Top 20 Places to Take Kids in Greater Rochester - 2019
2019's list...as voted by Rochester-area parents!
Every May and June, thousands of local parents, grandparents, and caregivers weigh in on their favorite places to take kids in greater Rochester, NY. There are literally hundreds of wonderful places to take your kids in our area. For other fantastic places to take kids, just click on any of the links that interest you on the navigation bar. Be sure not to miss our Everything That's Free page, browse through our packed daily calendar, and sign for our free weekly e-newsletter.
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1: Seneca Park Zoo
Seneca Park Zoo brings you face-to-face with wildlife from around the world. From Masai giraffes and plains zebras to red pandas and river otters, the Zoo is home many amazing species, big and small, that inspire tens of thousands of guests every year to act on behalf of wildlife conservation. Seneca Park Zoo is also the only zoo in New York state home to African elephants. Open 362 days a year, Seneca Park Zoo has special programming hourly in the summer, a seasonal tram service, and several indoor areas that allow guests to escape the cold in the winter including Rocky Coasts Gallery with underwater viewing for California sea lions and the beloved polar bear. Plan your visit today at senecaparkzoo.org.
2: The Strong Museum
Ranked by FamilyFun magazine as one of the top family travel destination in the country, The Strong is the only museum in the world dedicated to the study and exploration of play. In addition to the many traveling exhibitions that make their temporary home at the Strong, the museum features Can You Tell Me How To Get to Sesame Street?"; a restored carousel, a Wegmans Super Kids Market; their wonderful Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden; and Reading Adventureland.
3: My Local Library
Of course, the libraries in the Rochester area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them #3 in best places to take kids this year!
4: Rochester Museum & Science Center / Strasenburgh Planetarium
Immerse yourself in the incredible world of science at Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC), which includes the Science Museum, Strasenburgh Planetarium, and Cumming Nature Center. Follow your curiosity from the depths of the oceans to the edge of the universe. Push the limits of your imagination to create never-before-seen inventions. All at the Science Museum, with more than 200 interactive exhibits; Planetarium with a 65-foot, four-story dome; and Nature Center, with more than six miles of trails on 900 acres. In addition, RMSC's more than 1.2 million collection items tell the story of Rochester’s past including its rich history of innovation and invention.
5: Seabreeze Amusement Park
Seabreeze is the amusement park and water park closest to home, located right on the shore Lake Ontario at the top of Route 590 to the East. Seabreeze has both thrilling adult rides such as the Jackrabbit (the fourth oldest operating coaster in the country), classic family rides such as the Carousel and Train, and some great rides for the under-8 set such as the Kiddie Swings. The waterpark section of Seabreeze has "liquid fun for everyone"--includes adult and kiddie slides, wave pool, lazy river, and more. It's not too big, and not too small, and it's a very good price (rates vary per ticket type; click here for current rates.
6: YMCA
The YMCA of Greater Rochester is in our community to give everyone an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has access to Y programing that foster healthy living, youth development and social responsibility.
7: Genesee Country Village & Museum
History comes alive at the largest and most comprehensive living history museum in New York State. Genesee Country Village & Museum invites your whole family to step back in time with costumed interpreters to explore the 19th-century Historic Village. Visitors can tour the working brewery, the blacksmith, potter, print shop, and tinsmith, and visit the animals on the farm. End your day by taking a piece of history home from the Flint Hill Store, featuring handcrafted fudge and village-made tin and pottery. GCV&M is also home to the John L. Wehle Gallery, a Nature Center with five miles of themed trails, and the Silver Base Ball Park. Offering special events all year long. Located in nearby Mumford. Visit gcv.org for schedule and information.
8: Rochester Red Wings Baseball
The Rochester Red Wings are a Triple-A baseball team based in Rochester, New York. The team plays is the top minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The Red Wings play in Frontier Field, located in downtown Rochester. Whether it’s a catching a game with friends or family, Red Wings baseball is guaranteed fun! With fireworks following Friday and Saturday home games and some of the best ballpark food you can find – don’t miss any of the action this Summer!
9: Altitude Trampoline Park
Altitude Trampoline Park is Rochester's newest active indoor play center. Located in Southtown Plaza on Jefferson Road in Henrietta. Ages 2-adult, special playtimes and areas for toddlers and preschoolers. Jump, play, and take a break.
10: Stokoe Farms
Stokoe Farms is a short hike to the southwest of Rochester, in Scottsville, and it is especially noteworthy that they made our Top 20 list when they are only open for fall family fun for seven weeks from mid-September through the end of October, plus a long weekend at the beginning of August for summer fun on the farm. Stokoe Farms sure makes an impression on families, though: Hours of farm-fresh fun in the corn maze and a wide variety of outdoor active activities. Kids can play in the straw fort and slide down a huge slide, pet a large number of animals, and chomp on delicious cider donuts. Thousands of families then return the weekend after Thanksgiving for the start of the Christmas Tree season.
11: Lollypop Farm
Lollypop Farm is maintained by the Humane Society of Rochester and Monroe County and located in the Hamlet of Egypt off of Route 31. It provides a free opportunity to introduce kids of all ages to all kinds of farm animals and pets. The Humane Society at Lollypop Farm is committed to building lifelong bonds between people and animals through education, community outreach programs, and the prevention of cruelty. Inside, Lollypop Farm houses dogs, cats, and other small animals that are ready for adoption, as well as a Family Learning Center where families can learn about pet care together. Outside, take a walk through the Farm's pastures of horses, llamas, goats, deer, geese, ducks, and chickens. Stroll to the nearby playround and have a picnic lunch!
12: Wickham Farms
Wickham Farms is a fun place for families to spend an hour, an afternoon or all day! Attractions include a jumping pillow, batting cages, kiddy train ride, a mini golf course, farm animals, and a free weekly storytime. In the fall, they have a corn maze, hayrides, a u-pick pumpkin patch, and u-pick apple orchard. The barn serves 16 flavors of ice cream, frozen custard, and casual meals.
13: Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures
Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures offers 3 exciting experiences for kids (and adults!) ages 4+. Watch your child gain confidence at the Kids Adventure Park with 2 courses specifically designed for kids aged 4-7. Conquer the Aerial Adventure Park (ages 7+), a series of 7 challenge courses interwoven within the forest canopy featuring unique elements and ziplines. Or, soar through the trees on the 3-hour guided Zipline Canopy Tour featuring over 5,000ft of ziplines. Get outside, create memories, build confidence, and have an adventure!
14: Clubhouse Fun Center
Open year-round for indoor fun, and seasonally for outdoor fun, Clubhouse Fun Center Henrietta is located on Jay Scutti Blvd; Clubhouse Fun Center Greece is located on Ridge Road West. Clubhouse Fun Center features arcade games, birthday parties, go karts, and a fabulous mini golf course. Bring your kids, or the whole family! You can join their e-club and get exclusive specials. Like them on Facebook for exclusive coupons.
15: TYKEs Theatre (Theatre Young Kids Enjoy)
Inspiring families with best-loved fairy tales, favorite bedtime stories and children’s books... all seen through the magic of live theatre, TYKEs's season typically runs from November through April or May. Professional actors present great shows to families and also to schoolchildren. Performances take place in the Hart Theater at the JCC, 1200 Edgewood Avenue in Brighton.
16: Ladybugs Play
Ladybugs Play is Rochester's newest spot for children 7 years and younger to play, explore and have fun. The 2500 square foot indoor play space was designed with families in mind - large enough for imagination and exploration, yet small enough to sit back and relax. Each piece of equipment was selected to provide a variety of experiences. Climb on the loft, play in the kitchen, create on the magnetic wall, fly through Whoosh and so much more! With a designated space for children 18 months and younger and a family-friendly cafe, Ladybugs Play offers families a convenient place to come together and have fun. In addition to open play, Ladybugs Play offers private birthday parties, summer drop off camps and many other family friendly activities. At Ladybugs Play, it's always a great day to come and play!
17: Six Flags Darien Lake
Six Flags Darien Lake is about an hour west of Rochester, south of Batavia. It's New York's largest family-friendly attraction. Theme park, water park, campground, hotel. Offering thrill rides, family rides, kids' rides, water park rides, and entertainment. Rides include the Predator, the Viper, Rolling Thunder, and the Ride of Steel. The water park features the Swirl City Slide Complex, the Big Kahuna, the Brain Drain, Flotation Station, the Tornado, and Crocodile Isle, their 600,000-gallon wave pool.
18: Erie Canal hiking or biking
Active family fun is easily accessible any time in the Rochester area: Just head over to the Erie Canal path with your bike, your roller skates, your stroller, or just your feet. The Erie Canal has beautiful scenery, a terrifically maintained trail, interesting history, and intriguing wildlife, including (did you know?) minks!
19: Roseland Water Park / Roseland Wake Park
Roseland Waterpark is the largest waterpark in the Finger Lakes region. Located in Canandaigua, NY, it is the pinnacle of summer family fun. With attractions such as the Giant Wave Pool, Adventure River, Splash Factory for our youngest guest, tube slides and body slides, and the Mammoth Raft Ride, Roseland Waterpark perfect for the entire family from the end of June through Labor Day.Visit www.roselandwaterpark.com for weekly Splash & Save specials, group rates and events. Save up to $7 on the Regular Admission ticket when you purchase online.
Roseland Wake Park, the only full size cable wakeboarding park in the Northeast is located next door to Roseland Waterpark in Canandaigua. It features a half mile loop with a variety of water features (jumps, rails and flat boxes) and has the capacity for nine riders at one time.
20: Bristol Mountain Skiing
Bristol Mountain is the premier ski resort in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York that offers 1200’ of vertical, 2 high speed quads, and state-of-the-art snowmaking. Views from the summit and the 38 slopes and trails are breathtaking and provide a variety of inclines for every skier and snowboarder from beginner to expert. During our night operating season, 96% of our trails have lighting. To assure our skiers and snowboarders of the best possible snow conditions, Bristol Mountain's state-of-the-art snowmaking system covers 100% of the terrain." This family-friendly resort offer a variety of lessons including a first time Learn to Ski program that rewards the first timer a free pair of Elan skis upon graduation from the program.
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in several categories. Here were their choices.Favorite Kid-Friendly Museum
The Strong National Museum of PlayRanked by FamilyFun magazine as one of the top family travel destination in the country, The Strong is the only museum in the world dedicated to the study and exploration of play. In addition to the many traveling exhibitions that make their temporary home at the Strong, the museum features Can You Tell Me How To Get to Sesame Street?"; a restored carousel, a Wegmans Super Kids Market; their wonderful Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden; and Reading Adventureland.
Favorite Nature Center
Letchworth State ParkNestled between the Allegany foothills and the Finger Lakes of New York State is one of the jewels of the New York State Parks system, Letchworth State Park, also known as “The Grand Canyon the of East.” Today this 14,000 plus acre park offers a wide variety of family activities; you can rent one of its 82 cabins or stay at one of its 270 campsites or experience the accommodations at the historic Glen Iris Inn. You may also swim at Letchworth's Olympic size pool in the summer, and hike on over 60 miles of trails.
Favorite Performing Arts
TYKEs TheatreInspiring families with best-loved fairy tales, favorite bedtime stories and children’s books... all seen through the magic of live theatre, TYKEs's season typically runs from November through April or May. Professional actors present great shows to families and also to schoolchildren. Performances take place in the Hart Theater at the JCC, 1200 Edgewood Avenue in Brighton.
Favorite Indoor Recreation Center
YMCA of Greater RochesterThrough innovative, quality programs, the YMCA of Greater Rochester helps strengthen families, aids in the healthy development of children, encourages positive individual behavior and contributes toward a healthier, safe community for all. Our programs build character by emphasizing the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, fun and friendship.
Favorite Kid-Friendly Farm
Lollypop FarmLollypop Farm is maintained by the Humane Society of Rochester and Monroe County and located in the Hamlet of Egypt off of Route 31. It provides a free opportunity to introduce kids of all ages to all kinds of farm animals and pets. The Humane Society at Lollypop Farm is committed to building lifelong bonds between people and animals through education, community outreach programs, and the prevention of cruelty. Inside, Lollypop Farm houses dogs, cats, and other small animals that are ready for adoption, as well as a Family Learning Center where families can learn about pet care together. Outside, take a walk through the Farm's pastures of horses, llamas, goats, deer, geese, ducks, and chickens. Stroll to the nearby playround and have a picnic lunch!
Favorite Outdoor Fun/ Amusement Park
Seabreeze Amusement ParkSeabreeze is the amusement park and water park closest to home, located right on the shore Lake Ontario at the top of Route 590 to the East. Seabreeze has both thrilling adult rides such as the Jackrabbit (the fourth oldest operating coaster in the country), classic family rides such as the Carousel and Train, and some great rides for the under-8 set such as the Kiddie Swings. The waterpark section of Seabreeze has "liquid fun for everyone"--includes adult and kiddie slides, wave pool, lazy river, and more. It's not too big, and not too small, and it's a very good price (rates vary per ticket type; click here for current rates.
Favorite Professional Sports Team
Rochester Red WingsThe Rochester Red Wings are a Triple-A baseball team based in Rochester, New York. The team plays in the top minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The Red Wings play in Frontier Field, located in downtown Rochester. Whether it’s a catching a game with friends or family, Red Wings baseball is guaranteed fun! With fireworks following Friday and Saturday home games and some of the best ballpark food you can find – don’t miss any of the action this Summer!
Favorite Miniature Golf
Clubhouse Fun CenterOpen year-round for indoor fun, and seasonally for outdoor fun, Clubhouse Fun Center Henrietta is located on Jay Scutti Blvd; Clubhouse Fun Center Greece is located on Ridge Road West. Clubhouse Fun Center features arcade games, birthday parties, go karts, and a fabulous mini golf course. Bring your kids, or the whole family! You can join their e-club and get exclusive specials. Like them on Facebook for exclusive coupons.
Favorite Arts Education
Memorial Art GalleryThe Memorial Art Gallery of the University of the Rochester provides hands-on art classes through its Creative Workshop. Classes and summer programs taught by artist-teachers, and frequently inspired by art on view in the museum. Classes for both kids and adults: You and your kids can make the artwork you never thought you could make!
Favorite Sports Education
Rochester-area YMCA branchesThrough innovative, quality programs, the YMCA of Greater Rochester helps strengthen families, aids in the healthy development of children, encourages positive individual behavior and contributes toward a healthier, safe community for all. Our programs build character by emphasizing the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, fun and friendship.
Favorite Family-Friendly Festival
Lilac FestivalThe largest festival of its kind in North America began 121 years ago and continues to be inspired by the magnificent lilac collection at Highland Park in Rochester, NY — 500 varieties of lilacs on more than 1,200 bushes. The festival runs 10 days in mid-May.