FreeRochester · The Flower City

Free things to do with kids in Rochester, this week and every week.

Yes, plenty is free with little kids in Rochester this week: we found 29 free outings, including Book & Beast at Seneca Park Zoo, Halloween at the Market and Trunk or Treat at Total Sports Experience (Gates), plus 17 library programs. Five free days and events are coming up, including two museum or zoo free days, each with its date. And six places never charge admission, like Rochester Central Library and Lincoln Branch & Toy Library.

Last checked · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

29free outings this weekincl. 17 library programs5free days and events coming upincl. 2 museum or zoo free days6places that are always freeRochester Central Library, Lincoln Branch & Toy Library2free storytime calendarsRochester Public Library and Monroe County Library System, Brighton Memorial Library

This week

Free things to do with kids in Rochester this week

Every free outing on this week’s Rochester list, rebuilt every Thursday. Library programs may need a quick sign-up.

Mon Oct 199:30–10am

All Ages Storytime (Brighton)

Brighton Memorial Library · 2300 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14618

Drop-in storytime featuring stories, songs, and activities for all ages with a caregiver.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–5
Mon Oct 199:30–10am

Baby Story Time (Penfield)

Penfield Public Library · 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY 14526

*registration for this series is optional; walk-ins welcome* Mondays, September 21-December 7, 9:30-10:00 AM (no sessions on October 12 or November 23) Songs, stories, and finger plays for infants.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–2
Mon Oct 199:30–10am

Baby Storytime (Gates)

Gates Public Library · 902 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624

Babies and their caregivers can enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, and play time! Recommended for ages birth to 2. No registration.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–1
Mon Oct 1910:30–11am

Babytime! (Irondequoit)

Irondequoit Public Library · 1290 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617

Join us for lapsit stories, rhymes, and songs designed for children birth to 12 months! (Older children welcome!) The Irondequoit Public Library is committed to creating inclusive and accessible.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–2
Mon Oct 1910:30–11am

Little Ones Pumpkin Craft (Lincoln)

Lincoln Branch · 851 Joseph Ave., Rochester, NY 14621

Halloween craft time for our littlest library-goers and their caregivers.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–4
Tue Oct 2010–10:30am

Toddler Story Time (Sully)

Sully Branch · 530 Webster Ave., Rochester, NY 14609

Join us on Tuesdays at 10 AM in the story time room for music, reading, and playing! Planned for children ages 0 - 3 with a caregiver. No registration required.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 1–3
Tue Oct 2010:30–11am

Babies & Books (Lincoln)

Lincoln Branch · 851 Joseph Ave., Rochester, NY 14621

Come learn sounds, shapes, colors, and numbers! For little ones and their caregivers.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–2
Tue Oct 2010:30–11am

Storytime! (Irondequoit)

Irondequoit Public Library · 1290 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617

Join us for stories and songs at the library! For children 1-5 with their caregiver. If weather permits, storytime will be outside on the library lawn, please bring a blanket/chairs! The Irondequoit.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–5
Tue Oct 2011–11:30am

Stories for All (Charlotte)

Charlotte Branch · 3557 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY 14612

Tuesdays: 6, 13, 20, 27 Thursdays: 8, 15, 22, 29 Join us for this storytime for all ages in the children's room. Stories, songs and fun for all!

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–5
Tue Oct 2010:15–11am

Story Time Tuesday! (Gates)

Gates Public Library · 902 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624

Build a foundation for your child's learning with story time! Join our Children's Librarian, Jen for stories, songs, rhymes and fun each week on Tuesdays. Early education is key to a child's success.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–5
Wed Oct 2111–11:30am

Book & Beast at Seneca Park Zoo

Seneca Park Zoo · 2222 St. Paul St., Rochester, NY 14621

A free 30-minute story time that ends with an up-close visit from one of the zoo’s ambassador animals.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–8
Wed Oct 2110:15–11:15am

Time for Tots (Gates)

Gates Public Library · 902 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624

Forty minutes of free play with toys, followed by a short story time. Recommended for ages 1-5, but siblings are welcome!

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 1–5
Wed Oct 2111–11:30am

Musical Storytime (Lincoln)

Lincoln Branch · 851 Joseph Ave., Rochester, NY 14621

Stories, songs, and music for little ones and their grownups! All ages.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–5
Wed Oct 2111:30am–12pm

Preschool Crafts (Penfield)

Penfield Public Library · 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY 14526

*Registration opens two weeks before each session* Wednesdays, September 23-December 16, 11:30 AM-Noon (no session November 25) For Ages 2-5 Join our children’s librarian for a fun story and.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 2–5
Wed Oct 216:30–7pm

Pajama Storytime (Brighton)

Brighton Memorial Library · 2300 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14618

Drop-in storytime featuring stories, songs, and fingerplays for all ages and a caregiver held in the Brighton Kiwanis Discovery Room. ASL interpretation provided by RIT/NTID student volunteers, as.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–5
Thu Oct 229:45–10:30am

Wee Walkers Play Time (Penfield)

Penfield Public Library · 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY 14526

*registration for this series is optional; walk-ins welcome* Thursdays, September 24-December 10, 9:45-10:30 AM (no story time October 29 or November 26) Stories, songs, rhymes, and play time for.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–2
Thu Oct 2211–11:30am

Stories for All (Charlotte)

Charlotte Branch · 3557 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY 14612

Tuesdays: 6, 13, 20, 27 Thursdays: 8, 15, 22, 29 Join us for this storytime for all ages in the children's room. Stories, songs and fun for all!

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–5
Thu Oct 223–6pm

Family-Friendly Costume Karaoke Night (Monroe)

Monroe Branch · 809 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14607

Join us in the Monroe Children's room from 3pm-6pm on Thursday, October 22nd for a family-friendly karaoke night! You'll have the perfect chance to show off your Halloween costumes and sing your.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 2–10
Thu Oct 223:30–5:30pm

Family Halloween Party (Charlotte)

Charlotte Branch · 3557 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY 14612

Come dressed in your costume to enjoy some spooky music, creepy crafts and yummy treats!

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 2–10
Fri Oct 2310:15–11:15am

Sensory Play Time (Gates)

Gates Public Library · 902 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624

Join the children's librarians and engage in many different kinds of sensory play and learn while having fun!

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–3
Fri Oct 2310:30–11am

Babytime! (Irondequoit)

Irondequoit Public Library · 1290 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617

Join us for lapsit stories, rhymes, and songs designed for children birth to 12 months! (Older children welcome!) The Irondequoit Public Library is committed to creating inclusive and accessible.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–2
Fri Oct 2310:30–11:15am

Bright Kids All Ages Storytime (Brighton)

Brighton Memorial Library · 2300 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14618

Drop-in storytime featuring stories and songs for all ages with a caregiver.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–5
Fri Oct 2311–11:25am

Terrific Toddlers Story Time (Penfield)

Penfield Public Library · 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY 14526

*registration for this series is optional; walk-ins welcome* Fridays, September 25-December 11, 11:00-11:25 AM (no story time October 9, November 13, or November 25) Songs, stories, and fun for.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 1–3
Sat Oct 2410am–noon

Fall Family Trunk or Treat with Brighton Memorial Library

Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship · 150 Sawgrass Dr., Rochester, NY 14620

Meet Bruce the Bear from the Ryan T. Higgins books and trunk or treat with the library, Friends of BML and Brighton Recreation. Held off-site this year because of the Town Hall renovation; costumes welcome.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–10
Sat Oct 241–3pm

Fall Literacy Festival & Parade (Central Library)

Central Library · 115 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14604

Join us for literacy and math fun, trick-or-treat with community partners, and participate in our Book Parade at 1:30 PM! First 100 families receive a free Polaroid photo. Free pumpkins available.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–8
Sat Oct 242–4pm

LEGO Lab: Spooky (Central Library)

Central Library · 115 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14604

Accept our October building challenge and create a spooky scene! Whatever you build, we’ll put it on display. All ages.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 3–10
Sun Oct 254:30–7pm

Halloween at the Market

Rochester Public Market · 280 N. Union St., Rochester, NY 14609

The Public Market’s yearly Sunday-before-Halloween party: trick-or-treat at vendor sheds run by community groups, plus performances, live entertainment and spooky crafts. Wear a costume.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–12
Sun Oct 25Morning time slots (register for one)

Trunk or Treat at Total Sports Experience (Gates)

Total Sports Experience Gates · 880 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624

Walk an outdoor path behind the building to candy stations from local partners, held with the Town of Gates. Bring a bag for candy and, if you can, a donation for the Center for Youth.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–12
Sun Oct 258–10am

Cars & Coffee Trunk or Treat at The Little Speed Shop

The Little Speed Shop · 500 Lee Rd., Rochester, NY 14606

The monthly Cars & Coffee goes trunk or treat this time: kids collect candy from decorated car trunks while the grown-ups look at cars.

Event page ↗Checked Report a problem
FreeAges 0–12
Showing all 29 free outings

Mark the calendar

Free days and free events coming up in Rochester

Museum and zoo free days, free festivals and other one-off free events, soonest first. Some free days are only for residents or cardholders, so each one says who gets in free.

Who gets in free:EveryoneResidents onlyCardholders only
Nov7
Nov8
Dec5
Dec6

Bank of America Museums on Us weekend

Memorial Art Gallery · Rochester

Only the cardholder gets in free, so bring the card and an ID.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Cardholders onlyFree general admission for Bank of America, Merrill and Private Bank cardholders (one per card, with photo ID)
Nov26

The Feast Thanksgiving Day Kid’s Half Mile Fun Run

Blue Cross Arena · Downtown

Kids’ half mile at 8:30 a.m.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
EveryoneFree; registration closes at 8 a.m. race day
Nov27
Nov28
Nov29

Roc Holiday Village

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park · Downtown

Opening day 11am–11pm. Runs through Dec 20.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
EveryoneFree entry, skating and skate rentals
Any open day

Museums for All at Seneca Park Zoo

Seneca Park Zoo · North side, 2222 St. Paul St.

A valid government ID may be needed to confirm eligibility.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Who gets in$1 with Museums for All; kids 3 and younger free

Any day

Places that are always free in Rochester

Parks, gardens, nature centers and museums that don’t charge admission.

Springdale Farm

Spencerport, 700 Colby St.A farm park with barnyard animals, a petting zoo on special days from about April to October, and a playground by the picnic pavilion.Official site ↗Report a problem

Wild Wings at Mendon Ponds Park

Honeoye Falls, 27 Pond Rd.A nonprofit raptor center in Mendon Ponds Park that cares for injured birds of prey that can’t be released; kids can see the raptors up close.Official site ↗Report a problem

Ontario Beach Park

North end of the city, on Lake OntarioThe Lake Ontario beach park, with a pier and the historic 1905 Dentzel Carousel ($1 a ride in summer; 2 and under ride free).Official site ↗Report a problem
Free to get in, but parking, special exhibits and seasonal extras can cost money. Check each place’s site before you go.

Every week

Free library storytimes

Rochester Public Library and Monroe County Library System

Free baby, toddler and all-ages storytimes at city branches and town libraries across Monroe County.

Weekday mornings at most branches

BabiesToddlersFree
Find a storytime near you ↗

Brighton Memorial Library

Free baby, toddler and preschool storytimes. This fall's regular sessions include Lapsit Baby Storytime (Tuesdays 11:30am) and All Ages Storytime (Mondays 9:30am).

Weekly at the Friends of BML Learning Center; Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays

BabiesToddlersPreschoolFree
Find a storytime near you ↗

Keep planning

More for little kids in Rochester

Indoor play in RochesterIndoor playgrounds, toddler times and museums, with pricesThanksgiving weekend in RochesterParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayThis week in RochesterDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

Free things to do with kids in Rochester: the FAQ

This week we found 29 free outings for ages 0–6, including Book & Beast at Seneca Park Zoo, Halloween at the Market, Trunk or Treat at Total Sports Experience (Gates) and Cars & Coffee Trunk or Treat at The Little Speed Shop. See free this week; the list is rebuilt every Thursday.

Fall Literacy Festival & Parade: Sat Oct 24. Bank of America Museums on Us weekend: Sat Nov 7, Sun Nov 8, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. Roc Holiday Village: Fri Nov 27, Sat Nov 28 and Sun Nov 29. Museums for All at Seneca Park Zoo: Any open day ($1 with Museums for All; kids 3 and younger free). Dates come from each venue’s own page; see free days and free events.

The Feast Thanksgiving Day Kid’s Half Mile Fun Run is free this season. Dates and times are on each card under free days and free events.

Rochester Central Library, Lincoln Branch & Toy Library, Springdale Farm, Wild Wings at Mendon Ponds Park and Ontario Beach Park and 1 more don’t charge admission. Some charge for parking or special exhibits; the cards say so where the place does.

Yes: Rochester Central Library. See all of them on indoor play places in Rochester.

Yes. Rochester Public Library and Monroe County Library System and Brighton Memorial Library run free storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Times change by branch, so check the calendar linked below.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 19, 2026, and we recheck them every Thursday for dated events and once a month for free places. How we choose and check.

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