Family events in Oneida County, NY

More than 500 youth ball hockey players, ages 9 to 19, from across the United States and Canada gather for a full weekend of competition that highlights emerging talent in the sport. The action unfolds at the Adirondack Bank Center and the Utica University Nexus Center.

Cool off with Water Wars, a fun water-balloon and water-shooter splash event at the pavilion. It is a great way to beat the heat after a day of mining Herkimer Diamonds. Water balloons and water shooters are provided, and you are welcome to bring your own as well. If the weather is cold, an alternate activity will be held at the pavilion. Themes and activities may change.

Get ready to groove at a campground dance party in The Garden. Bring your friends and family, request your favorite song, and pick the vibe you’re feeling, whether you’re relaxing by the campfire or hitting the dance floor. In case of rain, the activity will be moved indoors to The Pavilion.

Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo transforms into a Neverland themed adventure featuring character meet and greets throughout the day. The Tinker Fairy and the Mermaid of Neverland’s Blue Lagoon will greet guests at the entrance and make periodic appearances at the stages and gazebo. Character entertainment is provided by Cait’s Character Corner, returning for a second year, offering family fun with pirates, fairies, and mermaids.

Kids can enjoy a summer themed painting session inspired by sandy footprints. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers, and admission includes all materials and snacks.

Hosted by the Oneida County Suicide Prevention Coalition, this community day of hope and healing takes place at Franklyn's Field and welcomes all ages. Attendees can enjoy music, explore community resources, take part in wellness screenings, join in games and activities for both kids and adults, and grab a bite from food trucks.

Take a break and head to The Garden for a hands-on sweet treat. You’ll get to create your own edible “dirt & worms,” which is fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Join us in The Garden for Sand Art! You can pick from a variety of decorative bottles and layer vibrant sand to make your own colorful masterpiece. This is a fun, creative activity for all ages, with bottle prices ranging from $3 to $5 depending on size.

Mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with the History Center’s annual selfie scavenger hunt that turns local history into a photo quest. Open to all ages, the challenge uses a trail of clues to lead participants to battlegrounds, historic markers, and monuments tied to the country’s beginnings. Seek out notable sites, capture a creative selfie at each stop, and explore the Mohawk Valley’s role in the fight for independence for a chance to win local prizes. Clues and instructions are available at the History Center.

Preschoolers and younger kids are invited to a playdate in the library’s Children’s Area. Expect a fun mix of toys, puzzles, educational tablets, and time to make friends while playing together.

Stop by the library for an easy, hands-on craft session. You can drop in and make a take-home craft as part of the Summer Reading Program.

Bring the whole crew for an afternoon of creek fun at the rocky shore area by Tent Site 100. You can hunt for crayfish, look for the perfect rock, and use natural finds from the area to build your own sculpture. Nets will be provided, and if you want to keep going you can also buy one at the KOA Store for $5. Children must be accompanied by an adult to enter the river.

Get in on a sweet twist on classic BINGO at the activity tent in the garden. Bring a candy bar or a package of candy, and you can exchange it for a BINGO card. Winners split the candy. Candy can be purchased at the KOA store or during the event at the activity tent.

Bring your preschooler for a fun playtime designed for children age preschool and under. You’ll find toys, puzzles, educational tablets, and plenty of opportunities to meet other kids in the library’s Children’s Area.

Story Hour is a preschool-focused program featuring stories and crafts. It runs on select mornings, and while it’s aimed at preschool-age children, everyone is welcome. An adult must accompany the child.

This interactive session offers songs, stories, and movement designed for babies from birth through age 2. Older siblings are welcome to participate. Last-minute cancellations are posted on Facebook, Instagram, and the website. For the latest update before leaving home, call 315-853-2038.

Enjoy a movie screening on a large screen. For a list of films and their descriptions, request the weekly e-newsletter by emailing clinton@midyork.org, or stop in to pick up a printed flyer.

Join us on the library lawn for stories, lemonade, and a snack. After select sessions, there will be additional activities from a variety of community organizations. If weather is bad, the program will move indoors to the Children’s room, with limited seating available. Allergy concerns and accommodation requests can be shared with the children’s librarian.

This interactive story time features singing, stories, scarves, and shakers, and it is open to participants of all ages. For any last-minute cancellations, check Facebook, Instagram, or the website, or call 315-853-2038 before leaving home.

Stop by for Candy Bar BINGO, a sweet twist on classic BINGO. Bring a candy bar or candy package to exchange for a BINGO card, and winners split the candy. You can purchase candy at the KOA store or at the activity tent during the event. The game takes place under the Activity Tent in The Garden.

Preschool Playdate is a casual, kid-focused hangout for preschool age children and younger. Head to the library’s Children’s Area to enjoy toys, puzzles, educational tablets, and time to play and connect with other kids.

Join in for Stories, songs, and fun at the Clinton Farmer's Market. The storytime will be held at the gazebo, with a friendly session for kids and families.

Ms. Ruth leads an all-ages story time in the gazebo during the Farmers' Market. For last-minute cancellations, check Facebook, Instagram, or the website, or call 315-853-2038 before leaving home.

Snacktime is a drop-in after-school hangout for kids ages 4 to 16. Stop by for a healthy snack and enjoy some time at the library. The session runs in the afternoon and repeats on Tuesdays and Thursdays.