Things to do this weekend in and around Rochester
Friendly fun in Rochester & Western New York for Friday, September 18, 2026 – Sunday, September 20, 2026
(Scroll down for full list of weekend activities.)
Friday, September 18, 2026
Kick off the weekend with a burst of creativity and play at the Kid-Friendly Performances at the Rochester Fringe Festival 2026, where puppets, magic, circus skills, science fun, and even a Disco Kids dance party make it easy for the whole family to find something they love. Parents who’d like a little evening breather can sign the kids up for Kids Night Out at Central Rock Gym, a special night of staff-guided climbing, games, and pizza for ages 7–13 while you enjoy a date night. Littles who love animals can giggle and learn at KinderZoo at Seneca Park Zoo, a playful preschool program with games, hands-on BioFacts, and a special visit from an ambassador animal. Budding musicians and their grownups can head to The Strong for the Early Childhood Music Class at The Strong, with Instructor Zhilin Zhang, where singing, movement, and musical play help little ones build listening and language skills. And for book-loving families, the Friends of Penfield Public Library Book Sale offers thousands of gently used books, games, and puzzles at bargain prices—perfect for restocking your family’s reading nook for fall.
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Saturday is packed with opportunities to get out and explore together, starting with a hands-on adventure at Safari Tours At Hidden Valley Animal Adventure!, where you can ride an open-air safari bus or drive yourself through 63 acres to see and feed camels, zebras, bison, and more. Young climbers can test their bravery at Guided Climbing at RocVentures Climbing Gym, a one-hour, staff-led climbing session designed to make a first climbing experience exciting and confidence-building. Families who love music and science can end the day under the stars at the planetarium during Laser Daft Punk at RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium, a dazzling laser show set to the iconic beats of Daft Punk. If you’re craving some fresh air and fall flavors, climb aboard the Riverie for the Cider & Donuts Cruise Aboard Riverie - Corn Hill Landing, featuring narrated stories of the Genesee River and Erie Canal alongside apple cider and donuts from Powers Farm Market. As evening falls, head west to the Buffalo Zoo for the glowing, family-friendly magic of the Enchanted Pumpkin Trail at the Buffalo Zoo!, where larger-than-life jack-o’-lanterns, a fairy garden, a pumpkin safari, and a skeleton mariachi band turn the Zoo into an unforgettable nighttime wonderland.
Sunday, September 20, 2026
On Sunday, round out your weekend with more relaxed but equally memorable outings, starting with a scenic family voyage on the Erie Canal at the Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruise Aboard Sam Patch, where live narration and a trip through a working lock bring local history to life. If your kids love live music and river views, the Live Music Cruise Aboard Riverie offers an evening ride on the Genesee River and Erie Canal accompanied by favorite Rochester musicians and skyline views. Families in a circus mood can soak up street-side spectacle at Circus in the City at ESL Rochester Fringe Festival, with free outdoor contemporary circus performances by world-renowned artists right in downtown Rochester. Theater-loving parents can also treat older kids or teens to a thought-provoking outing at Blackfriars Theatre presents EUREKA DAY, a sharp, comedic play that tackles big questions about how communities make decisions together. And if you’d like one more taste of autumn on the water before heading home, the Cider & Donuts Cruise Aboard Sam Patch - Pittsford, NY offers apple treats from Powers Farm Market plus cozy canal views that are perfect for savoring the last moments of your family’s fall weekend.