch Library Storytimes. Tuesdays,

Regional Market Farmers’ Market. Satur-

dler storytimes (ages 2-3): Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:15 a.m. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration preferred for first-time attendees: 492-1727.

10:30 a.m. Toddler and preschooler storytime for children ages 18 months-5 years and caregivers.

Includes stories, rhymes, finger plays and songs.

Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse.

435-3636.

Wegmans sit-down dining area, 6789 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. Club devoted to the ancient Chinese game of Go; players of all ages. Free.

479-9073. days, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. (year-round). Shop seasonal produce, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, specialty foods and more on display throughout covered sheds; heated shops of Regional Market Commons feature gift and unique items including jewelry, paint-

The fun, affordable solution for birthday parties and other celebrations (mention this ad when you book a party and receive 200 extra game tokens!)

Nurture your child’s inner musician ... and yours too!

• Arcade • Indoor Bounce House • Homemade pizzas (made in house!)

• Moonwalk Bouncers • Giant Ball Pit • Slides

Green Lakes Music Together Fun filled music and movement classes for infants through kindergartners, together with the adults who love them.

Classes in Syracuse, Dewitt, Clay, Camillus, Fayetteville, Skaneateles & Auburn

Call 446-1017 for a free sample class!

Visit greenlakesmusictogether.com for more information.

(Did we mention?

Our inflatables are adult friendly!)

See our website for current specials! surfcityfamilyfuncenter.com

(315)-214-8129 • 7380 Thompson Road, North Syracuse Family Times February 2015

29

Calendar

The area is a stop for many migratory waterfowl and songbirds; other wildlife include muskrats and beavers. Great Swamp Conservancy, 3.5 miles off I-90, Exit 34, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. Free.

697-2950.

Calendar

ings and home decor. Also, flea market, Sundays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 2100 Park St., Syracuse. 422-8647.

ATTRACTIONS

Erie Canal Museum. 318 Erie Blvd. E., Syra-

cuse. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; closed holidays. Free. 471-0593.

Interactive exhibit: Work the Weighlock. The Stonecutters: Exhibit reveals the fascinating world of the stonecutters and quarrymen who built the 83 locks and 18 aqueducts along the 363-mile Erie Canal.

Everson Museum of Art. 401 Harrison St.

days, Sundays and school holidays, 3:15 p.m.

Onondaga Historical Association Museum. 321 Montgomery St., Syracuse. Wednes-

day-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Donation. 428-1864. Syracuse’s only comprehensive local history museum, with exhibits on architecture, local industries, transportation and more.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. 1

Conservation Place, Syracuse. Daily, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $8/adults; $5/senior citizens; $4/children; free/age 2 and younger. 435-8511. Ongoing attractions include Humboldt penguins.

Tuesday-Friday, Sunday, noon- 5p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 donation. 474-6064. World-class museum includes Children’s Interactive Gallery designed to acquaint beginning art viewers with basic art principles, with areas dedicated to portraiture, hands-on activities, and a classroom.

Sciencenter. 601 First St., Ithaca. Monday-Satur-

International Mask and Puppet Museum.

Strong National Museum of Play. 1 Man-

518 Prospect Ave., Syracuse. Fridays by appointment. First two Saturdays of the month, 10 a.m.-noon (October-April). 476-0466. Permanent collection includes masks, marionettes, shadow puppets and more.

Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square,

Syracuse. Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Museum admission: $10/adults; $8/seniors and ages 2-11. IMAX admission only: $10/adults; $8/children and senior citizens; (473-IMAX). Planetarium (only available with museum admission): $2. 425-9068.

Hands-on science center features the Bristol Omnitheater, Science Playhouse, Earth Science Discovery Cave, Technotown, and Flight and Space Exhibit. Silverman Planetarium shows “Zoo in the Sky,” for kids under age 8, Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays, 11:15 a.m.; “Seasonal Sky” Satur-

day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/ under 3. (607) 272-0600. www.sciencenter.org.

Inspires people of all ages to discover the excitement of science through exhibits and programs.

hattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $13.50; free/younger than 2. (585) 263-2700. Permanent exhibits include National Toy Hall of Fame with inductees such as alphabet blocks, Barbie, Crayola crayons, G.I. Joe and the ever-versatile cardboard box. Also, super-sized kids’ market and more; lunch available at Bill Gray’s Skyliner Diner.

WonderWorks. 9090 Destiny USA Drive,

Syracuse. Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Experience more than 100 hands-on exhibits, compete in a game of lazer-tag and take part in the Canyon Climb Adventure. Suspended 70ft in the air it’s the World’s largest indoor ropes challenge course. General admission: $24.99 (plus tax)/adults $16.99+/children (4-12) and seniors (55 plus);.

Add lazer tag: $3+. Add the Canyon Climb: $10+.

Canyon Climb only: $14.99+. Sky Tykes only (48

At Your Place Hey Moms!

Pottery Painting

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Meetings

Family Times February 2015

Choices

Calendar listings are free!

Send information about your family-friendly event to: Family Times calendar, 1415 W. Genesee St., Syracuse; Fax to 422-1721; or email to editorial@familytimes.biz.

Include date and time of event, location with numbered street address and town, price, and phone number for publication. We give priority to low- or no-cost events aimed at parents, kids, or parents accompanied by kids. For consideration, listings are due by Feb. 6 for the March issue.

FamilyTimes_February2015 SC.pdf 1 12/29/2014 10:37:59 AM

Enjoy creative is fun easy and fun with your friends. for all ages.

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inches tall and under): $7.99+ (Included in general admission for children 48 inches tall and under).

Lazer tag only: $6.99+ (replays $2.99+). Children age 3 and under are free. 466-7700. Wonderworksdestiny.com.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Fidelis Care offers full coverage for preventive and routine dental care for kids.

Quality service. No referrals for network providers.

And with some of the top dental providers in the area, Fidelis Care’s youngest members have a lot to smile about.

To learn more about applying for health insurance including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

1-888-FIDELIS | fideliscare.org (1-888-343-3547) •

Family Times February 2015

31