# Rochester Littles: things to do with little kids in Rochester, NY this weekend

> Saturday's Fall Literacy Festival at the Central Library mixes trick-or-treating with a 1:30 book parade, and Seneca Park Zoo's Spooky Weekend adds a kiddie hay maze and polar bear chats Saturday and Sunday. Sunday ends at Halloween at the Market, where Public Market vendor sheds hand out candy until 7. Rochester has 32 outings this week, 29 free and 18 indoors.

- Week: Oct 19–25, 2026
- Last checked: 2026-10-19
- 32 outings at 16 places; 29 free; 18 indoor. For kids ages 0–6.
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/
- This week (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/index.md
- City guide (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/guide/index.md
- Visiting guide (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/visiting/index.md
- Events data (JSON): https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/events.json
- RSS feed: https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/feed.xml

## Top picks this week

- **Fall Literacy Festival & Parade (Central Library)** (Sat, Oct 24 · 1–3pm) at Central Library, 115 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14604. Cost: Free. Ages 0+. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17788601
- **Fall Fest: Spooky Weekend at Seneca Park Zoo** (Sat, Oct 24; Sun, Oct 25 · 10am–5pm (last entry 4pm)) at Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul St., Rochester, NY 14621. Cost: Zoo admission: $16 adults, $13 ages 4–14 at the gate ($14/$11 online); 3 and under free. Ages 0+. October weekends at the zoo bring a kiddie hay maze, a fairy garden, the scarecrow contest and a Nature Cart activity, plus animal meet-and-greets and otter, polar bear, rhino and baboon chats. Saturday is also Frontline Responders Day, with first-responder vehicles to see (costumes welcome). Source: https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/fall-fest-3/2026-10-24/
- **Halloween at the Market** (Sun, Oct 25 · 4:30–7pm) at Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union St., Rochester, NY 14609. Cost: Free. Ages 0+. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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. Source: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/events/halloween-market-2026
- **Fall Family Trunk or Treat with Brighton Memorial Library** (Sat, Oct 24 · 10am–noon) at Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship, 150 Sawgrass Dr., Rochester, NY 14620. Cost: Free library and town recreation event for all ages. Ages 0+. 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. Source: https://bml.libcal.com/event/17262930
- **Book & Beast at Seneca Park Zoo** (Wed, Oct 21 · 11–11:30am) at Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul St., Rochester, NY 14621. Cost: Free story time for all ages. Ages 0+. A free 30-minute story time that ends with an up-close visit from one of the zoo’s ambassador animals. Source: https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/book-beast-10-21/

## A Saturday that works (Saturday, Oct 24)

1. **Morning**: Fall Fest: Spooky Weekend at Seneca Park Zoo, Seneca Park Zoo. 10am–5pm. Cost: Zoo admission: $16 adults, $13 ages 4–14 at the gate ($14/$11 online); 3 and under free. https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/fall-fest-3/2026-10-24/
2. **Lunch**: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Rochester), Downtown, 99 Court St.. Open 11am–10pm. Cost: Kids’ meals $9 (sliders, chicken fingers, grilled cheese, mac & cheese, ribs or wings), entrées Brisket sandwich $19; 2-meat combo $26. (from the city guide) https://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/rochester/
3. **After nap**: LEGO Lab: Spooky (Central Library), Central Library. 2–4pm. Cost: Free. https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17689271

Plan for a nap break in the middle. Times come from each event’s page or the place’s own site, so check before you head out.

## By day

- **Monday, Oct 19**: Storytime Club at The Strong National Museum of Play; All Ages Storytime (Brighton) (free); Baby Story Time (Penfield) (free); Baby Storytime (Gates) (free); Babytime! (Irondequoit) (free); Little Ones Pumpkin Craft (Lincoln) (free)
- **Tuesday, Oct 20**: Toddler Story Time (Sully) (free); Babies & Books (Lincoln) (free); Storytime! (Irondequoit) (free); Stories for All (Charlotte) (free); Story Time Tuesday! (Gates) (free)
- **Wednesday, Oct 21**: Book & Beast at Seneca Park Zoo (free); Time for Tots (Gates) (free); Musical Storytime (Lincoln) (free); Preschool Crafts (Penfield) (free); Pajama Storytime (Brighton) (free)
- **Thursday, Oct 22**: Wee Walkers Play Time (Penfield) (free); Stories for All (Charlotte) (free); Family-Friendly Costume Karaoke Night (Monroe) (free); Family Halloween Party (Charlotte) (free)
- **Friday, Oct 23**: Sensory Play Time (Gates) (free); Babytime! (Irondequoit) (free); Bright Kids All Ages Storytime (Brighton) (free); Terrific Toddlers Story Time (Penfield) (free)
- **Saturday, Oct 24**: Fall Fest: Spooky Weekend at Seneca Park Zoo; Fall Family Trunk or Treat with Brighton Memorial Library (free); The Enchanted Forest at Cumming Nature Center; Fall Literacy Festival & Parade (Central Library) (free); LEGO Lab: Spooky (Central Library) (free)
- **Sunday, Oct 25**: Fall Fest: Spooky Weekend at Seneca Park Zoo; Halloween at the Market (free); Trunk or Treat at Total Sports Experience (Gates) (free); Cars & Coffee Trunk or Treat at The Little Speed Shop (free)

## All outings this week

- **Fall Fest: Spooky Weekend at Seneca Park Zoo** (Sat, Oct 24; Sun, Oct 25 · 10am–5pm (last entry 4pm)) at Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul St., Rochester, NY 14621. Cost: Zoo admission: $16 adults, $13 ages 4–14 at the gate ($14/$11 online); 3 and under free. Ages 0+. October weekends at the zoo bring a kiddie hay maze, a fairy garden, the scarecrow contest and a Nature Cart activity, plus animal meet-and-greets and otter, polar bear, rhino and baboon chats. Saturday is also Frontline Responders Day, with first-responder vehicles to see (costumes welcome). Source: https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/fall-fest-3/2026-10-24/
- **Book & Beast at Seneca Park Zoo** (Wed, Oct 21 · 11–11:30am) at Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul St., Rochester, NY 14621. Cost: Free story time for all ages. Ages 0+. A free 30-minute story time that ends with an up-close visit from one of the zoo’s ambassador animals. Source: https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/book-beast-10-21/
- **Halloween at the Market** (Sun, Oct 25 · 4:30–7pm) at Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union St., Rochester, NY 14609. Cost: Free. Ages 0+. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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. Source: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/events/halloween-market-2026
- **Trunk or Treat at Total Sports Experience (Gates)** (Sun, Oct 25 · Morning time slots (register for one)) at Total Sports Experience Gates, 880 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624. Cost: Free; registration required. Ages 0+. 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. Source: https://totalsports-experience.com/events/tses-trunk-or-treat/
- **Cars & Coffee Trunk or Treat at The Little Speed Shop** (Sun, Oct 25 · 8–10am) at The Little Speed Shop, 500 Lee Rd., Rochester, NY 14606. Cost: Free and open to the public. Ages 0+. The monthly Cars & Coffee goes trunk or treat this time: kids collect candy from decorated car trunks while the grown-ups look at cars. Source: https://www.thelittlespeedshop.com/event/2026/21/10/cars-and-coffee-october-2026
- **Fall Family Trunk or Treat with Brighton Memorial Library** (Sat, Oct 24 · 10am–noon) at Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship, 150 Sawgrass Dr., Rochester, NY 14620. Cost: Free library and town recreation event for all ages. Ages 0+. 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. Source: https://bml.libcal.com/event/17262930
- **Storytime Club at The Strong National Museum of Play** (Mon, Oct 19 · 10:30am and 11:30am) at The Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607. Cost: Included with museum admission (1-day tickets from $25; under 2 free). Ages 2+. Indoor. Children’s stories read aloud on select Mondays, with a Friends and Family theme this week, inside the museum of play. Source: https://www.museumofplay.org/event/carol-d-simmons-storytime-club-friends-and-family/2026-10-19/
- **The Enchanted Forest at Cumming Nature Center** (Sat, Oct 24 · 5:30–8pm (5:30–6pm is best for preschoolers)) at RMSC Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples, NY 14512. Cost: $8 adults and teens, $5 children 12 and under; members $1 off. Ages 2+. A not-so-scary night hike on a half-mile loop through twinkle-lit pines, meeting characters who share the secrets of nocturnal life. About an hour south of Rochester; check-in opens at 5pm. Source: https://rmsc.org/events/enchanted-forest/
- **Fall Literacy Festival & Parade (Central Library)** (Sat, Oct 24 · 1–3pm) at Central Library, 115 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14604. Cost: Free. Ages 0+. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17788601
- **LEGO Lab: Spooky (Central Library)** (Sat, Oct 24 · 2–4pm) at Central Library, 115 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14604. Cost: Free. Ages 3+. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Accept our October building challenge and create a spooky scene! Whatever you build, we’ll put it on display. All ages. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17689271
- **All Ages Storytime (Brighton)** (Mon, Oct 19 · 9:30–10am) at Brighton Memorial Library, 2300 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14618. Cost: Free. Ages 0–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Drop-in storytime featuring stories, songs, and activities for all ages with a caregiver. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17677965
- **Baby Story Time (Penfield)** (Mon, Oct 19 · 9:30–10am) at Penfield Public Library, 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY 14526. Cost: Free. Ages 0–2. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. *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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17329212
- **Baby Storytime (Gates)** (Mon, Oct 19 · 9:30–10am) at Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624. Cost: Free. Ages 0–1. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Babies and their caregivers can enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, and play time! Recommended for ages birth to 2. No registration. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17335305
- **Babytime! (Irondequoit)** (Mon, Oct 19 · 10:30–11am) at Irondequoit Public Library, 1290 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617. Cost: Free. Ages 0–2. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17352313
- **Little Ones Pumpkin Craft (Lincoln)** (Mon, Oct 19 · 10:30–11am) at Lincoln Branch, 851 Joseph Ave., Rochester, NY 14621. Cost: Free. Ages 0–4. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Halloween craft time for our littlest library-goers and their caregivers. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17673635
- **Toddler Story Time (Sully)** (Tue, Oct 20 · 10–10:30am) at Sully Branch, 530 Webster Ave., Rochester, NY 14609. Cost: Free. Ages 1–3. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/16873422
- **Babies & Books (Lincoln)** (Tue, Oct 20 · 10:30–11am) at Lincoln Branch, 851 Joseph Ave., Rochester, NY 14621. Cost: Free. Ages 0–2. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Come learn sounds, shapes, colors, and numbers! For little ones and their caregivers. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17672772
- **Storytime! (Irondequoit)** (Tue, Oct 20 · 10:30–11am) at Irondequoit Public Library, 1290 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617. Cost: Free. Ages 0–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17352401
- **Stories for All (Charlotte)** (Tue, Oct 20 · 11–11:30am) at Charlotte Branch, 3557 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY 14612. Cost: Free. Ages 0–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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! Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17623397
- **Story Time Tuesday! (Gates)** (Tue, Oct 20 · 10:15–11am) at Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624. Cost: Free. Ages 0–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/16133293
- **Time for Tots (Gates)** (Wed, Oct 21 · 10:15–11:15am) at Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624. Cost: Free. Ages 1–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Forty minutes of free play with toys, followed by a short story time. Recommended for ages 1-5, but siblings are welcome! Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17335731
- **Musical Storytime (Lincoln)** (Wed, Oct 21 · 11–11:30am) at Lincoln Branch, 851 Joseph Ave., Rochester, NY 14621. Cost: Free. Ages 0–5. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Stories, songs, and music for little ones and their grownups! All ages. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17672689
- **Preschool Crafts (Penfield)** (Wed, Oct 21 · 11:30am–12pm) at Penfield Public Library, 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY 14526. Cost: Free; registration opens two weeks before. Ages 2–5. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. *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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17325532
- **Pajama Storytime (Brighton)** (Wed, Oct 21 · 6:30–7pm) at Brighton Memorial Library, 2300 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14618. Cost: Free. Ages 0–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17678378
- **Wee Walkers Play Time (Penfield)** (Thu, Oct 22 · 9:45–10:30am) at Penfield Public Library, 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY 14526. Cost: Free. Ages 0–2. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. *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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17332292
- **Stories for All (Charlotte)** (Thu, Oct 22 · 11–11:30am) at Charlotte Branch, 3557 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY 14612. Cost: Free. Ages 0–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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! Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17623398
- **Family-Friendly Costume Karaoke Night (Monroe)** (Thu, Oct 22 · 3–6pm) at Monroe Branch, 809 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14607. Cost: Free. Ages 2+. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17776960
- **Family Halloween Party (Charlotte)** (Thu, Oct 22 · 3:30–5:30pm) at Charlotte Branch, 3557 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY 14612. Cost: Free. Ages 2+. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Come dressed in your costume to enjoy some spooky music, creepy crafts and yummy treats! Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17658190
- **Sensory Play Time (Gates)** (Fri, Oct 23 · 10:15–11:15am) at Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14624. Cost: Free. Ages 0–3. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Join the children's librarians and engage in many different kinds of sensory play and learn while having fun! Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17674824
- **Babytime! (Irondequoit)** (Fri, Oct 23 · 10:30–11am) at Irondequoit Public Library, 1290 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617. Cost: Free. Ages 0–2. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. 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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17352025
- **Bright Kids All Ages Storytime (Brighton)** (Fri, Oct 23 · 10:30–11:15am) at Brighton Memorial Library, 2300 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14618. Cost: Free. Ages 0–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Drop-in storytime featuring stories and songs for all ages with a caregiver. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17678398
- **Terrific Toddlers Story Time (Penfield)** (Fri, Oct 23 · 11–11:25am) at Penfield Public Library, 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY 14526. Cost: Free. Ages 1–3. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. *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. Source: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/17329182

## Seasonal events and guides

- [Santa visits in Rochester](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/santa/index.md)
- [Christmas lights in Rochester](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/christmas-lights/index.md)
- [Thanksgiving weekend in Rochester](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/thanksgiving/index.md)
- [Free things to do in Rochester](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/free/index.md)
- [Indoor play places in Rochester](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/indoor-play/index.md)

## 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 can I do with a little one in Rochester this weekend?
This week we found 32 outings that work for kids ages 0–6. Our top three: Fall Literacy Festival & Parade (Central Library), Fall Fest: Spooky Weekend at Seneca Park Zoo, Halloween at the Market. [See the full list](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/#all).

### Are there free things to do with little ones in Rochester this week?
Yes, 29 of this week’s 32 picks are free, including library storytimes and Book & Beast at Seneca Park Zoo. Tap “Free” in [Find your thing](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/#all). For free places you can visit any week, see [free things to do in Rochester](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/guide/#free) in the city guide.

### What are good indoor activities for kids in Rochester when it rains?
18 picks this week are indoors, mostly library programs and shows. Tap “Rainy-day OK” in [Find your thing](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/#all).

### Where can I find storytimes and toddler activities in Rochester?
This week we list 17 library storytimes and baby or toddler programs. Each one links to the library or venue page with the time and place. [See them in the list](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/#all).

### What’s on for babies and toddlers under 3 in Rochester this week?
10 of this week’s picks are baby or toddler programs or made for ages 3 and under, including Baby Story Time (Penfield), Baby Storytime (Gates) and Babytime! (Irondequoit). 10 of them are free and 10 are indoors. [See them in the list](https://littlesweekly.com/rochester-ny/#all).

### How do you pick what goes on the Rochester list?
We go through Rochester’s library calendars, parks, museums, zoos and local family pages every week, and keep what works for ages 0–6. Each listing links to the page we checked it on, and where the organizer or venue has its own page, we confirm the date, time, place and price there. This list was last checked Oct 19, 2026. [How we choose and check listings](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).

### How do I get this list every week?
Sign up for the Friday email at the bottom of the page. It’s one short email, and you can unsubscribe any time.