Family events in Niagara Falls, NY

The inaugural AFRO-SANKOFA FESTIVAL honors the global African diaspora with a vibrant daytime gathering. It brings together music, dance, fashion, visual art, educational activities, food, and a spirit of community.

Enjoy a free outdoor Family Mat Class at Paddock Park Grove led by Dana Robbins of Buffalo Health and Fitness. Designed for guardians and kids to be active together, the session focuses on caring for the body through approachable mobility work, gentle stretching, and mat-based strengthening. Light HIIT-inspired moves are woven in to elevate the heart rate, boost energy, and keep things playful. The class nurtures healthy habits, teamwork, and confidence while helping families stay strong and active. Please bring a mat or towel and water. As this activity depends on the weather, check Facebook for any updates.

Experience a summer evening amid the sunflower fields at Sunflowers of Sanborn with a live performance by Dave Stayner. Wander among thousands of blooms, relax with family and friends, and take in a scenic Western New York backdrop while the music plays. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.

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

Hope Closet offers a welcoming place to pick out clothing, shoes, and other items, all available at no cost.

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.

Enjoy a relaxed, screen-free gathering with family and friends centered on board games. Options are available for every age group, and no registration is required.

A LEGO club at Kenmore Library invites builders to get creative. Tackle rotating monthly challenges or settle into open build time, with all the bricks provided so imagination can take the lead. Suggested for ages 6 to 12, though builders of any age are welcome.

This six week program helps young dogs learn essential everyday skills and build a solid foundation for training. Rolling enrollment allows participants to begin during an ongoing session. Multiple class times are offered.

Family Day on Old Falls Street brings family friendly fun to Old Falls Street USA. Explore a children’s market, visit a petting zoo, take a ride on a trackless train, and listen to live music, with more activities planned. Additional details will be shared.

Children can enjoy a weekly Saturday storytime held in the Kids Department. This friendly gathering centers on stories and a welcoming atmosphere for young listeners.

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.

A playful day of movement and creativity unfolds in a simple, welcoming sequence. It starts with yoga and mindful movement that invites gentle stretching, calm breathing, and fun yoga-inspired games. A snack break follows with relaxed free play and time to unwind with friends. Next comes hands-on craft time to spark imagination and make something memorable. The day concludes with group games and themed activities, and occasionally a visit from special guests to keep the energy high. Registration is finalized with payment. A suggested contribution of $20 is appreciated, and community-supported sliding scale pricing from $10 to $30 is available. No child will be turned away for financial reasons. Pay what you can, and if you are able to contribute a little more it helps another child attend, while smaller amounts are welcome too.

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. With buttercream and pre-made fondant accents, participants will decorate six cupcakes, three vanilla and three chocolate, creating sea inspired designs including a puffer fish, octopus, crab, turtle, a shark fin, and a rippled ocean cupcake. No decorating experience is needed, and creativity is encouraged.

Town of Niagara Recreation presents the first annual 5K Race and Family Fun Run at Veterans Memorial Park in the Town of Niagara. The 5K starts and finishes in the park on USATF Certified Course #NY18006JJ. A 1-mile family fun walk takes place alongside the 5K, and a free Kids Fun Run welcomes children 10 and under, with finisher medals available while supplies last. Online registration is required for all events, including the kids run, and remains open until the races begin. Packet pickup and race day registration are available near the finish area before the start. Entry is $25 for the 5K and $25 for the 1-mile walk, and the Kids Fun Run is free. Those who register early can secure an official Town of Niagara 5K t-shirt in their requested size, with a limited number of extra shirts distributed on a first come, first served basis. After the finish, participants can enjoy pizza donated by the Little Bakery under the tents outside, along with water at the line. Awards include trophies for the top overall male and female 5K finishers, plus custom age group awards for the top three men and women in each division. Age groups are 14 and under, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 and older. For information about the race or sponsorship opportunities, contact Paige Printup at 716-297-5243. Sponsors include Katheleen Gaines Attorney at Law, Joe Ceconni’s Chrysler Complex, Judi’s Lounge, Mackenzie Automotive, and Old Flag & Glory Banner, with pizza provided by the Little Bakery Saunders Settlement location.

Settle in for family friendly films outdoors at Old Falls Street USA. Concessions will be available for purchase, seating is provided, and guests are welcome to bring their own blankets and chairs. Screenings are weather dependent. The lineup includes How to Train Your Dragon, Wicked, Hoppers, Zootopia 2, Superman, A Minecraft Movie, and Goat, and titles may change.

Spend time with dogs available for adoption while enjoying a beverage and brunch. It is scheduled on multiple dates throughout the summer and fall.

This gathering at Ellicott Creek Park, typically near Shelter 12, is planned for both new and returning members. Games are decided on the day, often Capture the Flag, Team Deathmatch, and other requests from attendees. A 160 FPS limit applies. Ammunition is supplied except for ULTRA, and Hyper is not allowed due to outside events.

A $15 donation covers a half chicken with salt potatoes, coleslaw, a roll and dessert. Clam chowder and beverages will be sold separately, and you can choose carryout or take a seat for dining. Extras include a 50/50 drawing and an automatic entry with each ticket for a chance to win a Ninja Ice Cream Maker, and the winner does not need to be present. Presale tickets are available from Doyle 1 firefighters, or call Nate at (716) 310-8264.

Join this 5-day SUPER Skills Hockey Camp for boys and girls ages 2015 and older. The program focuses on hockey skill development with a full camp schedule running Monday through Friday. Camp runs from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM each day.

Pop Punk Camp at School of Rock North Buffalo is a high-energy music week where students ages 7 to 18 work on popular pop punk songs like Paramore, Green Day, Blink-182, and more. Camp runs Monday through Friday with rehearsals and practice time each day, plus music-based games and activities. The week ends with a live performance on Friday. The camp is already sold out, but there is a waiting list available.

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.

In Kenmore with Miss Julia, Camp Carnival brings the spirit of the fair to a week of hands-on fun. Campers craft their own popcorn buckets, make fluffy marshmallow cotton candy art, and design personalized carnival tickets before diving into classic games like a spoon and egg balance challenge, a potato sack hop, and a lively carnival toss. Sweet breaks include a crunchy snack mix, cookies, chocolate-dipped Oreos, and build-your-own ice cream sundaes. Each day blends reading and language activities, cooperative play, and themed art with a dash of science, featuring word games, map-making, scratch-off creations, a balloon pop reaction, and charades. Stories, laughter, and plenty of creativity shape a festive camp experience from start to finish.

Water Animal at Dingens Pool is part of the weekly lineup of special pool events offering no cost summer fun in the sun. Only the shallow section will be closed during this activity. A valid resident ID card is required to participate, and preregistration is not needed.

This free community gathering takes place at the playground in Lincoln Park, behind the Youth Park and Recreation Office. Each week features movement and exercise activities led by TOT Police officers, along with creative time for coloring and other art projects. Children can enjoy complimentary freeze pops and take part in a meet and greet with Lucy. This is not a drop-off program, and parents must stay with their children. Activities are weather dependent, with updates posted on Facebook.

Enjoy free summer fun with weekly special activities at the pools. During this event, the main pool will be closed and the wading pool will be open. A valid resident ID card is required to participate, and no pre-registration is needed.

Children ages 3 to 6 can take part in a 45 minute group session at the Town of Tonawanda Public Library - Kenmore Branch led by a pediatric occupational therapist, designed to build kindergarten readiness. Across this five week series, activities focus on early academic foundations, social and emotional growth, everyday living skills, and large and small motor development, providing guidance for caregivers and support for children with a variety of needs.

Campfire Story Nights return for the season at Jefferson Youth Center, offering a family friendly evening focused on reading, literacy, and summertime fun while school is out. Children can settle in with independent reading, swap books with peers, play literacy themed games and activities, listen to a group read aloud, and enjoy s’mores. Designed for ages 4 to 13, it keeps young minds engaged and imaginations growing during the break. The program takes place rain or shine, with activities moving indoors if needed, and advance online registration is available.

Families can meet at the playground in Kenney Park for a community gathering centered on play and creativity. Participation is free and open to all. Children can enjoy board games, frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, and other backyard favorites, along with complimentary art supplies for small crafts to use during the event. This is not a drop-off program, so a parent or caregiver must stay with each child. Activities depend on the weather, and updates will be shared on Facebook.

Meet at the playground for weekly visits from the Library Bookmobile. Children can explore the Bookmobile to borrow and return books, and there is a storytime with an art project that matches the book’s theme. This is a free event, and an adult must stay with children. Plans may change due to weather, and updates are shared on Facebook.

Bike Night on Main Street in Tonawanda returns, featuring live music and adoptable dogs from Buffalo C.A.R.E.S.

The Underdogs return for the season with adoptable pups to meet on Thursdays at Fattey Beer Co. - Kenmore, weather permitting. This casual gathering offers a friendly way to get to know the dogs as they look for new homes.

Young builders ages 4 to 12 can explore their imagination with Lego bricks. Space is limited. To reserve a seat, please call 716-668-4991.

The Town of Tonawanda Youth Parks and Recreation Outdoor Summer Concert Series brings live music to the Town of Tonawanda Aquatic and Fitness Center. Enjoy a relaxed, family friendly setting with both new and returning bands throughout the season. Savor outdoor tunes alongside bites from the Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels Food Truck. Admission is free. Bring lawn chairs and settle in with friends and family for an evening of music. Concerts are weather dependent, and updates are shared on Facebook.