Halloween is exciting when you’re little, but not every Halloween event is made for little ones! If your child loves dressing up and collecting treats but isn’t quite ready for haunted houses and jump scares, these 10 family-friendly Halloween events in Chautauqua County are just right. From trunk-or-treats in Lakewood and Fredonia to costume storytimes in Jamestown, here’s where to find not-so-scary Halloween fun for toddlers, preschoolers, and young kids from Oct. 23–29, 2026.
1. Free Trunk or Treat at Aspire of WNY | Lakewood
Friday, October 23 | 4–6:30 p.m.
Where: 140 Mall Boulevard, Lakewood
Cost: FREE
This one's a great option for little trick-or-treaters! Kids can collect treats from decorated trunks, enjoy free donuts and beverages, get their faces painted, and dance to some music. It's an afternoon full of Halloween activities without the need to walk an entire neighborhood.
Why little kids might love it: There's more to do than collect candy, and the earlier start time is a bonus for families with younger children.
Registration is appreciated but not required.
2. Fall Story Walk at Minerva Free Library | Sherman
Saturday, October 24 | 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Where: Minerva Free Library, 116 Miller St., Sherman
A Halloween treat with a literary twist! Families will travel through all three floors of the library while enjoying The Little Kitten, a fun fall story. Kids will collect small treats along the way, making this a sweet way to celebrate the season.
Why little kids might love it: It's a gentle, interactive outing that combines reading, exploring, and treats without anything too spooky. Costumes are encouraged but not required!
3. Baby's Boo Bash at Lakewood Memorial Library | Lakewood
Saturday, October 24 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Memorial Library, 12 W. Summit St., Lakewood
Best for ages 0–4!
Even the littlest ghosts and goblins deserve some Halloween fun! Baby's Boo Bash is designed specifically for children ages 0–4, with themed activity stations, an adorable handprint craft, toddler-friendly snacks, and a costume parade at 11:45 a.m.
There's even a $5 photo booth from Jessica Long Photography, so you can capture those cute costumes!
Why little kids might love it: This event is made just for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, with age-appropriate activities and plenty of opportunities for adorable Halloween memories.
4. Trunk or Treat at Russell Joy Park | Fredonia
Saturday, October 24 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Russell Joy Park, Fredonia
The Fredonia-Pomfret Recreation Department is bringing back its annual Trunk or Treat! Families can expect decorated trunks, plenty of treats, and a fun community Halloween celebration.
Why little kids might love it: The daytime hours make this an appealing alternative to nighttime trick-or-treating, especially for families with little ones who have early bedtimes.
5. Riverwalk Trick or Treat Trail | Jamestown
Saturday, October 24 | 5–7 p.m.
Where: Chadakoin Riverwalk, from Washington Street Bridge to Panzarella Park, Jamestown
Cost: No admission fee listed
Grab those Halloween buckets! The City of Jamestown's fifth annual Riverwalk Trick or Treat Trail brings local businesses, organizations, and community groups together to hand out treats along the river.
Why little kids might love it: Instead of going door to door, families can follow a designated trail with plenty of treat stops along the way. It's a fun way to practice trick-or-treating before Halloween night.
6. Trunk or Treat at Sinclairville Elementary School | Sinclairville
Saturday, October 24 | 7–8 p.m.
Where: Sinclairville Elementary School, 43 Sinclair Drive, Sinclairville
Get those costumes ready for an evening of treats! Families are invited to Sinclairville Elementary's Trunk or Treat, where kids can collect Halloween goodies and stop by to see Miss Jessica and Chet from Sinclairville Free Library.
Why little kids might love it: It's a simple, community-centered Halloween activity that's easy to enjoy without planning a full evening of trick-or-treating. Just keep in mind the later start time for younger children.
7. Halloween at the Mill | Busti
Sunday, October 25 | 4–6 p.m.
Where: Busti Historical Society, 3443 Lawson Road, Jamestown
Cost: $5 for children 12 and under; $10 for adults
A little Halloween history, a little storytelling, and a craft to take home! Costumed guides lead visitors through the historic mill and miller's house, sharing stories from the Brothers Grimm. Afterward, kids can enjoy a Halloween craft and refreshments.
The organizers specifically describe this event as non-scary and family-friendly.
Why little kids might love it: It's a different kind of Halloween experience, with storytelling and a hands-on activity instead of haunted-house scares. Families with children sensitive to spooky stories may still want to check before attending.
Tours begin every half hour, and reservations are appreciated. Email bustihistorical.edu@gmail.com to reserve a time.
8. Halloween Fun Fair at Chautauqua Safety Village | Ashville
Wednesday, October 28 | 4–7:30 p.m.
Where: 2695 Route 394, Ashville
Cost: $5 per person; children 1 and under are free
This one has plenty to keep little Halloween fans busy! Families can trick-or-treat at the Safety Village buildings, make crafts, play games, and explore kid-friendly ghoul houses. There's also a train ride and bounce houses, weather permitting.
Why little kids might love it: There are lots of activities beyond collecting candy, so families can choose what their children are comfortable trying. The ghoul houses may be better for kids who enjoy a little spooky fun.
The event takes place rain or shine, with most activities outdoors, so dress for the weather.
9. Costume Storytime at Prendergast Library | Jamestown
Thursday, October 29 | 4–5 p.m.
Where: Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St., Jamestown
Cost: FREE | Ages: 8 and under
One more chance to show off those Halloween costumes! Prendergast Library is hosting a special Costume Storytime featuring themed stories, activities, and a costume parade through the library.
Why little kids might love it: It's all the fun of dressing up for Halloween without the scary stuff, plus a parade where kids can proudly show off their costumes!
Registration is recommended. Stop by the Information Desk or call 716-484-7135, ext. 2226.
10. Jamestown Campus Trunk or Treat at SUNY JCC | Jamestown
Thursday, October 29 | 5–7 p.m.
Where: SUNY JCC, 525 Falconer St., Jamestown
Another opportunity to fill those trick-or-treat buckets! Jamestown Community College is inviting families to its campus for an evening of Halloween fun and treats.
The event takes place at the Hamilton Collegiate Center parking loop off James Street. If the weather doesn't cooperate, activities will move indoors to the Student Union.
Why little kids might love it: Families can enjoy Halloween fun in a designated area without traveling from house to house. Plus, no registration or RSVP is required!
A Few Tips for Halloween Fun With Little Ones
- Start early. Younger kids may enjoy Halloween activities more before they're overtired.
- Bring layers. Late October in Chautauqua County can get chilly, especially after sunset.
- Keep costumes comfortable. Make sure your child can walk easily and see clearly.
- Let your child set the pace. You don't have to stay for an entire event to make a fun Halloween memory.
- Check before you go. Event schedules and activities can change, so confirm the details with organizers.
Looking for More Halloween Fun in Chautauqua County?
These are just a few of the Halloween activities happening around the county! Whether your kids love trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, or all things spooky, there's plenty more to explore.
[Explore our Chautauqua County Fall & Halloween Fun Guide!](INSERT YOUR GUIDE LINK)
And don't forget to check the Macaroni KID Chautauqua County event calendar for even more family fun happening near you.
