With winter finally behind us, Central New York offers a variety of family-friendly ways to enjoy the spring and summer seasons with affordable community events and entertainment. Right here in our region, families can enjoy parks, museums and the local zoo, arts and entertainment, and of course, the hallmark of the season – local, professional baseball.

Sunny afternoons and warm evenings welcome the start of baseball season for our very own Syracuse Chiefs. The Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, the Chiefs are our region’s source for professional baseball, without traveling long hours or spending hundreds of dollars at big league ballparks. The 8-time Governors’ Cup winners bring competitive baseball right here to our backyards, playing at NBT Bank Stadium. I’ll be attending the Chiefs’ opening game on Thursday, April 16, and I encourage you to join me in rooting for the home team! For information about the Chief’s 2015 schedule, visit syracusechiefs.com.

Even if baseball isn’t your family’s cup of tea, NBT Bank Stadium offers summer concerts, entertainment and special events throughout the season. Taking advantage of events held at the community-owned stadium is a great way to have fun with your whole family while also supporting our local economy.

If you’re not catching a Chiefs’ game or a concert at the stadium, consider a visit to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Located at Burnet Park in Syracuse, the 43-acre zoo is home to more than 700 animals of all types including elephants, lions, penguins and a variety of birds, fish and reptiles. The zoo features a half-mile Wildlife Trail along which you can observe Amur tigers, gray wolves, red pandas and snow leopards. More than just entertainment, the zoo provides an educational experience for kids of all ages.

In addition to these possibilities, Central New York has numerous parks, lakes, trails and nature preserves that are excellent destinations throughout the spring and summer. Green Lakes State Park and Onondaga Lake Park are just a short drive away and offer world class hiking and biking trails, featuring scenic views that go on for miles. Whether it’s picnicking, golfing, hiking or spending time on the water, our region has an outdoor activity your family can enjoy.

Supporting Central New York’s sports teams and visiting our local attractions are just some of the great ways to enjoy the spring season, while spending quality time with the whole family. As always, if you have questions about local events, activities or any other community issue, please feel free to contact me at 315-452-1115 or by emailing StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us.