In Rochester, NY we believe in play, fun, exercise, exploring, and discovery. From picturesque parks and scenic outdoor settings, to world-renowned museums and interactive exhibits, kids of all ages will enjoy their visit.
Hands-on fun!
No “Don’t Touch” signs here! Our museums are hands-on and interactive. They enable learning, exploration, and discovery to integrate with play, imagination and fun at every level.
The Strong National Museum of Play is the only museum in the world devoted solely to the importance of play. Step into Sesame Street, visit the Berenstain Bears, or pop into a life-size pop-up comic book and join forces with your favorite heroes. The Strong also houses the National Toy Hall of Fame, the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, and the World Video Game Hall of Fame.
If you’d rather explore science, history and technology, the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) is for you. The museum houses 200 interactive exhibits and activities that will fascinate every member of the family. The center is also home to the Strasenburgh Planetarium and the Cumming Nature Center for kids interested in exploring space and the great outdoors.
If you find yourself at the George Eastman Museum, check out the hands-on Discovery Room. Here, children can make sun prints, animation strips for a zoetrope, and handle dozens of early cameras in the Eastman's Discovery Room.
A Step Back in Time
Hop into a time machine and experience the 19th century first hand. The Genesee Country Village & Museum is the largest living history museum in New York State and offers visitors authentic 19-century activities. Families can help do laundry the old-fashioned way, make crafts, and play outdoor games at America's first replica of a 19th-century baseball park.
The Rochester area has an impressive park system, crisscrossed by hundreds of well-marked trails. Active kids and teens will enjoy biking, hiking, or rollerblading along miles of paved paths beside the scenic Erie Canal. The region also offers beautiful waterways that can be explored on kayak, canoe, or Sam Patch tours.
Located along the Genesee River, the Seneca Park Zoo is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and animal lovers. From African lions and olive baboons to playful North American river otters and polar bears, families can see a diverse array of wildlife from all over the world. The Zoo is open all year long ensuring you can visit anytime you’re in town.
Amusement and Water Parks
Nothing says "summer" like a visit to the water park. Luckily, the Rochester area has a couple to choose from. With 65+ family attractions, Seabreeze Amusement Park is a must-visit for families looking for thrills and a day in the sun! Hop on the Whirlwind—one of only three spinning coasters of its type in the country—or the Jack Rabbit, the oldest continuously operating wooden coaster in North America.
Get your splash on at Roseland Waterpark in Canandaigua. Every member of the family will find a feature to love, from the tiniest toddler wading at the Splash Factory to the bravest dads and teens streaking at top speed down the towering water slides. Plus, thrill-seekers can experience the new Wake Park, the first and only cable wake park in the northeastern United States!
Seasonal Activities
Rochester's "festival season" begins in May with the annual Lilac Festival. Enjoy the parade, explore the special entertainment areas for kids, savor the festival food, and take in the fragrance of lilacs, all hundred varieties of them! Visit pumpkin patches, find your way through cornfields, and pet farm animals at one of our many local farms. Stokoe Farms hosts an annual Fall Pumpkin & Harvest Fest, Wickham Farms features batting cages, a kiddy train ride, a mini-golf course, and farm animals. Long Acre Farms is home to the Amazing Maize Maze, and Hidden Valley Animal Adventure boasts a guided tour of its 300+ animals.
