Family events in Erie County, PA

Kids who love building with bricks and blocks can take part in the Building Buddies Brigade in Edinboro. The community room opens weekly so children can meet one another and play with a large collection of building materials. The space is stocked with building toys and plenty of room to make something, then knock it down and start again. KEVA blocks, Lincoln Logs, Bankers Box Bricks, and other sets are on hand. All ages are welcome. The recommended age is 1 to 6, and older children may accompany younger siblings. Parents also have an opportunity to connect with other parents in the community.

Grab a midweek deal with a 90 minute jump session for just $9 per jumper. This promotion offers plenty of energetic fun at a budget friendly price. A final session window is listed, and check in by the posted cutoff is required to enjoy the full 90 minutes.

This Read and Create program at McCord is designed for children in grades K-5 and pairs longer picture books with hands-on STEAM crafts and activities. The schedule features Apples to Oregon!, Spider in the Well, and The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt as weekly selections. There is no session during the week of the Friends of the Library book sale.

Celebrate Socktober by donating a brand new pair or package of socks, with tags or in the original packaging, to receive two hours for $10. Each jumper must make at least one donation to qualify for the discount. All contributions will support a local organization. A playful trick or treat theme keeps the focus on warming feet.

Bring a nighttime creature to life in a hands-on craft session that invites participants to assemble a one-of-a-kind monster using wooden cutouts and colorful acrylic markers. The program is free and designed for ages 8 and up. No registration is required, and materials are available while supplies last.

Trail of Treats returns to Millcreek Mall with a two day, indoor trick or treating experience featuring more than 50 candy stops in a safe, curated setting. Children 12 and under can wear Halloween costumes and visit participating stops to collect treats from local businesses. Tickets are required only for those who are trick or treating, while parents and guardians may accompany children at no cost. Admission is $5 in advance or $7 the day of. Advance tickets are available online by card, and cash or check purchases are offered at participating locations including the Sarah Reed Main Campus-Administration Building, the Sarah Reed-Professional Building, and the Achievement Center of LECOM Health. Proceeds benefit Sarah Reed Children’s Center and The Achievement Center of LECOM Behavioral Health.

Erie Bird Observatory and LEAF host a bird walk at Frontier Park to explore the local birdlife. Participants will practice identification skills while watching for wintering songbirds, raptors, and other species. New birders are welcome, and no registration is required.

Enjoy a day of good-natured competition at Erie County Sportsmen's League, presented by McKean Hose Company. The setting is family friendly, and participation follows a simple pay-per-shot approach at $2 each. Participants can test their skills while others cheer from the sidelines. The Chameleon Food Truck will provide food and refreshments throughout the event. Proceeds support McKean Hose Company and its work in the community.

Discover the fishes of our region during a hands-on learning session in the CLEER education laboratory at Blasco Library, hosted by Dr. Greg Andraso. Try identifying local species, learn how biologists use identification keys, make a gyotaku fish print to take home, and explore techniques used to determine a fish’s age. Topics vary each month, and Dr. Andraso will be available to answer questions about fish and fisheries science. He is a behavioral ecologist at Gannon University in Erie whose research with students has focused on species such as round goby, bluegill, and pumpkinseed, as well as fish communities in Presque Isle Bay and Pennsylvania tributaries to Lake Erie. This program is free and open to the public at Gannon University’s Center for Lake Erie Education and Research inside Blasco Library.

A drop-in playtime provides unstructured time to explore puzzles and blocks and browse books with friends. This is not a story time session, just a relaxed chance to visit and play. Admission is free and no registration is required. An adult must stay with each child throughout the program. If the Iroquois Library is closed, the session will be cancelled. Made possible with support from the Friends of the Library.

Give your brain a friendly workout with a relaxed session of crosswords, word searches, logic puzzles, and more. Whether you are a seasoned puzzler or just getting started, this program offers a welcoming way to challenge your mind, build focus, and meet fellow enthusiasts. All ages are welcome. No registration is needed. Materials are provided, just bring your thinking cap. This recurring program is canceled if Iroquois Library is closed.

Enjoy a safe, family friendly Trunk or Treat in the Erie Free Store parking lot, featuring free face painting by Taradoodles, a DJ, and plenty of fun and treats for children. Additional details will be shared as plans are finalized. Local nonprofits and businesses that would like to take part can email eriefreestore@gmail.com.

Enjoy relaxed building and free play in the Iroquois Children’s Room and Program Room. This self-paced time invites kids to create and make friends while families get to know one another. It is a recurring program and will not be held when the Iroquois Library is closed. Families are welcome, no registration is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pokémon League Night at In The Zone Gaming welcomes Pokémon TCG fans for Standard format play in a friendly, accessible setting. Bring your own cards to battle, trade, and connect with other players who enjoy collecting and playing. Entry is $5 each week. Every participant who finishes the tournament receives a Pokémon booster pack, with additional packs given out at random as bonus prizes. These gatherings are open to all experience levels, making them a simple way to learn the fundamentals and get comfortable with competitive play before entering larger events. Many League locations also host Pokémon Championship Series competitions designed for newcomers. All League activities are held in public venues and are run by official League organizers.