Top 20 Places to Take Kids in Greater Rochester - 2020

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.

Seneca Park Zoo brings you face-to-face with wildlife from around the world. From Masai giraffes and plains zebras to snow leopards 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 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. Timed tickets are required, plan your visit today at senecaparkzoo.org.

Immerse yourself in the incredible world of science, history, culture, and nature at Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC). You can follow your curiosity from the depths of the oceans to the edge of the universe when you visit the Science Museum, Strasenburgh Planetarium, or Cumming Nature Center. Push the limits of your imagination to create never-before-seen inventions, explore the natural world, or discover the wonders of the universe. When you visit the RMSC, you’ll have access to more than 200 interactive exhibits at the Museum, star shows and featured films on the 65-foot Planetarium dome, and 15 miles of trails to explore at the Nature Center.

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!

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.

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 19^th-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.

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.

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.

For the past decade, TYKEs is honored to rank as the #1 children’s theatre and one of the top places in town to bring kids. Now entering its 17th season, TYKEs captivates families with beloved plays and musicals brought alive on stage by adult professional actors. TYKEs strives to inspire an appreciation of the arts, literary awareness, and social skills while teaching key life lessons. Performances, school field trips, after-school classes and KidStage summer camp take place in the warm, welcoming Hart Theatre at the JCC in Brighton.

Wickham Farms is Rochester's premier family destination. A sprawling 40 acres of Pick your own opportunities including lavender, strawberries, sunflowers, apples, and pumpkins. Attractions include a jumping pillow, jump pad, giant mountain slide, apple cannons, kiddie train, mini-golf, farm animals, playgrounds and so much more. In the fall, they have a corn maze, hayrides, u-pick pumpkins, and apples. Healthy family-friendly food options are available.

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!

Cumming Nature Center (CNC) is a dynamic environmental education facility that celebrates the unique landscape and culture of the Finger Lakes region through hands-on learning opportunities and thoughtful exhibits. Our 900-acre preserve is as beautiful as it is vast. You can meander through more than 6 miles of trails complete with wetlands, climbing forest roads and hiking through the past. And you can investigate the curious intricacies of nature with our educational programs.

Ladybugs Play is Rochester's premier spot for children 7 years and younger to play, explore and have fun. The safe and engaging 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, connect and have fun. In addition to open play, Ladybugs Play offers private birthday parties, summer drop off camps, Family Fun Nights and many other family friendly activities. At Ladybugs Play, it's always a great day to come and play!

The Circle Play Cafe is an indoor play place space for kids 0-6 years old. There are three separate play areas available. Our arts and crafts room gives space for crafts, as well as separate space for special events. Our 2,800 square foot space brings two things together: ONE, a safe and fun play space for kids six and under, and TWO, a relaxing and judgement-free zone where parents and other caregivers can build relationships and share experiences, all while being able to see their children play from any vantage point. As moms, we understand how wonderful, terrifying, exciting, rewarding, and of course, EXHAUSTING, that it can be to take care of young children. We want our patrons to “join our circle” and truly have a sense of community and support at The Circle Play Cafe.

Bristol Mountain (https://www.bristolmountain.com/ ) is the place for outdoor family fun in the Rochester Area! It is the premier ski resort in the Finger Lakes Region offering 1200’ of vertical, 2 high speed quads, and state-of-the-art snowmaking.

All winter long we offer learn to ski and ride programs (https://www.bristolmountain.com/lessons/) for all members of the family. Bristol Brigades (https://www.bristolmountain.com/brigades/ ) offer season long coaching for all ages and levels of skiers and snowboarders. Adventure Camps (https://www.bristolmountain.com/snowsports-adventure-camps/), during the winter breaks, offer a fun way to be outside over the holidays.

Our Family & Friends Night (https://www.bristolmountain.com/family-night/ )is a great and affordable way to hit the slopes together. The package includes discounted rentals and a FREE 5pm beginner lesson (based on terrain and instructor availability).

Enjoy the beautiful autumn colors on a scenic Fall Sky Ride (https://www.bristolmountain.com/fall-sky-rides/) that are offered in September and October. This tranquil 15-20 minute ride is for people of all ages to experience the Bristol Hills and the valley below in all its splendor.

Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures offers 3 exciting experiences for kids (and adults!) ages 4+ to get outside and safely have fun together. Watch your child gain confidence at the Kids Adventure Park (https://bristolmountainadventures.com/kids-park/) with 2 courses specifically designed for kids aged 4-7. Conquer the Aerial Adventure Park (https://bristolmountainadventures.com/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 (https://bristolmountainadventures.com/zipline-canopy-tour/) featuring over 5,000ft of ziplines. Get outside, create memories, build confidence, and have an adventure!

The JCC is a vibrant community center with state-of-the-art fitness, theatre, aquatics, and an array of programs and services for all ages. The JCC is the place for total wellness and provides sports and fitness programs, wellness services, early childhood education, before & after school care, summer camps, celebrations of Jewish holidays and traditions, and activities. The JCC is open and welcoming to all in the community.

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.

For the past decade, TYKEs is honored to rank as the #1 children’s theatre and one of the top places in town to bring kids. Now entering its 17th season, TYKEs captivates families with beloved plays and musicals brought alive on stage by adult professional actors. TYKEs strives to inspire an appreciation of the arts, literary awareness, and social skills while teaching key life lessons. Performances, school field trips, after-school classes and KidStage summer camp take place in the warm, welcoming Hart Theatre at the JCC in Brighton.

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.

The 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!

The 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! 

The Creative Workshop at Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester provides hands-on art classes. Classes and summer programs are 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!

The 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.