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Play the day away at The Strong National Museum of Play. Photo by Jody Mercier

Best Museums in Rochester, New York, for Kids

1. The Strong National Museum of Play

Children young and young at heart love this 150,000-square-foot museum that's filled with tons of interactive exhibits and cool displays. It's so big, you can easily spend multiple days here. There are plenty of traditional children's museum features—think: a kid-sized supermarket and in-house carousel—plus a butterfly vivarium and an outdoor board game park, where you can explore larger-than-life displays from family classics like Monopoly, Jenga, and Life. It's also home to a huge collection of toys. Visit the World Video Game Hall of Fame to explore and play classic consoles. Hit up the pinball collection, while you'r there, too. The Toy Hall of Fame,—also on-site—features classic playthings and the history behind them. (Who knew Play-Doh was originally created to clean wallpaper?) In short, The Strong hits all the right nostalgia buttons and is a can't-miss Rochester attraction! Read our full review and visitor's tips as you plan your trip.

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Even big kids enjoy the water table at the Rochester Museum & Science Center.

2. Rochester Museum & Science Center

Spark your kid's interest in science at this three-story, hands-on museum that also has a planetarium. Children can meet Ice Age animals, touch dinosaur fossils, and try out plumbing and electrical engineering projects. We especially liked the Wonders of Water exhibit, which features a water table, a mock shipwreck, and a giant water-inspired climbing structure.

3. Susan B. Anthony House

Squeeze some history into your Rochester, New York, trip by visiting the home of women's rights icon Susan B. Anthony. Guided tours (which last 45-60 minutes) take visitors through her Madison Street house while telling the story of Anthony's life. A highlight is seeing the front parlor where the leader was arrested after daring to vote in the 1872 presidential election. If that's not enough local lore for you, head to the nearby Mount Hope Cemetary to visit the graves of Anthony and fellow local activist Fredrick Douglass.

Explore the stately mansion at the George Eastman Museum, which is also home to tons of artifacts related to the art of photography. Photo by Jody Mercier

4. George Eastman Museum

Check out some of the world's oldest photos and camera equipment at this museum located on the estate of George Eastman, a pioneer of modern photography. (Rochester, New York, is home to the Eastman Kodak headquarters.) The family-friendly Discovery Room has craft projects, children's books, and antique stereoscopes—kind of like the View Master's ancestors—that kids can try out. The mansion and grounds at the estate are also stunning and fun to explore.

5. Genesee Country Village & Museum

Step back in time at this 600-acre outdoor history museum located in Mumford, New York, about 30 minutes southwest of Rochester. The village features 68 19th-century buildings, including a pioneer cabin, an 1840s drug store, a blacksmith shop, and an elaborate Victorian mansion. Most buildings are staffed by costumed interpreters, and in some cases include demonstrations. A highlight is watching the vintage baseball games played on Sundays in the summer months.

The University of Rochester's Memorial Art Gallery houses treasures from antiquity to the present day. Photo by Jody Mercier

6. Memorial Art Gallery

Think of this University of Rochester art museum as a mini Met. Explore 5,000 years of art history in its sprawling collection. In addition to the indoor galleries, it's set on 14 acres of land dotted with some spectacular outdoor sculptures that are particularly kid-friendly. We loved the playful Tom Otterness installation.

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There are rides for all ages at Seabreeze Amusement Park.

More Top Things To Do in Rochester, New York, with Kids

7. Seabreeze Amusement Park

There are rides for all ages at this beachy amusement park set in the suburb of Irondequoit on the banks of Lake Ontario. Littles love the junior roller coaster and kiddie rides. For big kids, there are 30-foot-high giant swings and the legendary Jack Rabbit, the the oldest continuously operating roller coaster in America, that's an absolute blast. Seabreeze also has a water park with tube slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. Bonus: Parking is free. Be sure to check the calendar, though—the park is only open seasonally.

8. Seneca Park Zoo

Visit zebras, frogs, African elephants, snow leopards, and penguins at this 20-acre, stroller-friendly and walkable zoo that is open year-round. Expect to take about 2.5 hours to fully experience it (maybe more if your child lingers on the zoo's small playground). Some up-close animal experiences are offered seasonally for an additional fee, including giraffe feedings. It's a must-do if you haven't before—the giraffes' long purple tongues are sure to bring the giggles!

Check out the pretty trees at Highland Park.

9. Highland Park

Get some fresh air and exercise at this gorgeous 150-acre park that is home to the world-famous Lilac Festival in May. But lilacs aren't the only stunners here. We saw dozens of impressive trees and flowers during our morning hike through the green space designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead, who's connection to NYC's Central Park is well-known. There are 35 varieties of magnolia trees at Highland Park, plus a couple of playgrounds, and the Lamberton Conservatory, which costs a few dollars to visit for everyone over age 5.

10. Genesee Valley Park and Sports Complex

More natural beauty can be found at this 800-acre park known for its three intersecting waterways—the Red Creek, the Genesee River, and the Erie Canal. Hike or bike the many miles of trails, hit the playground, picnic, rent kayaks or canoes, and more. Plus, the on-site sports complex is an all-season facility that offers an indoor ice skating rink in the fall and winter and an outdoor Olympic-sized pool in the summer.

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Though it once flowed through downtown, you have to head to the suburbs to set sail on the Erie Canal, which was re-routed south of the city in the 1920s. Photo by Jody Mercier

11. Erie Canal

Head to nearby Pittsford to traverse the eighth wonder of the world with a cruise on the Sam Path, a replica of the historic packet boats that were once regular transportation along the Erie Canal. During your cruise, you'll pass through one of the canal's famous locks and enjoy a narrated tour filled with history and local beauty. When you're done, head next door to the Pittsford Farms Dairy for a towering scoop of small-batch ice cream and shop the farm store!

12. Rochester Red Wings

Root for the home team at Innovative Field baseball stadium. The Rochester Red Wings are the Minor League AAA affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Themed games (like Star Wars night and Batman night) feature special guests, giveaways, and sometimes post-game fireworks. Bonus: Tickets are very affordable.

13. Family Farms

Longing for that old-fashioned farm feel? Find it at one of the greater Rochester, New York, area's family farms. Visitors love the hillside slide, jumping pillow, and kiddie train rides at Wickham Farms in Penfield. Meanwhile, Stokoe Farms in Scottsville has been a local staple for more than 200 years. During its fall harvest festival, families can enjoy more than 30 attractions like hayrides, dog shows, a petting zoo, and a pumpkin patch.

Take a refreshing dip in Lake Ontario.

14. Local Beaches

Soak up some sun, sand, and splash time one on of the beaches bordering Lake Ontario. Locals love the 5,000 feet of waterfront and free parking at Durand Eastman Park, home to the "White Lady's Castle" (a creepy/cool building in ruins that supposedly was once a dining hall and is the subject of many ghost stories). Meanwhile, Ontario Beach Park offers swimming, boating, a picturesque pier, and a historic carousel that was installed in 1905.

15. Six Flags Darien Lake

If your family is up for a road trip, and you live by the mantra "go big or go home," there's a Six Flags amusement park in Corfu, about an hour outside Rochester. With 45 rides—including eight roller coasters and 10 water rides—this park will have your kids screaming their heads off all day long. Big kids may want to conquer the Ride of Steel, the fastest roller coaster in New York state. There are also plenty of attractions for little ones, as well as concerts and special events.

16. Clubhouse Fun Center

This local chain is the go-to spot for families looking to play mini golf, hit the arcade, and race around the go-kart track. The Greece location also features batting cages and laser tag, while the Henrietta Fun Center has bumper cars and gemstone panning.

Fun Indoor Things To Do in Rochester, New York

17. OFC Creations Theatre Center

Got a musical theater fan in the house? This performing arts center in the upscale neighborhood of Brighton opened in 2020 with a goal of entertaining theater fans young and old. Though not all shows are kid-appropriate, many are—past performances have included Newsies, The Wizard of Oz, and The Sound of Music. Plus, the Student Performer Series features kids ages 4 and up, some of whom are preparing to head to Broadway and others who are taking the stage for the first time.

18. Altitude Trampoline Park

Defy gravity at this giant indoor trampoline park, known for its cleanliness and high-energy attractions. Practice cartwheels and flips on the tumble track, scale the free-climbing rock wall, jump into the big foam pit, or get into a game of extreme dodge ball. There's also a special court for the youngest jumpers. This 50,000-square-foot facility should keep your family busy for hours.

19. Indoor Playgrounds

Little ones can blow off steam at one of Rochester's many indoor playgrounds (especially handy when the weather takes a turn). The spacious Ontario Play & Cafe has a cool pirate-ship playground, an interactive water table, and plenty of comfortable seating so parents can easily watch their kids play. Meanwhile, ROC Kid City caters to kids ages 10 and younger with tons of climbing structures, a soft-play area for babies and toddlers, plus a ball pit, slides, tunnels, and plenty of space for imaginative play.

20. Climbing Centers

Are your kids scaling the walls? Take them to a local climbing center! Both RocVentures Climbing Gym and Central Rock Gym offer colorful bouldering walls, child-sized equipment for rent, and open climb times, as well as youth programs like classes and camps. Fill out an online waiver to save time before visiting.

RELATED: 40 Things To Do in the Adirondacks with Kids

Beef on a weck with homemade kettle chips perfectly compliments a pint at the Genesee Brew House. Photo by Jody Mercier

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Rochester, New York

21. Jine's Restaurant

This family-friendly diner in the heart of the walkable Park Avenue neighborhood serves breakfast classics in hearty portions. On a warm-weather day, opt for outdoor seating and enjoy the people watching in this artsy enclave.

22. Aladdin's Natural Eatery

Hankering for some Middle Eastern food? Aladdin's has great hummus, gyros, Greek salads, and falafel. There are also plenty of pasta choices, if that's more your child's speed. On a nice night, visitors like to dine on the restaurant's covered outdoor terrace. Note: Aladdin's is known for generous portions.

23. Mercantile on Main

Located in a historic building in the heart of downtown, this urban food hall has choices to please any palate, including pizza, Mediterranean, pho, and regionally roasted coffees.

24. SPoT Coffee

Begin your morning at this local staple that serves up great coffee, all-day breakfast, and some lunch items like salads and sandwiches. The kids' menu has favorites like grilled cheese and pizza bagels, too. SPoT Coffee is open every day and offers daily specials such as drink discounts (check the website ahead of time for more info).

The Genessee Brew House offers a beautiful view of High Falls, which will soon be the centerpiece of a New York State Park. Photo by Jody Mercier

25. Genessee Brew House

Situated on the banks of the Genessee River, the Genessee Brew House offers stunning views of High Falls served alongside approachable pub eats. Billed as a beer destination, the building was part of the original Genesee Brewery campus more than 100 years ago and today houses a pilot brewery, tasting room, educational beer exhibits, and a gift shop in addition to the restaurant.

26. The Playhouse/Swillburger

The Playhouse is a combination restaurant and arcade, making for a fun night out with the fam. There are more than 30 vintage games and pinball machines to play. Plus, the restaurant is set in an old church building, adding to its hip vibe. On the menu: burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, tater tots, and milkshakes.

27. The Owl House

Our family was really impressed with the food and experience at this fine dining spot that has a cozy indoor area and a gorgeous back patio. Everything was very fresh, with plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. While there is no kids' menu per se, the staff was very accommodating and willing to simplify the salmon entree for my picky daughter. Plus, the buffalo cauliflower wings are somewhat legendary.

Great Hotels in Rochester, NY for Families

28. Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown

This Hampton Inn, which opened its doors in June 2023, earns rave reviews for its spacious and connecting rooms, indoor pool, and complimentary breakfast. And if you want to be close to The Strong, this is the spot to stay—the hotel is just across the street from the toy mecca.

29. The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa

My family stayed at this historic Rochester hotel and we were very satisfied. Sure, our room could've used an update, but the location was ideal (a block away from the science center), and the outdoor space at the hotel was just lovely, with a lush garden and comfortable outside seating. Bonus: The Strathallan's on-site steakhouse is great and very convenient.

30. Courtyard by Marriott Rochester Downtown

Clean and comfy, this Courtyard Marriott in downtown Rochester, New York, has many of the amenities traveling families are looking for: a 24-hour market, laundry services, and free parking. It's also located within walking distance of some of the Rochester Arts District's most popular restaurants.

Unless noted, photos by the author

Originally published in 2023. Jody Mercier contributed additional reporting.

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