Family events in Chautauqua County, NY

Hop into Miss Jessica’s Mobile Summer Reading program for a fun “DINOLYMPICS” session featuring dinosaur stories plus minute-to-win-it challenges. It’s part of the summer reading lineup, and this event runs from late morning into early afternoon.

Kick off your summer reading fun with “Unearth A Story.” This session runs for an hour, with stories and activities led by the Patterson Library team. It’s part of the library’s Summer Reading Program, and registration is set to open in June.

Co-parenting can be challenging, and this six-week class offers guidance to make it more peaceful and centered on the needs of your children. Parents will practice respectful communication, learn strategies to lower stress, and develop tools to reduce conflict. The focus is on building a stronger partnership for caregiving and creating a healthier future for the family. Space is limited.

Explore downtown Jamestown, New York on a guided walking tour that traces local history through the life and legacy of Lucille Ball. The tour sets off from the Fenton History Center. Tours are offered from June through August, with admission set at $8 for members and $12 for non-members. Capacity is limited to 20 participants, and advance registration is available online, in person at the Fenton, or by phone at 716-664-6256. Debuting for 2026, the Full Circuit History Pass provides one person access to all Fenton Historic Walking Tours throughout the 2026 season, priced at $50 for members and $80 for non-members. Support for these tours is provided by Rodgers Land Surveying, Ahlstrom Schaeffer, and Weber Knapp.

Created for babies ages 0 to 2 and their caregivers, this warm library session offers a bite size adventure with songs, rhymes, and interactive play that gently introduces early literacy. Little ones explore sound, rhythm, and movement in a relaxed setting, while adults have a chance to meet other caregivers and build connections. It is a simple way to start making library memories together.

Rock the Lake brings live music to Chautauqua Lake with a free concert at Hartley Park in Lakewood. Enjoy an acoustic set from Claudia Hoyser with Ryan Hurley, followed by a performance from Fleetwood Macked, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Presented by the Lakewood Community Development Corporation as part of its free summer concert series, this all-ages event offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where guests can unwind by the water, dance on the lawn, and savor simple summer fun. Admission is free.

Rock the Lake brings a free summer concert to Richard O Hartley Park featuring Fleetwood Macked, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Country artist Claudia Hoyser opens the show. Enjoy the music from the shoreline or by boat, bring your own chairs or blankets, and make use of shade tents available on a first come, first served basis. Food trucks will be on site serving regional favorites, and the setting is relaxed and family friendly for a day of music and lakefront fun.

Drop into the Summer Reading Program: Unearth A Story for a fun session that runs from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. It’s part of a summer schedule of story times and special guest readers, with this session listed for August 10. Registration is noted as opening in June.

Art Navigators is a mixed-media art class for ages 10 to 14, led by instructor Renee Boardman. Each session covers a range of art mediums, techniques, and creative exploration. The class runs from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Mondays, and the event notes there will be no class on May 25th.

Children can explore the prehistoric past with the Erie Zoo in an interactive program that brings living animals up close. Through encounters with reptiles, birds, and even insects, young learners discover how modern species help scientists uncover stories from millions of years ago. The experience highlights the links between the wildlife seen today and the ancient world in a fun and engaging way. Keep the adventure going by logging summer reading for a chance to win prizes for the most minutes read.

Enjoy the Summer Reading Program: Unearth A Story at Patterson Library. This program runs during the summer, and this date’s session is scheduled from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Drop in for a fun reading experience designed to keep the summer momentum going.