# Free things to do with kids in Rochester this 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: 2026-10-19
- 29 free outings this week; 5 free days and events coming up; 6 always-free places
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/free/
- Indoor play (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/indoor-play/index.md
- This week (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/index.md
- City index for agents: https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/llms.txt

## Free days and free events coming up

- **Fall Literacy Festival & Parade** at Central Library, Downtown. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 1–3pm. Price: Free. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17788601 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Bank of America Museums on Us weekend** at Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester. When: Sat Nov 7, Sun Nov 8, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. Price: Free general admission for Bank of America, Merrill and Private Bank cardholders (one per card, with photo ID). Only the cardholder gets in free, so bring the card and an ID. Official page: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-partners (checked 2026-10-19)
- **The Feast Thanksgiving Day Kid’s Half Mile Fun Run** at Blue Cross Arena, Downtown. When: Thu, Nov 26, 2026. Time: Kids’ half mile at 8:30 a.m. Price: Free; registration closes at 8 a.m. race day. Official page: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Rochester/FeastofBurden5Miler (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Roc Holiday Village** at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, Downtown. When: Fri Nov 27, Sat Nov 28 and Sun Nov 29. Time: Opening day 11am–11pm. Price: Free entry, skating and skate rentals. Runs through Dec 20. Official page: https://rocholidayvillage.com/ (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Museums for All at Seneca Park Zoo** at Seneca Park Zoo, North side, 2222 St. Paul St. When: Any open day. Price: $1 with Museums for All; kids 3 and younger free. A valid government ID may be needed to confirm eligibility. Official page: https://senecaparkzoo.org/tickets/ (checked 2026-10-19)

## Free this week

- **Book & Beast at Seneca Park Zoo** at Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul St., Rochester, NY 14621. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 11–11:30am. Price: Free story time for all ages. Ages: 0–8. A free 30-minute story time that ends with an up-close visit from one of the zoo’s ambassador animals. Official page: https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/book-beast-10-21/ (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Halloween at the Market** at Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union St., Rochester, NY 14609. When: Sun Oct 25. Time: 4:30–7pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. 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. Official page: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/events/halloween-market-2026 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Trunk or Treat at Total Sports Experience (Gates)** at Total Sports Experience Gates, 880 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624. When: Sun Oct 25. Time: Morning time slots (register for one). Price: Free; registration required. Ages: 0–12. 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. Official page: https://totalsports-experience.com/events/tses-trunk-or-treat/ (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Cars & Coffee Trunk or Treat at The Little Speed Shop** at The Little Speed Shop, 500 Lee Rd., Rochester, NY 14606. When: Sun Oct 25. Time: 8–10am. Price: Free and open to the public. Ages: 0–12. The monthly Cars & Coffee goes trunk or treat this time: kids collect candy from decorated car trunks while the grown-ups look at cars. Official page: https://www.thelittlespeedshop.com/event/2026/21/10/cars-and-coffee-october-2026 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Fall Family Trunk or Treat with Brighton Memorial Library** at Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship, 150 Sawgrass Dr., Rochester, NY 14620. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 10am–noon. Price: Free library and town recreation event for all ages. Ages: 0–10. 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. Official page: https://bml.libcal.com/event/17262930 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Fall Literacy Festival & Parade (Central Library)** at Central Library, 115 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14604. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 1–3pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–8. 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. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17788601 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **LEGO Lab: Spooky (Central Library)** at Central Library, 115 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14604. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 2–4pm. Price: Free. Ages: 3–10. Accept our October building challenge and create a spooky scene! Whatever you build, we’ll put it on display. All ages. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17689271 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **All Ages Storytime (Brighton)** at Brighton Memorial Library, 2300 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14618. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 9:30–10am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Drop-in storytime featuring stories, songs, and activities for all ages with a caregiver. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17677965 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Story Time (Penfield)** at Penfield Public Library, 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY 14526. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 9:30–10am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–2. *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. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17329212 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Storytime (Gates)** at Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 9:30–10am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–1. Babies and their caregivers can enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, and play time! Recommended for ages birth to 2. No registration. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17335305 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Babytime! (Irondequoit)** at Irondequoit Public Library, 1290 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–2. 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. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17352313 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Little Ones Pumpkin Craft (Lincoln)** at Lincoln Branch, 851 Joseph Ave., Rochester, NY 14621. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–4. Halloween craft time for our littlest library-goers and their caregivers. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17673635 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Toddler Story Time (Sully)** at Sully Branch, 530 Webster Ave., Rochester, NY 14609. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10–10:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 1–3. 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. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/16873422 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Babies & Books (Lincoln)** at Lincoln Branch, 851 Joseph Ave., Rochester, NY 14621. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–2. Come learn sounds, shapes, colors, and numbers! For little ones and their caregivers. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17672772 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Storytime! (Irondequoit)** at Irondequoit Public Library, 1290 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. 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. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17352401 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Stories for All (Charlotte)** at Charlotte Branch, 3557 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY 14612. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 11–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. 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!. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17623397 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Story Time Tuesday! (Gates)** at Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:15–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. 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. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/16133293 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Time for Tots (Gates)** at Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10:15–11:15am. Price: Free. Ages: 1–5. Forty minutes of free play with toys, followed by a short story time. Recommended for ages 1-5, but siblings are welcome!. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17335731 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Musical Storytime (Lincoln)** at Lincoln Branch, 851 Joseph Ave., Rochester, NY 14621. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 11–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Stories, songs, and music for little ones and their grownups! All ages. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17672689 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Preschool Crafts (Penfield)** at Penfield Public Library, 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY 14526. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 11:30am–12pm. Price: Free; registration opens two weeks before. Ages: 2–5. *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. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17325532 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Pajama Storytime (Brighton)** at Brighton Memorial Library, 2300 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14618. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 6:30–7pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. 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. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17678378 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Wee Walkers Play Time (Penfield)** at Penfield Public Library, 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY 14526. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 9:45–10:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–2. *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. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17332292 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Stories for All (Charlotte)** at Charlotte Branch, 3557 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY 14612. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 11–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. 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!. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17623398 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family-Friendly Costume Karaoke Night (Monroe)** at Monroe Branch, 809 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14607. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 3–6pm. Price: Free. Ages: 2–10. 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. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17776960 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Halloween Party (Charlotte)** at Charlotte Branch, 3557 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY 14612. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 3:30–5:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 2–10. Come dressed in your costume to enjoy some spooky music, creepy crafts and yummy treats!. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17658190 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Sensory Play Time (Gates)** at Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10:15–11:15am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–3. Join the children's librarians and engage in many different kinds of sensory play and learn while having fun!. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17674824 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Babytime! (Irondequoit)** at Irondequoit Public Library, 1290 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–2. 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. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17352025 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Bright Kids All Ages Storytime (Brighton)** at Brighton Memorial Library, 2300 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14618. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10:30–11:15am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Drop-in storytime featuring stories and songs for all ages with a caregiver. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17678398 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Terrific Toddlers Story Time (Penfield)** at Penfield Public Library, 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY 14526. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 11–11:25am. Price: Free. Ages: 1–3. *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. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17329182 (checked 2026-10-19)

## Always free

- **Rochester Central Library**, Downtown, 115 South Ave. The main library downtown, with crafts and family events for little ones. Official page: https://roccitylibrary.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Lincoln Branch & Toy Library**, Northeast, 851 Joseph Ave. A city branch with a toy library, plus Babies & Books and Musical Storytime. Official page: https://roccitylibrary.org/location/lincoln/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **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 page: https://springdalefarm.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **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 page: https://www.wildwingsinc.com/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Ontario Beach Park**, North end of the city, on Lake Ontario. The Lake Ontario beach park, with a pier and the historic 1905 Dentzel Carousel ($1 a ride in summer; 2 and under ride free). Official page: https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-ontariobeach (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Monroe County libraries**, Countywide. Free storytimes at city branches and town libraries. Official page: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/ (checked 2026-10-19)

## Free library storytimes

- **Rochester Public Library and Monroe County Library System**: Weekday mornings at most branches. Free baby, toddler and all-ages storytimes at city branches and town libraries across Monroe County. Calendar: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/
- **Brighton Memorial Library**: Weekly at the Friends of BML Learning Center; Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. 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). Calendar: https://www.brightonlibrary.org/events

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
- How we choose and check listings, and how to send a correction: https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/ (corrections: hello@littlesweekly.com).
- Sponsored spots are labeled on the HTML pages and are not part of this editorial list.
- How to cite: “According to Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/…), …” and link the page you quote.

## FAQ

### What’s free to do with kids in Rochester this weekend?
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](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/free/#this-week); the list is rebuilt every Thursday.

### Are there free museum or zoo days in Rochester?
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](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/free/#free-days).

### What free holiday events are there for kids in Rochester?
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](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/free/#free-days).

### Where can we go for free any day in Rochester?
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.

### Is there free indoor play in Rochester?
Yes: Rochester Central Library. See all of them on [indoor play places in Rochester](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/indoor-play/#places).

### Are library storytimes free 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.

### How do you check these free listings?
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](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).