Family events in Buffalo, NY

Take part in a free outdoor Family Mat Class led by Dana Robbins of Buffalo Health and Fitness at Paddock Park Grove. This welcoming session invites guardians and kids to move together through accessible mobility work, stretching, and strength exercises on the mat. Short intervals of gentle, HIIT inspired moves lift the heart rate, boost energy, and keep the experience playful. The class supports healthy routines, teamwork, and confidence while helping families stay active and strong. Please bring water and a mat or towel. Plans may change with the weather, and updates are shared on Facebook.

A show from Steam Powered Giraffe welcomes attendees of all ages. Doors open before the performance begins.

Dinosaur Adventure brings a prehistoric playground to the Buffalo Convention Center for one weekend only. Families can explore towering dinosaurs that move and roar, while kids uncover fossils, take part in raptor training activities, and meet baby dinos. Young visitors can bounce through themed inflatables, ride dinosaur attractions, color at a dino-inspired station, and zip around on dinosaur-shaped scooters. Live entertainment adds to the experience throughout the event. General admission includes the moving dinosaur exhibits, fossil digs, scooters, rides, the coloring area, the bounce house playground, and live shows. Optional add-ons, or benefits included with VIP, feature face painting, gemstone mining, and green screen photos with three Jurassic-themed backgrounds. It is a family-friendly outing with hands-on activities for all ages.

Spend a relaxed Saturday reconnecting with family and friends over board games. Board games for all ages are available, and no registration is needed. Take a break from screens and enjoy playing together.

This puppy preschool introduces young dogs to essential life skills in a six week series that builds a solid training foundation. It is designed to help new pups develop good manners and everyday behaviors from the start. Enrollment is rolling, so participants can begin without waiting for a new session to open.

Build, create, and explore at the LEGO Club at the Kenmore Library. Participants can take on creative challenges or enjoy open building. LEGO bricks are provided, so bring your imagination. The program is recommended for ages 6 to 12, and builders of all ages are welcome.

The Courtyard hosts a summertime series of free, family friendly activities with rotating themes. This edition celebrates the circus with magic acts, aerial performances, and other surprises. Families can enjoy hands on craft tables, festive face painting, playful games, and live entertainment throughout the event.

Children's Storytime takes place in the Kids Department each Saturday. Children gather to listen to stories together.

Hosted by the Kenmore Village Improvement Society and Fat Cat Sweets at the Made for Good shop, this hands-on cupcake decorating class explores an underwater theme. Participants use buttercream and pre-made fondant decorations to transform six cupcakes, three vanilla and three chocolate, into ocean-inspired designs that include a puffer fish, octopus, crab, turtle, shark fin, and a flowing ocean ruffle. No decorating experience is required, and creativity is encouraged.

Spend time with adoptable dogs in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a drink and brunch. This event takes place on multiple dates throughout the summer and fall.

Slime lovers can spend a week in Williamsville exploring gooey creations with Miss Jessica H. Campers mix and stretch a wide range of slimes, from shimmering pearl and gold leaf varieties to floam, glossy chocolate milk slime, pastel fluffy blends, and even cookie dough and fairy dough recipes. Each day balances science with creativity and teamwork through read aloud science stories, birthday themed math tricks, and a look at how chocolate is made. Art and collaboration round out the fun as campers sketch oyster and pearl scenes, craft tin foil creatures, tackle quick and messy mini games, and assemble sweet cookie sandwiches. It is a hands on experience that blends curiosity, experimentation, and playful problem solving for kids who do not mind getting a little messy.

An exuberant celebration of feline antics awaits with a 75-minute, family-friendly reel featuring the latest and greatest cat videos, assembled from unique submissions alongside animations, music videos, and timeless internet favorites. Presented as a communal big-screen experience, it also includes a pre-show that showcases attendee-submitted photos and clips. A portion of proceeds supports second-chance homes for local strays through collaborations with local shelters and animal welfare organizations, and since 2019 the series has helped raise more than $150,000 for shelters while encouraging adoptions, fostering, and volunteer sign-ups.

A free community gathering at the Lincoln Park playground, located behind the Youth Park and Recreation Office. Children can take part in weekly movement and exercise activities led by TOT Police officers, along with creative fun like coloring and art. Free freeze pops will be available, and there will be a meet and greet with Lucy. This is not a drop-off program, so parents must remain with their children. Activities are weather dependent, and updates will be posted on Facebook.

Campfire Story Nights return to Jefferson Youth Center with a family-friendly evening centered on reading, literacy, and summer fun while school is out. Designed for children ages 4 to 13, the program features time for kids to read on their own, a chance to swap books, games and activities that build reading skills, read-aloud storytelling, and a sweet s’mores treat. The event will go on in any weather, with activities moving indoors if it rains. Online pre-registration is available.

The Bidwell Parkway Concert Series presents Nineties by Nature for an evening of live music on Bidwell Parkway. This outdoor concert is free, family friendly, and open to all. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets, gather with friends and family, and enjoy live music in the heart of the neighborhood. Support for this community event comes from West Herr Auto Group and West Herr Lincoln, Canterra, a cannabis store, Chandler Street Breweries, M&T Bank, The Benchmark Group, MJ Peterson Real Estate, Hodge Liquor, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Erie County, New York, and the City of Buffalo. Special thanks go to Council Members Joel P. Feroleto, Leah M. Halton-Pope, and David A. Rivera for their continued support.

Gather at the playground in Kenney Park for a family-friendly get-together featuring games and creative fun. This free event welcomes the entire community. Enjoy board and backyard games, plus frisbees, footballs, and soccer balls for active play. Complimentary art supplies will be available for simple craft projects throughout. Caregivers are required to stay with their children, as this is not a drop-off program. Plans depend on the weather, with updates shared on Facebook.

Families gather at the playground for weekly visits from the Library Bookmobile, where children can step aboard to borrow and return books. Each visit features a storytime followed by an art project inspired by that week’s book theme. Admission is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities are weather dependent, with updates shared on Facebook.

MAP’s Farmhouse Market runs throughout the year, bringing the West Side of Buffalo a selection of fresh produce and artisan, farm made goods from MAP’s urban farm and kitchen alongside offerings from local wholesale and consignment partners. This multi-vendor market highlights area growers and small businesses, features culturally important foods, and helps build understanding of the local food system. Accepted payment options include cash, credit and debit cards, SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks, and Fresh Connect.

Bike Night returns to Main Street in Tonawanda, featuring live music and a lively street atmosphere. Adoptable dogs from Buffalo C.A.R.E.S. will be on hand, offering a chance to meet potential new companions while enjoying the scene.

The Underdogs return for the season with a patio meet and greet featuring adoptable pups at Fattey Beer Co. Kenmore. Weather permitting, attendees can meet and spend time with the dogs in a relaxed setting.

This Rock the Boat Concert Series cruise aboard Miss Buffalo II features Prestige Worldwide Band performing 90s and 00s pop and party rock. The all ages, family friendly experience lasts two hours and includes a cash bar that accepts all forms of payment, with alcoholic beverages requiring a valid ID, plus a snack bar offering sweet, salty and frozen options. The ticket office opens one hour before departure, boarding begins 15 minutes prior, and the boat leaves on time, so planning ahead is recommended. No refunds are issued. Space is limited, and this cruise sold out twice last year.