Family Times October 2024 by Family Times

SEASONAL STEM PROJECTS FOR KIDS

CREATE YOUR FAMILY’S BEST-EVER PUMPKIN SCENIC TRAIN RIDES PAGE 18 AREA APPLE ORCHARDS, PUMPKIN PATCHES PAGE 19-21

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Decorating pumpkins is one of my fondest Halloween memories.

Every October, my family headed to a local pumpkin patch to search for the perfect one, then we would sit outside (or inside, depending on the weather) and carve or paint them. One year, we even used Lite Brite pegs! That tradition continued well into my teenage years.

If you’re planning to carve your own pumpkin this year, turn to pages 14 and 15 for some ways you can make it your best one yet. (I especially liked the tip about using a dry erase marker to draw the design; I always ended up having lines or small holes on mine).

Now that fall has officially arrived in Central New York, are you looking for some ways to embrace the cooler weather and changing leaves? How about a scenic train ride? You’ll find our top picks on page 18 (they’re all within three hours of Syracuse). Then turn to pages 19-21 for our annual guide to area pumpkin patches, apple orchards, corn mazes, and more. There’s a lot to choose from!

And, of course, don’t miss our list of Halloween events on pages 31-36; there’s something for every age.

Wishing you a safe and happy Halloween!

Courtney Kless EDITOR IN CHIEF

Inside

From apple volcanoes to pumpkin gut slime, turn to pages 12 and 13 for nine STEM activities you can try this fall.

William Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF

Courtney Kless CourtneyK@familytimescny.com CONTENT DIRECTOR

Steve Guglielmo

CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER

Robin Barnes

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Renate Wood

CONTRIBUTORS

Katy Clark, Pam Molnar

SALES MANAGER

Tim Hudson (ext. 201)

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

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

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“A fall foliage drive to Lancaster, PA!”

– DANIELLE, NORTH SYRACUSE

“Clayton, NY for Punkin’ Chunkin.’”

– BRIDGET, LIVERPOOL

“Apple Country, LaFayette...and of course, the Apple Festival! The hills of Central New York are blazing orange, the air is crisp, and the celebration of apples is full-blown.”

– JOANNE, SYRACUSE

“Ontario Orchards fall festival! Apple picking and lots of family-friendly activities!”

– KELLY, BALDWINSVILLE

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Visit our social media pages to answer the November Question of the Month!

“Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and primitive camping are great during the fall season when the leaves are turning. A great way to experience the colors is on a seaplane ride through Payne’s Air Service.”

– ADELE BURNETT, INLET TOURISM DIRECTOR

Treat Yourself

Spend a day—or a weekend—exploring Inlet

BY COURTNEY KLESS

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy planning a day trip or weekend getaway each fall.

Have you considered Inlet as your next destination?

“We are a tiny town surrounded by lakes and forests with so much to explore: hiking, biking, paddling, boating, fishing, hunting, swimming, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, snowshoeing, and so much more!” said Tourism Director Adele Burnett. “There are just over 300 people who live in Inlet year-round, and probably four times that many seasonal residents.”

Known as “the little town that could,” Inlet is nestled along the Fulton Chain of Lakes in the Adirondacks.

“The Fulton Chain of Lakes is actually a branch of the Moose River that is controlled by two dams—one between Fifth Lake and Sixth Lake and the other on the west end of Old Forge Pond,” said Burnett. “The Fulton

Chain includes Old Forge Pond, First Lake, Second Lake, Third Lake, Fourth Lake, Fifth Lake, Sixth Lake, Seventh Lake, and Eighth Lake. The water flows from Eighth Lake towards Old Forge Pond. Inlet is located on the ‘inlet’ of Fourth Lake.”

The town certainly has a lot to offer during the fall months (the box on the right has a few ideas). But before you plan your visit, there is one thing you should keep in mind.

“Most shops, restaurants, and accommodations are still open through the fall, but many reduce their hours after Labor Day,” said Burnett. “Some will take a break after Columbus Day and reopen for Christmas on Main Street (Thanksgiving Weekend) or the first weekend of December (snowmobile/ski season). There are a few who are not winterized and remain closed until May.”

For more information about Inlet, visit inletny.com

THINGS TO DO IN (AND AROUND) INLET

• Adirondack Saddle Tours

• Arrowhead Park

• Black Bear Mountain Trail

• Ferd’s Bog Trail

• Fern Park Recreation Area

• Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council

• Maple Moss Sugarworks

• Paynes Air Service

• Pedals & Petals

• Raquette Lake Navigation

• Rocky Mountain Summit

PHOTO

Mary Condlin, Owner/ Director of Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance

BY COURTNEY KLESS

1

Can you tell us a little about the history of Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance? How did you transition into your role as director?

In 1972, my mom, Joan, put out feelers in Liverpool for dance by renting a VFW on Old Liverpool Road, next to what used to be a McDonald’s. After one year, we had outgrown that space and moved to the top floor of the Antique Mart on 1st Street. In 1985, we entered and started the after-school programs in the districts of Syracuse, Jamesville-Dewitt, Liverpool, Baldwinsville, and North Syracuse. At the age of 17, after graduation, I started teaching full time. I was the ballet teacher with Joyce Myers and had trained at the Center of Ballet and Dance Arts and became a member of DEA. In 1986, I became a partner with my mom. I transitioned into the director role in 2013 when mom started showing signs of dementia and it became hard for her to focus.

2

What types of classes does Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance currently offer?

We teach ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and pointe. Our staff is built of alumni who returned after college and wanted to continue their love for dance through teaching; even our secretary is an alumni parent!

What is your favorite part of your role?

My favorite role is watching the 2-5’s come in so excited to dance; everyone comes in happy, but the little ones, it’s a big deal for them. And then having students of all ages continue through high school. We are proud to have second generations dancing with us. The reward of teaching what I love and spreading that joy to others is something very precious.

The studio has been a part of the Liverpool Park dedication. We perform with the Liverpool Community Chorus, Nasentia Adult Daycare Program, and American Heart Association.

I didn’t know where to add this in; most of our students continue to dance in some way through college.

Apple Pancakes

Recipe and photo courtesy of Hood

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups Hood® Lowfat Cottage Cheese

• 2 tablespoons Hood® Whole Milk in the Lightblock Bottle

• 4 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 large apple, grated (skin on), and more for garnish, if desired

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Place cottage cheese and milk in a small food processor or blender. Process on high until smooth, about 1 minute.

STEP 2

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar. Add the cottage cheese mixture and combine until blended. Add the apple and vanilla and stir to blend.

STEP 3

STEP 4

Coat a large skillet or griddle with vegetable cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Using a scant ½-cup measure, pour the batter onto the hot pan. Cook until nearly set and bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.

STEP 5

Dust pancakes with powdered sugar and top with more grated apples, if desired, then serve.

Add the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon to the bowl and blend well. Do not overmix.

Turn to page 19 for some places you can pick apples in Central New York

Fall STEM Projects for Kids

BY PAM MOLNAR

Hey Mom and Dad! You know the fun doesn’t end just because summer is over. If your kids are curious, like to get dirty, and enjoy the magic of science, here are nine great seasonal science experiments for you to try:

WHERE DOES THE WATER GO?

Before the leaves change colors and start to fall, grab a few green leaves directly off the tree. Place the stems of the leaves in a mixture of water and red food coloring. You can see how the leaf absorbs the water as the color moves through it. Photograph and document the progress over the next 24 hours.

CANDY CORN LAVA LAMP

Pour 1 cup of water into a large mason jar. Add orange

food coloring and mix. Slowly pour in 3 cups of vegetable oil and let the mixture settle for 20 minutes. Then add an effervescent tablet and watch the colored bubbles move around like a lava lamp.

APPLE VOLCANOS

If you are looking for ways to use up the bad apples this fall, why not make a volcano? Cut out the center of a whole apple and fill it with 1½ tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of red food coloring. Place the apple in a bowl to catch the “lava.” Slowly pour vinegar into the center of the apple and watch it erupt.

SEED BOMBS

Gather newsprint, tear it into small pieces, and cover it with water. After it has soaked for 30 minutes, add the

mixture to a blender to create a pulp. Mix with seeds you harvested from your summer flower garden and squeeze out the excess water. Form into small balls and let dry completely. In the spring, drop the seed bombs in areas that need a little color, and they will plant themselves. They also make great gifts!

PUMPKIN SCIENCE

Compare two or more similar-sized pumpkins by weighing them, measuring their circumference, and comparing their color, the thickness of their shell, and the number and size of the seeds. Before cutting them open, you can also see if they will sink or float by placing them in a bucket of water. Let the kids make predictions before each comparison.

CANDY CORN BUILDINGS

Use leftover candy corn (they usually go on sale right after Halloween) and toothpicks to create buildings, towers, bridges, or whatever your engineer desires. You can even “bling up” your creations by adding beads to the toothpicks before adding the candy corn.

MAKE PUMPKIN GUT SLIME

Create a simple sensory toy with pumpkin guts and seeds, 2 bottles of clear Elmer’s glue, 1½ teaspoons of baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of contact solution. Knead until it is

no longer sticky. Refrigerate the slime when not using, and don’t keep it for more than a few days.

OOZING JACK-O’-LANTERN

Carve a face into a pumpkin, removing the pieces from its eyes, nose, and mouth. Next, cut a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin, large enough to fit the pumpkin over a disposable cup. Fill the cup with 1 cup of water, a squirt of dish soap, and 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Place the pumpkin over the cup. When you are ready, quickly pour ¼ cup of vinegar into the cup, replace the top of the pumpkin, and stand back. The solution will ooze from the pumpkin face. This is definitely an outdoor project!

FIRE PIT COLOR

Soak two pine cones in a mixture of water and 1 pound of salt. At the same time, soak two pine cones in water and 1 pound of borax. Take them out after 30 minutes and let them dry completely. When they are dry, place the pine cones into a fire pit and watch the color differences. (Salt burns yellow and borax burns green.)

How to Create Your Family’s Best-Ever Pumpkin

BY KATY M. CLARK

It’s pumpkin time! How can you make sure you pick the perfect pumpkin and transform it into a boo-tiful jack-o-lantern? Check out these handy tips with everything you need to know to create your family’s best-ever pumpkin:

PICKY, PICKY

The best selection in your local pumpkin patch will probably be available in early October. Of course, selecting your gourd at the grocery store is convenient any time. My kids have found some of their biggest, best pumpkins at the local store.

No matter where you go, look for smooth pumpkins with no soft spots that indicate rot. It is also ideal to find one with a green stem, which means that the pump-

kin has been freshly picked.

Try not to let your kids pick up the pumpkin by the stem. If the stem breaks off, it could take some of the outer pumpkin with it, making the inside rot faster.

Once you get your prized pumpkin home, store it uncarved in a cool, dry spot. When it is time to create your jack-o-lantern, aim for just a few days before Halloween. This will ensure that it does not decay too fast (boo, black spots!) and looks frightfully good on the big night.

CARVING STATION

If you are lucky enough to set up a carving station outside, go for it. The mess from making a Jack-o-lantern is easier to handle on your patio or in your backyard than inside.

Never fear, though. Carving can be done indoors or out, especially with a well-prepared station. To make cleanup easier, go old school and line your tabletop with newspaper or cut open a plastic trash bag to spread over your surface. You will want to clean up quickly afterwards, too, since pumpkin flesh and seeds are super slippery.

MAKE IT BOO-TIFUL

Have you ever seen a jack-o-lantern with black lines on its face? I know when my family uses permanent markers to sketch our design, we are usually left with a couple mistakes that we must live with or cut out. Here’s a tip I wish I knew years ago: try sketching your lines with a dry erase marker instead, as their marks are

erasable on pumpkins. Or use a template that you can attach directly to the pumpkin as a guide.

When it’s time to cut into your pumpkin, leave that to the adults, as little ones should not handle anything sharp. Instead, give the kids big spoons or an ice cream scoop and let them scrape out the seeds. Save the seeds if you want to toast them later (more on that below).

Grown-ups: your goal should be to cut with short, controlled motions. Don’t forget to go slow! It’s not a race, and you definitely want to avoid a serious hand injury.

EXTRA, EXTRA

Another useful tip is to give kids their own small pumpkin to decorate with glitter and glue or foam stickers while you carve the family’s bigger pumpkin. That way they will stay engaged and not lose interest.

If carving is more of a trick than a treat for your family, you can always paint your pumpkin instead. Note that you may need several coats to get the desired color, and it can take a while for the paint to dry between coats.

GETTING SEEDY

If you want to roast the seeds later, soak them in a big bowl of warm water. After swirling the seeds and the attached goo around with your hands to separate them a bit, let them sit for at least 5 minutes. The goo sinks to the bottom while the seeds float to the top. Once dry, your seeds are ready for whatever sweet or savory recipe you find on the internet. Enjoy!

TICKETS STARTING AT $30

Turn to page 19 for a list of

FALL FAMILY FUN

Fall has officially arrived in Central New York—and what better way to celebrate the season than with a scenic train ride? Turn to page 18 for our picks (all of them are within three hours of Syracuse). Then don’t forget to check out our annual fall activities guide on pages 19-21; it features area apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and much more!

RIDE THE RAILS

Scenic train rides are a great family-friendly activity—especially during the fall months! These are our picks (they’re all within three hours of Syracuse):

ADIRONDACK RAILROAD

The first option on our list also happens to be the closest (the Adirondack Railroad connects Central New York and the northern Adirondacks). From the Utica station, you can book roundtrip rides to Old Forge and Tupper Lake—or you can journey from Holland Patent to Remsen on the Halloween train.

Where: 321 Main St., Utica. More information: adirondackrr.com.

BUFFALO CATTARAUGUS & JAMESTOWN SCENIC RAILWAY

Looking for an option near Buffalo? Consider Hamburg, home of the Buffalo, Cattaraugus & Jamestown Scenic Railway. Children will especially enjoy their Halloween and Santa Express train rides.

Where: 4 Scott St., Hamburg. More information: bcjrailroad.com

CATSKILL MOUNTAIN RAILROAD

If you’re in the mood for an adventure, head downstate to Kingston. There, you can explore the Catskills and take in the fall foliage aboard the Catskill Mountain Railroad. The Pump-

kin Express adds a fun twist: you can choose a pumpkin to take with you! Where: 55 Kingston Plaza Road, Kingston. More information: catskillmountainrailroad.com.

4 COOPERSTOWN AND CHARLOTTE VALLEY RAILROAD

The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad began service in 1869 and is now a popular tourist attraction. For some seasonal fun, we recommend the Fall Foliage Excursions, the Pumpkin Patch Special, or the Trick-or-Treat Express. You can also pedal along the same tracks with Rail Explorers (each vehicle can fit a group of two or four).

Where: 136 E. Main St., Milford. More information: lrhs.com.

5 MEDINA RAILROAD MUSEUM

Located about halfway between Rochester and Buffalo, the Medina Railroad Museum houses what it calls “one of the largest model-train layouts in the country.” Visitors can ride in train cars from 1947 to 1957, too (upcoming excursions include Autumn Adventure and THE POLAR EXPRESS™).

Where: 530 West Ave., Medina. More information: medinarailroadmuseum.org

NEW YORK MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION

The New York Museum of

Transportation doesn’t quite fit with the other places on this list—it has trolley cars from the 1920s instead! Plus, if you visit on Oct. 6, 13, or 27, you’ll get a fall foliage ride with your admission ticket.

Where: 6393 E. River Road, West Henrietta.

More information: nymtmuseum.org

ROCHESTER & GENESEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM

Just up the road is the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Hailed by its website as the “largest operating railroad museum in New York State,” it offers rides on restored vintage trains. During the last three weekends of October, they even stop at a pumpkin patch!

Where: 282 Rush Scottsville Road, Rush.

More information: rochestertrainrides.com.

SARATOGA CORINTH & HUDSON RAILWAY

Rounding out our list is the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway. A short drive north of Saratoga Springs, it operates themed train rides throughout the year, like the Pizza Express, the Sunday Funday Sundae Train, the Candy Cane Express, and, during the fall, the Pumpkin Picker and the Autumn Explorer.

Where: 9 Railroad Place, Corinth. More information: corinthtrain.com

ADIRONDACK RAILROAD

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

FALL ACTIVITIES GUIDE

From apple orchards to pumpkin patches to haunted attractions, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities in our annual guide

ABBOTT FARMS

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

ADAMS ACRES

Where: 7047 Sevier Road, Jamesville More information: adamsacres.net

APPLEDALE ORCHARDS

Where: 6018 State Route 3, Mexico. More information: appledaleorchard.com.

BEAK AND SKIFF APPLE ORCHARD

Where: 2708 Lords Hill Road, LaFayette. More information: beakandskiff.com

BEHLING ORCHARDS

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

CICERO “PUMKIN” PATCH

Where: 7169 Island Road, Cicero. More information: ciceropumkinpatch.com.

CRITZ FARMS

Where: 3232 Rippleton Road, State Route 13, Cazenovia. More information: critzfarms.com

DEER RUN FARMS ORCHARD

Where: 2695 NY-11A, LaFayette. More information: deerrunorchard.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: 4069 Goose St., Locke. More information: grisamorefarms.com.

NAVARINO ORCHARD

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

NORTH STAR ORCHARDS

Where: 4741 Route 233, Westmoreland. More information: northstarorchards.com.

O’NEIL’S ORCHARD

Where: 4872 Route 20, LaFayette. More information: oneillsorchard.com.

ONTARIO ORCHARDS

Where: 7735 St., NY-104, Oswego. More information: ontarioorchards.com

OUR FARM

Where: 1590 Peth Road, Manlius. More information: our-farm.squarespace.com

OWEN ORCHARDS

Where: 8174 Grant Ave., Weedsport. More information: owenorchard.com

PENNY’S COUNTRY FARM

Where: 1540 Gray Road, Union Springs. More information: pennyscountryfarm.com.

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

U-PICK APPLES

CORN MAZE U-PICK PUMPKINS

HAY/WAGON RIDES

SPRINGSIDE FARM

Where: 1850 NY-91, Fabius. More information: springsidefarm.net.

THE PUMPKIN HOLLOW

Where: 3735 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. More information: thepumpkinhollow.com

TIM’S PUMPKIN PATCH

Where: 2901 Rose Hill Road, Marietta. More information: timspumpkinpatch.com.

WILL’S CACKLEBERRY CASTLE PUMPKIN FARM

Where: 1175 Hillsboro Road, Camden. More information: cackleberrycastle.com

WOZNICA ORCHARDS

Where: 8374 Cicero Center Road, Cicero. More information: woznicaorchards.com

Anyone

Free screenings are available to individuals 50-80 who: - are heavy smokers (e.g. 1 pack a day for 20 years or 2 packs a day for 10 years) - OR are former heavy smokers who quit in the last 15 years - AND have not previously received a free lung cancer screening from us. To make an appointment, call 315-472-7504, extension 1301.

HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS

DEMON ACRES

Best for: Teens and adults.

Where: 341 County Route 36, Hannibal. More information: demonacres.com

FRIGHTMARE FARMS

Best for: Children ages 9 and up. Where: 4816 State Route 49, Palermo. More information: frightmarefarms.net.

FRIGHT NIGHTS

Best for: Children ages 9 and up. Where: 1 LePage Place, Syracuse. More information: thefrightnights.com.

13TH HOUR RISING HAUNTED HAYRIDE

Best for: Children ages 8 and up. Where: 84 Merrit Road, Fulton. More information: 13thhourrising.com.

ISTOCK PHOTO

OCTOBER 2024

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

TUESDAY, OCT. 1

Science Together: Magnet Fishing. 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 4 and under can catch fish, then sort and count them. Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca. Included with admission: $12.50/person; free/children under age 2. sciencenter.org.

Toddler Tuesdays. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Children under age 4, and an adult, can feed deer, play with baby goats and watch a snake presentation (11 a.m.). Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo, 5135 Rome-New London Road, Rome. Admission: $10.75 (plus tax)/ adults (16+); $8.75 (plus tax)/ages 2-15; free/children under age 2. fortrickey.com

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2

Animal Feeding. 4-4:30 p.m. Watch as snakes, lizards, frogs and fish enjoy their favorite meals. Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca. Included with admission: $12.50/person; free/children under age 2. sciencenter.org

THURSDAY, OCT. 3

FRIDAY, OCT. 4

Flashlight Safari. 6-10 p.m. Visit the zoo’s animals when they are most active. Costumes are

encouraged. The Wild Animal Park, 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango. Admission: $19.99/adults; $16.99/seniors and children up to 12; free/ages 2 and under. thewildpark.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 5

KeyBank Future Innovators: Bridges. 10-11 a.m. This program is “a monthly challenge-based workshop for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students ages 11+ featuring local BIPOC speakers, activity leaders and mentors.” Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: most.org.

“Exploring Space with Tiny Satellites” Presentation & Movie. 10-11:15 a.m. Join Dr. Hunter Adams from Cornell University for a presentation on “Exploring Space with Tiny Satellites.” Afterwards, stick around for a screening of the museum’s latest ExploraDome show, Space: The New Frontier. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free. most.org.

Junior Naturalist Program. 10-11:30 a.m. & 1-2:30 p.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

Forest Therapy Walk. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Attendees ages 14 and up can “immerse themselves in nature and open their senses to the surroundings of the forest.” Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $30. Registration required: baltimorewoods.org

Chuck Hafner’s Fall Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Today’s schedule features Page Wildlife Center Presents: Live! Birds of Prey and Meet Otto the Orange. Chuck Hafner’s, 7265 Buckley Road, North Syracuse. Free admission (some activities cost extra). chuckhafner.com/fall-festival.

Pay-What-You-Wish-Weekends. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Families can receive paywhat-you-wish admission during the first weekend of each month. Museum of the Earth, 1259 Trumansburg Road (Route 96), Ithaca. Pay-What-You-Wish. museumoftheearth.org.

Great Cortland Pumpkinfest. 10 a.m.8 p.m. Check out local crafts, live music, the Kids’ Zone and more. Courthouse Park, Court St., Cortland. Free admission (some activities cost extra). cortlandpumpkinfest.org.

Video Games! 10:30 a.m. & noon. The Syracuse Orchestra will perform music from Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Minecraft and more. Destiny USA –Syracuse Orchestra Underground Lounge, 1 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse. $18/adults (plus fees); $16/seniors (plus fees); $5/college students; free/under age 18. syracuseorchestra.org

storytime (1 p.m.). Syracuse University Art Museum, 214 University Place, Syracuse. Free. museum.syr.edu/event.

NYS Naturalist Program – “What Tree Rings Can Tell Us About our Past.” 1-3 p.m. During this free event, families can make a tree hanger. Delta Lake State Park, 8797 NY-46, Rome. Free. parks.ny.gov/events.

Sensory Saturdays at Rippleton Schoolhouse. 1-3 p.m. Families can explore the schoolhouse and partake in traditional games and activities. Lorenzo State Historic Site, 17 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia. Free. parks.ny.gov/events.

Flashlight Safari. 6-10 p.m. Visit the zoo’s animals when they are most active. Costumes are encouraged. The Wild Animal Park, 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango. Admission: $19.99/adults; $16.99/seniors and children up to 12; free/ ages 2 and under. thewildpark.com.

SUNDAY, OCT. 6

Chuck Hafner’s Fall Festival. 10 a.m.4 p.m. Today’s schedule features Repco Wildlife Encounters Presents: Prehistoric World’s Creepy Crawly Halloween Event and Meet Scooch from the Syracuse Mets. Chuck Hafner’s, 7265 Buckley Road, North Syracuse. Free admission (some activities cost extra). chuckhafner.com/fall-festival

Pay-What-You-WishWeekends. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Families can receive pay-what-you-wish admission during the first weekend of each month. Museum of the Earth, 1259 Trumansburg Road (Route 96), Ithaca. Pay-What-YouWish. museumoftheearth.org

TUESDAY, OCT. 8

Science Together: Baking Soda and Vinegar. 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 4 and under can mix baking soda and vinegar to create chemical reactions. Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca. Included with admission: $12.50/person; free/children under age 2. sciencenter.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9

Homeschool Day. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Homeschoolers can visit the zoo. Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo, 5135 Rome-New London Road, Rome. $7/person. fortrickey.com.

Sharing Nature with Your Child: Fun with Fall Fungi. 11 a.m.noon. Children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult, can take part in nature hikes, games and crafts. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $7/ child; $5/vehicle. Registration required: events.onondagacountyparks.com

Art Museum Community Day. noon-4 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature drop-in art making (noon-4 p.m.) and a

Great Cortland Pumpkinfest. noon-5 p.m. Check out local crafts, live music, the Kids’ Zone and more. Courthouse Park, Court St., Cortland. Free admission (some activities cost extra). cortlandpumpkinfest.org

MONDAY, OCT. 7

See Library & Ongoing Events

THURSDAY, OCT. 10

$12.50/person; free/children under age 2. sciencenter.org.

FRIDAY, OCT. 11

Forest Clay Creations. 10 a.m.-noon. Attendees ages 5 and up will use their hands, natural clay and various found materials to create tree spirits. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $6-$9. Registration required: baltimorewoods.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 12

LaFayette Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. This annual festival includes craft vendors, a midway with rides and, of course, a variety of apple-themed foods. 5330 Rowland Road, LaFayette. $6/person; free/ages 12 and under. lafayetteapplefest.org.

MACNY Future Women in STEM: How Stable is your Table? 10-11 a.m. Women from area companies will guide attendees through a hands-on activity. This program is designed for girls in grades 6-8. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: most.org

NYS Naturalist Program – “Owls on Duty.” 1-3 p.m. families can explore the benefits of owls and create their own owl guard. Delta Lake State Park, 8797 NY-46, Rome. Free. parks.ny.gov/events

SUNDAY, OCT. 13

LaFayette Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. This annual festival includes craft vendors, a midway with rides and, of course, a variety of apple-themed foods. 5330 Rowland Road, LaFayette. $6/person; free/ages 12 and under. lafayetteapplefest.org

Fossil Mania! 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Celebrate National Fossil Day with interactive activities that explore the dinosaurs of the northeastern U.S. Attendees will also learn about the work of paleontologists and archaeologists. Museum of the Earth, 1259 Trumansburg Road (Route 96), Ithaca. Included with museum admission: $12.50/adults; $9.50/ seniors (ages 65+) and college students (with ID); $7.50/ages 4-17; free/ages 3 and under. museumoftheearth.org.

Chuck Hafner’s Fall Festival. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Today’s schedule features the Two by Two Petting Zoo and Mike the Magician. Chuck Hafner’s, 7265 Buckley Road, North Syracuse. Free admission (some activities cost extra). chuckhafner.com/fall-festival

2:30 p.m. (registration is required). Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Included with park admission ($5/vehicle). events.onondagacountyparks.com

Flashlight Safari. 6-10 p.m. Visit the zoo’s animals when they are most active.. Costumes are encouraged. The Wild Animal Park, 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango. Admission: $19.99/adults; $16.99/seniors and children up to 12; free/ ages 2 and under. thewildpark.com

MONDAY, OCT. 14

See Library & Ongoing Events

TUESDAY, OCT. 15

Science Together: Flower Dissection. 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 4 and under will explore the different parts of a flower. Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca. Included with admission: $12.50/person; free/children under age 2. sciencenter.org

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16

Vince O’Neil Wild Mushroom Festival. noon-4 p.m. Learn about edible and poisonous mushrooms with members of the Central New York Mycological Society. There will also be guided hikes at 1 and

THURSDAY, OCT. 17

Science Together: Flower Dissection. 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 4 and under

will explore the different parts of a flower. Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca. Included with admission: $12.50/person; free/children under age 2. sciencenter.org

Movie Night. 6-8 p.m. Watch a screening of Coco. A full concession stand will also be available. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. $6/ person (movie only). most.org

FRIDAY, OCT. 18

SATURDAY, OCT. 19

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 October is “Black Holes & Astrophysics of Fluid Dynamics” with Dr. Eric Coughlin from Syracuse University. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: most.org

Orienteering Open House. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Central New York Orienteering Club will have members on-site to address any questions, provide maps and help you begin your adventure. Pratt’s Falls Park, 7671 Pratt’s Falls Road, Manlius. Free. events. onondagacountyparks.com

visit to Hospital Land, Repco Wildlife Encounters Presents: Prehistoric World’s Creepy Crawly Halloween Event and the Syracuse Gem & Mineral Society. Chuck Hafner’s, 7265 Buckley Road, North Syracuse. Free admission (some activities cost extra). chuckhafner.com/fall-festival.

SENSORY FRIENDLY

Sensory Friendly Time. 4:30-8 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-interpreted National Grid ExploraDome show at 5:30 p.m. ($6/person). Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. $5/non-members. most.org.

SUNDAY, OCT. 20

Chuck Hafner’s Fall Festival. 11 a.m.4 p.m. Today’s schedule features Teddy Bears visit to Hospital Land, Mike the Magician and the Syracuse Gem & Mineral Society. Chuck Hafner’s, 7265 Buckley Road, North Syracuse. Free admission (some activities cost extra). chuckhafner. com/fall-festival

MONDAY, OCT. 21

See Library & Ongoing Events

TUESDAY, OCT. 22

Science Together: Flubber. 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 4 and under can discover the properties of Flubber. Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca. Included with admission: $12.50/person; free/children under age 2. sciencenter.org

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23

THURSDAY, OCT. 24

FRIDAY, OCT. 25

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

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

Chuck Hafner’s Fall Festival. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Today’s schedule features Teddy Bears

Painting Fall Leaves with Watercolors. 10 a.m.-noon. Children ages 5 and up will collect colorful leaves and use them as inspiration for a painting. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $8-$11. Registration required: baltimorewoods.org

Literary Thrillers. 7:30 p.m. The Syracuse Orchestra will perform music inspired by Harry Potter, Twilight, Lord of the Rings and more. Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $50-$98. syracuseorchestra.org.

SUNDAY, OCT. 27

See Library & Ongoing Events

MONDAY, OCT. 28

See Library & Ongoing Events

TUESDAY, OCT. 29

Science Together: Worms. 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 4 and under will study and take measurements of live worms. Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca. Included with admission: $12.50/person; free/children under age 2. sciencenter.org

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30

THURSDAY, OCT. 31

LIBRARY EVENTS

BALDWINSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

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

FRIDAY, OCT. 11

Drop in Art: Clothes Pin Monsters. 3-5 p.m. All ages. Free.

TUESDAY, OCT. 22

Teen Hangout: Carnival Games. 3-5 p.m. Teens. Free.

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

Dancing! Moving! Dance Class with Gail’s Little Dancing Pals. 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. 6 months-5 years. Free. Registration required.

Click here for more events

COMMUNITY LIBRARY OF DEWITT & JAMESVILLE 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org

TUESDAY, OCT. 8

Homeschool Art & Science Club. 1-2 p.m. Grades K-6. Free. Registration required.

MONDAY, OCT. 14

Family Movie & Pizza – Inside Out 2. Ages 5 and up. Free. Registration encouraged.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30

The Great Oreo Election. 5-6 p.m. Ages 5 and up. Free. Registration required.

Click here for more events

FAIRMOUNT COMMUNITY LIBRARY

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

THURSDAY, OCT. 3

Magical Musical Morning. 10:15-11 a.m.; also Oct. 10, 17 & 24. All ages. Free. Registration required.

Parents’ Night Out

FRIDAY, OCT. 18

DIAL M FOR MURDER. 7:30 p.m.; also Oct. 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30 & 31. Syracuse Stage presents its second show of the 2024/25 season. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30-$90. syracusestage.org/dialm.

SATURDAY, OCT. 19

Masterworks & The Movies. 7:30 p.m. The Syracuse Orchestra performs memorable music from movies and iconic pieces by film composers. Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $63-$98. syracuseorchestra.org

TUESDAY, OCT. 22

Les Misérables. 7:30 p.m.; also Oct. 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27. Broadway in Syracuse opens its 2024/25 season with eight performances of Les Misérables. Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse. $47.90-$91.90. nacentertainment.com.

THURSDAY, OCT. 24

NightLab: Hocus Pocus. 6-9 p.m. Join the MOST for an “adults-only happy hour” with science activities and a 7 p.m. showing of Hocus Pocus. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. $12/person. most.org

Email courtneyk@familytimescny.com with more information.

TUESDAY, OCT. 8

(Homeschool) Fairmount Firehouse Field Trip. 10:15-11 a.m. All ages. Free. Registration required.

TUESDAY, OCT. 22

(Pre-K/Toddler) Fairmount Firehouse Field Trip. 10-11 a.m. Ages 1-5. Free. Registration required.

Click here for more events

FAYETTEVILLE FREE LIBRARY

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

THURSDAY, OCT. 3

Pumpkin and Apples Glitter Jars. 4:15-5 p.m. Grades 3-6. Free. Registration required.

TUESDAY, OCT. 8

DIY Scarecrow Flower Pot. 4:15-5 p.m. Grades K-4. Free. Registration required.

THURSDAY, OCT. 10

Pine Cone Critters. 4:15-5 p.m. Grades 3-6. Free. Registration required.

TUESDAY, OCT. 15

DASH Robot Fall Leaves Challenge. 4:15-5 p.m. Grades K-4. Free. Registration required. Click here for more events

MONDAY, OCT. 14

Percy Jackson: Heroes & Olympians Party. 10 a.m.-noon. All ages. Registration required.

FRIDAY, OCT. 25

Creating Fun Fall Crafts. 2-3 p.m. Ages 5-8. Free. Registration required.

Click here for more events

MANLIUS LIBRARY

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

SATURDAY, OCT. 5

LIVERPOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY

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

SATURDAY, OCT. 5

Light of the World Ballet Presents “You Are Special.” 11 a.m.-noon. All ages. Free. Registration required.

THURSDAY, OCT. 10

Bilingual Night – Family Story and Crafts. 6:30-7:30 p.m. All ages. Free.

Swan Fest: Family Story Time. 10:3011:30 a.m. Ages 2-8. Free.

TUESDAY, OCT. 8

Reese’s-Themed Puzzle Derby. 6-7:30 p.m. All ages. Free. Registration required.

MONDAY, OCT. 21

Tween Snack Attack Book Club. 4-4:45 p.m. Ages 9-12. Free. Registration required.

Click here for more events

MINOA LIBRARY

242 N. Main St., Minoa. (315) 656-7401. minoalibrary.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 5

Superhero Science with the MOST. 11-11:40 a.m. Grades Pre-K-3. Free. Registration required.

FRIDAY, OCT. 18

Music with Donna B. 11-11:45 a.m. Ages 5 and under. Free. Registration required.

Click here for more events

MUNDY BRANCH LIBRARY

1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. (315) 435-3797. onlib.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2

Let’s Play! With ArtHouse Collective. 6-7 p.m.; also Oct. 9, 16, 23 & 30. All ages. Free.

FRIDAY, OCT. 4

Forest Friends Fridays. 2:30-3 p.m.; also Oct. 11, 18 & 25. All ages. Free.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16

SUNY ESF. 6-7 p.m. All ages. Free.

Click here for more events

NOPL BREWERTON

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2

Back to (Home) School. 10:30-11:30 a.m. All ages. Free.

SATURDAY, OCT. 6

Spanish Story Saturdays. 11 a.m.-noon. All ages. Free.

FRIDAY, OCT. 11

Teen Tarot Card Craft. 4-5 p.m. Teens. Free.

Click here for more events

NOPL CICERO

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

TUESDAY, OCT. 8

Young LEGO Builders Club. 3:30-5 p.m. All ages. Free.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16

Sensory Play for Babies and Toddlers. 11:30 a.m.-noon. Babies and toddlers. Free.

Kids Make: Paper Bag Monsters. 3:304:30 p.m. All ages. Free. Registration required.

TUESDAY, OCT. 22

Tweens and Teens Creative Writing. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tweens and teens. Free.

Click here for more events

ONGOING FALL FESTIVALS & OUTINGS

NOPL NORTH SYRACUSE

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

TUESDAY, OCT. 1

Improv Games for Tweens. 4-5 p.m. Tweens. Free. Registration required.

Click here for more events

ONONDAGA FREE LIBRARY

4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. (315) 492-1727. oflibrary.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 17

Storytime Featuring Local Author Tina Shepardson. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Ages 7 and under. Free. Registration required.

FRIDAY, OCT. 18

Anime Club. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Ages 11-18. Free. Registration required.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30

Godzilla’s Birthday Party. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Ages 5-11. Free. Registration required.

Click here for more events

Fall Harvest Celebration. Daily (through Oct. 22), 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. This annual event features farm animals, wagon rides, playgrounds, cider making demonstrations, a corn maze (this year’s theme is “Back to School”) and more. Critz Farms, 3232 Rippleton Road, State Route 13, Cazenovia. Weekends: $10/person (free/children under age 2). Weekdays: $6/person (free/ children under age 2). critzfarms.com

Fall Fun Days. Saturdays and Sundays (through Oct. 27), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Activities include: tractor pull rides ($2.50), pumpkin decorating, animal presentations and a corn maze. Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo, 5135 Rome-New London Road, Rome. Admission: $10.75 (plus tax)/adults (16+); $8.75 (plus tax)/ages 2-15; free/under 2. fortrickey.com

Fall Fest. Saturdays and Sundays (through Oct. 27). Visit the “Fun Zone” for a corn maze, wagon rides, pony rides and face painting. Abbott Farms, 3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville. $10/fun zone admission. abbottfarms.com

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

STORYTIMES

Baldwinsville Public Library

Storytimes. Drop in Storytime with Mr. KC (ages 2-5): Mondays (except Oct. 14), 10:30-11 a.m. Read and Play Storytime (6 to 24 months): Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Storytime with Mrs. G and Ms. Jessie! (ages 2-4): Wednesdays, 9:30-10 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

Barnes & Noble Storytimes (New Hartford). Saturday Storytime: Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 4811 Commercial Drive, New Hartford. Free. (315) 768-1075. barnesandnoble.com

Beauchamp Branch Library Storytimes. Storytime (toddlers and preschoolers): Wednesdays, 10-10:30 a.m. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3395. onlib.org

Central Library Storytimes. StoryPlay (ages 0-5): Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900. onlib.org.

Elbridge Free Library Storytimes. 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 (ages 0-18 months): Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fayetteville

Liverpool Public Library Storytimes. Preschool Story Time and Stations (ages 3-5): Mondays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Baby Storytime (birth-18 months): Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Toddler Story Time: Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Family Story Time (ages 0-5): Thursdays, 9:30-10 a.m. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Manlius Library Storytimes. Toddler Storytime (ages 0-3): Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Family Story Time: Wednesdays, 6:30-7 p.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

Maxwell Memorial Library Storytimes. Storytots Story Time (ages 0-3): Wednesdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

MOST Storytimes. STEM Storytime (ages 2-6): Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m.-noon. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with museum admission: $12/ adults; $10/children (ages 2-11); $5/seniors (65+); free (under 2). (315) 425-9068. most.org

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

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

NOPL North Syracuse Storytimes. Storytime with Miss Sarah (toddlers and preschoolers): Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 4586184. NOPL.org.

Onondaga Free Library Storytimes. Family Storytime (ages 2-5): Wednesdays (except Oct. 2 & 30), 10-11 a.m.Onondaga Free Library. 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727. oflibrary.org

Paine Branch Library Storytimes. Story Time with Miss Sue: Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5442. onlib.org

Skaneateles Library Storytimes. Baby Bounce & Rhyme (0-18 months): Wednesdays, 9:15-9:45 a.m. Read, Sing, Play Storytime (18 months-3 years): Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Story Time for Book Worms (ages 2-5): Thursdays (except Oct. 31): 10:30-11:15 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles. Free. (315) 685-5135. skanlibrary.org.

Soule Branch Library Storytimes. Lapsit Storytime (babies and toddlers): Thursdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Soule Branch Library Storytimes, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. (315) 435-5320. onlib.org

Halloween Happenings

Celebrate the holiday all month long at these local events

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2

DIY Mini Monsters. 4:15-5 p.m. Children in grades Pre-K-1 can use craft rolls to create a mini monster. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: fflib.org

THURSDAY, OCT. 3

DOG-O-WEEN Spooktacular Stroll. 5-9 p.m. Families can walk the 0.5-mile trail with their dog. There will also be a costume contest each week. Long Branch at Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. $25/vehicle (credit card only at the gate). spooktacularstroll.com

FRIDAY, OCT. 4

Spooktacular Stroll – Family Night. 5-9 p.m. Families can visit a spider forest, pumpkin patch, skeleton graveyard, creepy castle and more on a 0.5-mile walk. Costumes are encouraged. Long Branch at Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. $25/vehicle (credit card only at the gate). spooktacularstroll.com

SATURDAY, OCT. 5

Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. $25/vehicle (credit card only at the gate). spooktacularstroll.com

SUNDAY, OCT. 6

Spooktacular Stroll –Treats on the Trail. 5-9 p.m. Families can pick up treats in each themed section. Costumes are encouraged. Long Branch at Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. $25/vehicle (credit card only at the gate). spooktacularstroll.com.

TUESDAY, OCT. 8

Kids Bake Spooky Treats. 4-5:30 p.m. Children in grades 3-6 can bake marshmallow monsters, strawberry ghosts and witch fingers. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. Registration required: NOPL.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 10

Teen Craft House: Spooky Edition. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Teens ages 13 and up can create a haunted birdhouse. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. Registration required: manliuslibrary.org

DOG-O-WEEN Spooktacular Stroll. 5-9 p.m. Families can walk the 0.5-mile

trail with their dog. There will also be a costume contest each week. Long Branch at Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. $25/vehicle (credit card only at the gate). spooktacularstroll.com.

FRIDAY, OCT. 11

Halloween Family Activities. 4-7 p.m. Family-friendly activities include: Trick or Treat Street, face painting, arts and crafts and a bounce house. Rome Art and Community Center, 308 W. Bloomfield St., Rome. Free. romeart.org

Spooktacular Stroll – Family Night. 5-9

p.m. Families can visit a spider forest, pumpkin patch, skeleton graveyard, creepy castle and more on a 0.5-mile walk. Costumes are encouraged. Long Branch at Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. $25/vehicle (credit card only at the gate). spooktacularstroll.com.

Halloween Haunted House. 6-9:30 p.m. Walk through the Carpenter House, which has been turned into a zombie-themed haunted house (recommended for ages 12 and up). Rome Art and Community Center, 308 W. Bloomfield St., Rome. Free. romeart.org

SATURDAY, OCT. 12

Zoo Boo. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The zoo becomes a kid-friendly haunt with trick-or-treat stations, creepy-crawly animal encounters, a costume parade and more. This year’s themes are: Superheroes (Oct. 12-13); Witches and Wizards (Oct. 19-20); and Your Favorite Movies (Oct. 26-27). Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $8/person (advance) (plus zoo admission); $9/person (door) (plus zoo admission). rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Pumpkin Carving for Kids. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children ages 5 and up can carve their own pumpkins. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org.

Spooktacular Stroll – Family Night. 5-9 p.m. Families can visit a spider forest, pumpkin patch, skeleton graveyard,

creepy castle and more on a 0.5-mile walk. Costumes are encouraged. Long Branch at Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. $25/vehicle (credit card only at the gate). spooktacularstroll.com

SUNDAY, OCT. 13

Spooktacular Stroll – Treats on the Trail. 5-9 p.m. Families can pick up treats in each themed section. Costumes are encouraged. Long Branch at Onondaga Lake

Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. $25/vehicle (credit card only at the gate). spooktacularstroll.com.

TUESDAY, OCT. 15

We’re Gonna Make It: Cheesecloth Ghosts. 3-5 p.m. Attendees of all ages can use cheesecloth to create a ghost. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. bville.lib. ny.us

Masquerade Masks. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tweens and teens can design and decorate a masquerade mask. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: NOPL.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16

Halloween Crafts. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Children ages 4-8 can get into the Halloween spirit with themed crafts, spooky music and snacks. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Drive, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: fairmountlibrary.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 17

Yarn Ghost Garland. 4:15-5 p.m. Attendees in grades 3-6 can create a yarn

ghost garland. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: fflib.org

FRIDAY, OCT. 18

Jeff the Magic Man: Not-So-Spooky Spooktacular. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Families can watch a special Halloweenthemed performance by Jeff the Magic Man. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. bville.lib. ny.us

SATURDAY, OCT. 19

Spooktacular Harvest Festival. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This event will include food trucks, trick-or-treat stations and animal meet-and-greets. Utica Zoo, 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica. Included with zoo admission: $9/ages 13 and up; $6/ages 2-12; free/under age 2 (plus $4 for an activity card). uticazoo.org/spooktacular

Spooktacular Fall Fest. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Families can enjoy a Tricks, Stories & Treats storytime, a craft for children and more. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. manliuslibrary.org

Zoo Boo. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The zoo becomes a kid-friendly haunt with trick-or-treat stations, creepy-crawly animal encounters, a costume parade and more. This year’s themes are: Superheroes (Oct. 1213); Witches and Wizards (Oct. 19-20); and Your Favorite Movies (Oct. 26-27). Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $8/person (advance) (plus zoo admission); $9/person (door) (plus zoo admission). rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

SUNDAY, OCT. 20

Spooktacular Harvest Festival. 10 a.m.3 p.m. This event will include food trucks, trick-or-treat stations and animal meetand-greets. Utica Zoo, 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica. Included with zoo admission: $9/ ages 13 and up; $6/ages 2-12; free/under age 2 (plus $4 for an activity card). uticazoo.org/spooktacular

Zoo Boo. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The zoo becomes a kid-friendly haunt with trick-or-treat

stations, creepy-crawly animal encounters, a costume parade and more. This year’s themes are: Superheroes (Oct. 12-13); Witches and Wizards (Oct. 19-20); and Your Favorite Movies (Oct. 26-27). Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $8/person (advance) (plus zoo admission); $9/person (door) (plus zoo admission). rosamondgiffordzoo.org

Spooktacular Stroll

– Treats on the Trail. 5-9 p.m. Families can pick up treats in each themed section.

Costumes are encouraged. Long Branch at Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. $25/ vehicle (credit card only at the gate). spooktacularstroll.com.

TUESDAY, OCT. 22

Teens Make Edible Haunted Houses.

6-7 p.m. Teens in grades 6-13 can make an edible haunted house. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. Registration required: NOPL.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23

Spooky Slime Lab. 4-4:45 p.m. Attendees ages 5 and up can make their own spooky slime. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org

Sink or Float: Halloween Candy. 4:155 p.m. Children in grades Pre-K-1 can predict whether different kinds of candy will sink or float. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: fflib.org

Craft Spooktacular. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Families can create a paper plate bat, a ghost puppet and more. Seymour Library,

176 Genesee St., Auburn. Free. seymourlibrary.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 24

FRIDAY, OCT. 25

Drop in Art: Reusable Treat Bag. 3-5 p.m. Attendees of all ages can make their own reusable treat bag. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. bville.lib.ny.us.

Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. $25/vehicle (credit card only at the gate). spooktacularstroll.com

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

Spooky Harvest Fest at the Farmers Market. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. The CNY Regional Market will offer trick-or-treating, live music and fall activities for children. CNY Regional Market, 2100 Park St., Syracuse. Free. cnyregionalmarket.com

EEK = MC 2 . 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate Halloween weekend at the MOST with bonus activity stations. Costumes are encouraged. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. Included with museum admission: $12/ adults; $10/children (ages 2-11); $5/seniors (65+); free (under 2). most.org.

Jeff the Magic Man Halloween Show. 11-11:55 a.m. Children ages 3 and up can watch a Halloween show by Jeff the Magic Man. Minoa Library, 242 N. Main St., Minoa. Free. minoalibrary.org

Pumpkin Decorating. 11 a.m.-noon. Families can decorate a pumpkin. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. oflibrary.org

Family Fun Series: MVCC’s Pumpkin Party. noon-1:30 p.m.

Family friendly activities include: treats, pumpkin painting and appearances by Wednesday Addams and Jack Skellington. Costumes are encouraged. Mohawk Valley Community College – Utica, 1101 Sherman Drive, Utica. $10. mvcc.edu

SUNDAY, OCT. 27

Spooktacular Stroll – Treats on the Trail. 5-9 p.m. Families can pick up treats in each themed section. Costumes are encouraged. Long Branch at Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. $25/vehicle (credit card only at the gate). spooktacularstroll.com.

Trick-or-Treat Street. 4-6 p.m. Families can go trick-or-treating indoors. Mohawk Valley Community College – Rome, 1101 Floyd Ave., Rome. Free. mvcc.edu.

MONDAY, OCT. 28

Witches Brew Party. 4-5 p.m. Attendees can dress up as their favorite witch or wizard and indulge in some witch’s brew and cauldron cakes. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. NOPL.org

Thrifted Ghost Painting and Sheet Ghost Costume Contest. 6-8 p.m. Teens ages 12-18 can transform thrifted paintings and get into the spirit by wearing their best sheet ghost costume. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. oflibrary.org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 29

Halloween Storytime & Parade. 10:1511 a.m. Children ages 1-5 can listen to a Halloween-themed story, then participate in a parade around the library. Costumes are encouraged. Fairmount Community

Library, 406 Chapel Drive, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: fairmountlibrary.org

Halloween Party. 6-7 p.m. Families can enjoy stories, crafts and trick-or-treating. Costumes are encouraged. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org

Halloween Storytime. 6-7 p.m. Join the library for a special Halloween-themed storytime, then create a Halloween-themed doorknob hanger. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. NOPL.org

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30

Trick or Treat Story Time. 10:3011:30 a.m. Children ages 2-5 can enjoy a

Halloween-themed storytime, followed by trick-or-treating in the library. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles. Free. skanlibrary.org

THURSDAY, OCT. 31

Trick or Treat Story Time. 10:3011:30 a.m. Children ages 2-5 can enjoy a Halloween-themed storytime, followed by trick-or-treating in the library. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles. Free. skanlibrary.org

Bubbling Brew Liquid Nitrogen Demo. 2-2:30 p.m. Stop by the museum to explore the science of liquid nitrogen. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. Included with museum admission: $12/adults; $10/children (ages 2-11); $5/seniors (65+); free (under 2). most.org.

Trick or Read. 4-6 p.m. Families can visit stations around the library. Seymour Library, 176 Genesee St., Auburn. Free. seymourlibrary.org