Rainy-day plans should not require a group text.

Join Macaroni KID Chautauqua County for the local events, new family finds, and save-worthy guides that make “What are we doing today?” a much easier question.

Chautauqua County Libraries — FREE

📍 Locations countywide

Storytimes, crafts, LEGO clubs, STEAM activities and kid-friendly spaces make local libraries one of the easiest indoor plans to repeat. Prendergast Library in Jamestown also has a Makerspace with open play and staff-led activities.
More info: cclsny.org/memberlibraries

See library events on our Macaroni KID Chautauqua County calendar.

Audubon Community Nature Center — FREE Sundays

📍 1600 Riverside Road, Jamestown, NY

Three floors of interactive exhibits and live animals, with plenty to interest preschool and elementary-age kids. Admission to the Nature Center building is free for everyone on Sundays; the regular family admission is capped at $15.
More info: auduboncnc.org

Fenton History Center — Kids Under 17 FREE

📍 67 Washington St., Jamestown, NY

A former governor's mansion filled with Chautauqua County history, including exhibits on local industries, immigration, the Underground Railroad, Victorian life and Lucille Ball.
More info: fentonhistorycenter.org

McClurg Museum — Kids and Students FREE

📍 20 E. Main St., Westfield, NY

Three floors of county history inside an 1818 mansion. Children are likely to make a beeline for the Victorian nursery and doll collection. Hours are limited, especially outside summer.
More info: cchsmcclurg.org

Lawson Center Boat Museum — Kids Under 18 FREE

📍 73 Lakeside Drive, Bemus Point, NY

Hands-on children's activities, antique boats and Chautauqua Lake history. The museum is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend into September, with limited weekly hours.
More info: thelawsoncenter.org

TheZone

📍 319 W. Third St., Jamestown, NY

Inside Northwest Arena, TheZone has 6,200 square feet of sports and STEAM-based play for ages 2–13. Kids can climb, race, shoot hoops and try interactive games, while younger children have a separate toddler area.
More info: northwestarena.com/thezone

Chautauqua Children's Gym

📍 3469 East Main Road, Dunkirk, NY

A sensory-based play gym for children of all abilities. Open Gym lets kids explore at their own pace while working on motor, sensory and social skills. Hours change seasonally.
More info: chautauquachildrensgym.org

Northwest Arena Public Skating

📍 319 W. Third St., Jamestown, NY

Regular Public Skate and lower-cost weekday Cheap Skate sessions, with skate and trainer rentals available. Dates vary around tournaments and other rink events, so check the daily calendar.
More info: northwestarena.com/calendar

Bowling in Jamestown or Fredonia

📍 Jamestown Bowling Company — 850 Foote Ave., Jamestown
📍 Lucky Lanes — 10387 Bennett Road, Fredonia

Both offer open bowling, leagues and birthday parties. Jamestown Bowling Company has 24 lanes and cosmic bowling; Lucky Lanes also has a redemption arcade. Call ahead because league play can limit open lanes.
More info: jbcgametime.com | luckylanes.weebly.com

Peek'n Peak Pool & Play Zone

📍 1405 Olde Road, Clymer, NY

An indoor pool, shallow kiddie pool and adjacent play area with indoor turf, a playground and basketball hoops. General-admission day passes are limited, especially on busy weekends, so call before making the drive.
More info: pknpk.com/pool-complex

Turner Community Pool

📍 4840 W. Lake Road, Chautauqua, NY

The 25-yard indoor pool offers open family swims as well as lap swimming. Pool passes and memberships are available, and reservations are required. Call 716-357-6430 to confirm a swim time.
More info: chq.org/swimming

National Comedy Center

📍 203 W. Second St., Jamestown, NY

More than 50 interactive exhibits let families try green screens, comedy karaoke, meme-making and games while exploring comedy history. It's best for school-age kids and teens, and you'll want at least two to three hours.
More info: comedycenter.org/kids-and-teens

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

📍 2 W. Third St., Jamestown, NY

Original costumes, props, awards and re-creations of the I Love Lucy apartment sets. This one gets even more fun when grandparents come along. Dual admission with the National Comedy Center is available.
More info: lucydesi.com

Roger Tory Peterson Institute

📍 311 Curtis St. Ext., Jamestown, NY

Nature, science and art come together in a beautiful museum setting with changing exhibits. Children under 10 are admitted free, while youth ages 10–17 receive reduced admission.
More info: rtpi.org

Grape Discovery Center

📍 8305 W. Main Road, Westfield, NY

Interactive exhibits and displays tell the story of more than 150 years of grape-growing in the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt. Kids can also sample local grape juice. The center operates seasonally.
More info: Grape Discovery Center visitor information

Mulligan's Golf & Fun Center

📍 4467 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY

Private, self-service rooms with digital sports, golf games, virtual reality and classic arcade games. Reservations are made online, so you can see exactly what is available before promising the kids anything.
More info: mulligansonfairmount.com

Lakewood Cinema 8

📍 171-3 Fairmount Ave. W., Lakewood, NY

Current movie releases with multiple showtimes on most movie days. Check the ratings and schedule online, then let popcorn handle the rest.
More info: lakewood.dipsontheatres.com

Movies and Shows at Chautauqua County's Historic Theaters

📍 Reg Lenna Center for the Arts — 116 E. Third St., Jamestown
📍 1891 Fredonia Opera House — 9 Church St., Fredonia

Both theaters schedule movies, live performances and special events. Their calendars change constantly, so look ahead for a family film, children's show or performance your older kids would enjoy.
More info: reglenna.com | fredopera.org