Event
Oct 26 – Oct 30
Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester
A big-production haunted hayride east of Rochester for teens who want a real scare. Peak nights sell out.
Toddlers to teens · Rochester family fun
What should we do this weekend?
Tell us who’s coming, when and where. Events and places around Rochester show up together, on a list or a map. Every listing is checked weekly.
1 · Who’s coming? (pick all that apply)
2 · When?
4 · Extras
Fri–Sun, Oct 30–1
This weekend in Rochester
Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri, through Oct 30Pumpkin Hunt at Ontario Play & CafeRochester
Fridays & Saturdays, 6–9 pm, through Dec 31Glow nightsVictor
Fri, Oct 30 · Game night (see site)Amerks Sweets in the Suites NightRochester
Fri, Oct 30 · 10:00 amHalloween DanceWebster · FreeOct 26 – Oct 30Haunted Hayrides of Greater RochesterWilliamson
Fri, Oct 30 · 1:00 pmLibrary Trick or TreatHilton · Free
Fri, Oct 30 · 5:00 pmMall Trick or TreatGreece · Free
Fri, Oct 30 · Evening (see site)Moonlight MazeMacedon
Fri, Oct 30 · 11:30 amPreschool Halloween PartyPenfield · Free
Fri, Oct 30 · Evening tours (see site)Spirits of the Past: A Walk in the DarkMumford
Fri, Oct 30 · 10:00 am–2:00 pmToddler Trick-or-TreatRochester
Fri, Oct 30 · Gates open about 6:30 pmVerHulst Haunted HayrideSpencerport
Sat, Oct 31 · 11:00 am–3:00 pmFamily Fun Day: Tricks & TreatsRochester
Sat, Oct 31 · 11:00 am–3:00 pmFamily Halloween at The StrongRochesterFor all ages, coming up, around Rochester
97 events and 256 places
Nothing matches all of that.
Try another town, a wider date, or fewer extras.
EventPlace
EventEvent
Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri, through Oct 30
Pumpkin Hunt at Ontario Play & Cafe
Kids hunt for pumpkins hidden around the play floor, and everyone who finds them all gets a goodie bag. Costumes encouraged.
Event
Tue, Oct 27 · 10:00 am
Spooky Storytime
Not-too-scary Halloween stories and songs for little ones. Costumes welcome.
Event
Wed, Oct 28 · Daytime (see site)
Halloween Homeschool Day
Old-time Halloween traditions and activities around the historic village, aimed at homeschool families.
Event
Wed, Oct 28 · 6:00 pm
T(w)een Halloween Night
An evening Halloween party at the library just for tweens and teens.
Event
Wed, Oct 28 · 9:30 am
Trick-or-Treat Around the Library
A morning costume walk where little ones collect treats around the library.
Event
Thu, Oct 29 · 10:30 am
Bop 'Til You Drop: Halloween Edition
A costume dance party for toddlers and preschoolers.
Event
Thu, Oct 29 · 3:00 pm
Halloween Karaoke Dance Party
After-school Halloween karaoke and dancing at a city library branch.
Event
Fri, Oct 30 · Game night (see site)
Amerks Sweets in the Suites Night
A Rochester Americans home game where kids trick-or-treat through the arena suites.
Event
Fridays & Saturdays, 6–9 pm, through Dec 31
Glow nights
Weekend evening trampoline sessions with the lights down and glow lighting on.
EventEvent
Fri, Oct 30 · 1:00 pm
Library Trick or Treat
Afternoon trick-or-treating around the library for young kids.
Event
Fri, Oct 30 · 5:00 pm
Mall Trick or Treat
Indoor trick-or-treating store to store, a dry option if the weather turns.
Event
Select days, midday shows
Moon Joy: To the Moon with Artemis II
A family-friendly 45-minute dome show that follows the Artemis II crew around the Moon and ends with a tour of tonight's Rochester sky. Showings listed through Dec 5.
Event
Fri, Oct 30 · Evening (see site)
Moonlight Maze
The corn maze after dark with flashlights, a favorite with tweens and teens.
Event
Fri, Oct 30 · 11:30 am
Preschool Halloween Party
Games, songs and treats for preschoolers in costume.
Event
Oct 30 – Nov 1
Pumpkin Destruction Weekend
The farm closes its season by smashing, launching and crushing leftover pumpkins.
Event
Select nights; most games 7:05 pm, some weekend 3:05/5:05 pm
Rochester Americans Home Games
AHL hockey downtown. Home dates in the window: Oct 30, Nov 4 (ASL Night), 6, 13, 14, 27, Dec 5, 16, 18, 19, 21, 27 and Jan 2. Sensory kits are available at every game.
Event
Fri, Oct 30 · Evening tours (see site)
Spirits of the Past: A Walk in the Dark
A guided after-dark theatrical walk through the historic village with spooky stories. Best for older kids and teens.
Event
Fri, Oct 30 · 10:00 am–2:00 pm
Toddler Trick-or-Treat
A gentle Halloween for the littlest visitors, with trick-or-treating for treats and prizes, character visits, games, a take-home craft and a dance party.
Event
Fri, Oct 30 · Gates open about 6:30 pm
VerHulst Haunted Hayride
A full-scare haunted hayride, walk-through and corn maze. Under-14s must ride with a paying adult.
Event
Sat, Oct 31 · 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Family Fun Day: Tricks & Treats
Costumed trick-or-treating through the museum plus spooky science demos, slime, circuits and visits from local groups like the LEGO users group and the Knighthawks mascot.
Event
Sat, Oct 31 · 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Family Halloween at The Strong
Broomstick flying lessons, potion making, a noon costume parade and a Monster Mash dance party around the museum.
Event
Sat, Oct 31 · 5:00 pm
Grace Church Trunk or Treat
A neighborhood trunk-or-treat in the church parking lot on Halloween night.
Event
Sat, Oct 31 · From 8:00 am
Halloween at Mamaste
A Halloween morning at a cozy play cafe for babies and preschoolers.
Event
Sat, Oct 31 · 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Halloween at the Zoo (Fall Fest)
The last day of the zoo's Fall Fest, with creepy-crawly animal meet-and-greets, a hay maze for little ones and hands-on nature activities. Costumes welcome.
Event
Event
Limited run: Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 11, Nov 21, through Nov 21
Laser Stranger Things
A 57-minute laser show set to music from the Stranger Things soundtrack, a hit with tweens and teens. Contains flashing lights; late shows are for ages 5+.
Event
Sat, Oct 31 · Evening (see site)
Mischief, Murder & Mayhem Tour
A walking tour of Rochester’s darker history in its famous Victorian cemetery. Best for older kids and teens.
Event
Sat, Oct 31 · 11:00 am
Trick or Treat in the Village of Webster
Daytime trick-or-treating at shops along Main Street.
Event
Mondays 9:30 am, through Dec 28
Baby Story Time
A short lap-sit program where caregivers pick up songs, rhymes and fingerplays to use at home with their babies.
Event
Select Mondays 10:30 & 11:30 am
Carol D. Simmons Storytime Club
Monday read-alouds with a food theme this month. Kids collect passport punches, and five visits earn a free book.
Event
School-year club; contact Central Library for practice times, through Dec 31
Central Library Esports Club
The Central Library runs a scholastic esports team for middle and high schoolers, with team spots open during the school year. Teen Central on the 2nd floor also has a gaming area.
Event
Most days; theme changes weekly, through Nov 29
Play Lab Drop-In Crafts
Weekly-changing hands-on projects in the Play Lab, with November themes like story-in-the-stars writing, rocket launch pads, alien collages and sci-fi puppets.
Event
Mondays 10:15 am, through Dec 28
Story Time with Mary Jo
Stories, songs, rhymes and a snack for ages 2–5, followed by playtime with library toys. Siblings welcome, no registration.
Event
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:00 am, through Nov 18
Simply Stories
Drop-in storytime for babies through preschoolers with books, songs and play in the Barbara Ireland Community Room. Fall series wraps Nov 17–18.
Event
Tuesdays 10:15 am, through Dec 29
Story Time Tuesday
Weekly early-literacy session of stories, songs, rhymes and play for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Event
First Wednesday of the month, noon–5 pm, through Dec 2
Amazon Free Afternoons at RMSC
Free museum admission on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month (Nov 4, Dec 2). Free planetarium seats can be reserved the same day, first come, first served.
Event
1st & 3rd Wednesdays 11:00 am, through Dec 16
Book & Beast
A free zoo storytime that ends with an up-close visit from one of the zoo's ambassador animals. Dates: Nov 4, Nov 18, Dec 2, Dec 16.
Event
Wednesdays & Thursdays 10:30 am, through Dec 10
Family Story Time
A half-hour of songs, picture books and play for 2- to 5-year-olds and their grown-ups. Same program both days; registration on the library calendar is recommended.
Event
Wednesdays 10:15 am, through Dec 30
Time for Tots
About 40 minutes of free play with library toys, wrapped up with a short story time. Recommended for ages 1–5.
Event
Wednesdays 6:00 pm, through Dec 16
Wildlife Action Crew: Frogs & Fungus
A six-session conservation program for teens 13–18 focused on amphibians and fungi. The series began Oct 28, so check with the zoo about joining.
Event
First Thursdays 6:30 pm, through Dec 3
PJ Story Time
An evening storytime where preschoolers can come in pajamas for songs and stories before bed. Sessions Nov 5 and Dec 3; space is limited.
Event
Fri, Nov 6 · 7:05 pm
Amerks Youth Hockey Night
A home game against the Hartford Wolf Pack that celebrates local youth hockey players and teams.
Event
Nov 7 – Nov 8 · Sat–Sun Nov 7–8
Holiday Market & Preparing for Winter
Shop handmade gifts at the museum's holiday market, then wander the historic village to see how 19th-century families got ready for winter.
Event
Sat, Nov 7 · 10:30 am–12:00 pm & 1:00–2:30 pm
LEGO Building Workshop: Mini Arcade
Local LEGO club builders walk participants step by step through a miniature arcade cabinet to take home. Tickets required.
Event
Nov 7 – Nov 8 · Sat–Sun
National Toy Hall of Fame Celebration
A weekend celebrating this year's Toy Hall of Fame inductees, with a cardboard and Lincoln Logs construction zone, slime play, an American Girl activity and a Nutcracker preview performance.
Event
Monthly, through Nov 7
Stars with Carl
A monthly live sky show run on the planetarium's original 1968 Carl Zeiss star projector. A nice pick for space-curious kids and teens.
Event
Nov 7 – Jan 3 · Museum open days
Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display
Dozens of gingerbread creations, plus wreath and tabletop-tree displays, fill the Eastman mansion for the holidays.
Event
Sun, Nov 8 · 10:30 am
Wild Walk: Rockin' Rocks
A guided hike of up to 3 miles looking at unusual rocks on the property and the ice-age story they tell. Best for kids 7 and up.
Event
Wed, Nov 11 · 11 am–3 pm
Holiday Preview at The Strong
An early taste of the season: Rochester City Ballet performs Nutcracker excerpts at 11 am and 1 pm, and Geva offers photo ops and a ticket drawing.
Event
Wed, Nov 11 · 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Zoo Day-Off Camp (Veterans Day)
A full-day animal-themed camp for ages 5–9 while school is out on Veterans Day.
Event
Nov 13 – Dec 5 · Wed–Sun (closed Nov 19 & Thanksgiving)
Granger Homestead Festival of Trees
More than a hundred decorated trees and wreaths, some made by student groups and families, fill the historic homestead.
Event
Select Tue/Fri/Sat mornings
KinderZoo
Themed toddler classes (ages 18 months–3) with crafts, games and an animal visit. November themes are frogs and water; December covers tortoises and animal homes. Registration required.
Event
Nov 14 – Jan 3
Holiday Laser Show
The planetarium's family holiday spectacular pairs seasonal music with lasers and full-dome visuals; evening shows after 6 pm are for ages 5 and up.
Event
Sat, Nov 14 · 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Native American Heritage Month Celebration
A day of activities at The Strong marking Native American Heritage Month.
Event
Sun, Nov 15 · 9:30 am–3:00 pm
Recycle Rally
A hands-on day of recycling and sustainability activities around the zoo. A separate Recycle Rally drop-off is listed for Nov 14.
Event
Third Thursdays 6:30 pm, through Dec 17
Teen Game Night: Fall Edition
Monthly hangout for ages 13–18 with party games and snacks. No registration needed; remaining dates Nov 19 and Dec 17.
Event
Nov 21 – Nov 22 · Sat–Sun
In Another Galaxy
A sci-fi weekend with costumed 501st Legion characters, drawing lessons, a scavenger hunt and a Saturday talk by the author of Mickey7.
Event
Monthly, Tuesdays 2:00 pm, through Dec 29
Stroller Walkabouts
An educator-led stroll around the zoo for little ones in strollers, stopping at animals that fit the month's theme.
Event
Nov 25 – Dec 27 · Multiple performances weekly
A Christmas Carol at Geva
Geva's annual staging of the Dickens story about Scrooge's change of heart; the theater recommends it for ages 10 and up.
Event
Nov 25 – Dec 12 · Wed–Sun performances
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
A stage version of the Jim Henson holiday tale about Emmet and his Ma, each secretly entering a talent contest to buy the other a gift.
Event
Nov 25 – Nov 29
The Nutcracker with Rochester City Ballet & RPO
Rochester City Ballet dances the classic holiday ballet with the Rochester Philharmonic playing live, a Thanksgiving-week tradition at the Eastman Theatre.
Event
Fri, Nov 27 · 7:05 pm
Amerks Wands & Wizards Night
A wizard-themed home game against Syracuse the day after Thanksgiving, paired with a food drive.
Event
Nov 27 – Jan 3
Holiday Magic Tours
A 90-minute naturalist-led cart tour of the zoo during the holidays; carts hold just 10 guests per slot, so book early and bring a blanket and warm drink.
Event
Nov 27 – Dec 20
Roc Holiday Village
Downtown's outdoor holiday village returns for its eighth year, opening on Black Friday with free ice skating, a shopping village, food, Santa's Workshop and free kids' crafts in the Gingerbread House.
Event
Nov 27 – Dec 20 · Wed–Sun during village dates
Visit Santa at Roc Holiday Village
Meet Santa in his workshop at the downtown holiday village; each visit comes with a free 4x6 print and a sugar cookie, and a text-alert system holds your place in line.
Event
Sat, Nov 28 · 7:00 pm
Rochester Knighthawks vs. Halifax Thunderbirds
Pro box lacrosse at Blue Cross Arena, a fast, loud night out for sports-loving kids and teens.
Event
Nov 29 – Dec 10
Holidays at the Market
The Public Market's special holiday shopping days with extra vendors; the Thursday evening market on Dec 10 is a festive after-dark outing. More dates may be added.
Event
Sun, Nov 29 · 11 am–6 pm
Kwanzaa Celebration at Roc Holiday Village
A free cultural celebration in the Gingerbread House presented by the Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition.
Event
Tue–Sun, 7:30 pm plus weekend matinees, through Dec 6
The Sound of Music (Broadway tour)
The classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical on tour, recommended for ages 5+ (about 2 hr 40 min). Audio-described, ASL-interpreted and open-captioned performances are offered.
Event
Dec 3 – Dec 4 · Thu–Fri Dec 3–4
Lake House Holiday Market
Local makers and seasonal treats fill the resort's Event Barn for two evenings of holiday shopping.
Event
Fri, Dec 4 · 6–9 pm
Lake House Tree Lighting
The lakeside resort lights its tree with carolers, live reindeer and visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Event
Dec 4 – Dec 6
The Nutcracker (Rochester City Ballet) in Canandaigua
Rochester City Ballet brings its Nutcracker to Canandaigua for five performances, a closer-to-home option for Ontario County families.
Event
Dec 4 – Dec 19
Yuletide in the Country
Candlelit 90-minute walking tours of the historic village with holiday scenes from the past; this year marks the museum's 50th anniversary. Tickets are not sold at the door.
Event
Sat, Dec 5 · Afternoon (1–5 pm per Visit Finger Lakes)
Victor's Jingle Mingle
Victor's village holiday party has kids' activities, an artisan market, horse-drawn wagon rides, a parade and photos with Santa.
Event
Sun, Dec 6 · 30-min seatings 10 am–2 pm
Breakfast with Santa at Hotel Canandaigua
Breakfast, a hot cocoa bar and photos with Santa at the lakefront hotel.
Event
Dec 6 – Dec 20 · Sundays Dec 6, 13, 20
Breakfast with Santa at The Lake House
Three Sunday breakfasts with Santa on Canandaigua Lake, with two seatings each day.
Event
Dec 6 – Dec 13 · Sun Dec 6, Sat Dec 12, Sun Dec 13
Holly Trolley Rides
Ride a vintage trolley at the transportation museum during its holiday weekends; reserve ahead because time slots fill.
Event
Sun, Dec 6 · 2:00–3:30 pm
orKIDStra: Winter Wonderlands
The Rochester Philharmonic's kid-focused concert series, with free hands-on activities before the music starts.
Event
Sun, Dec 6 · 11 am–6 pm
Three Kings' Day Celebration at Roc Holiday Village
A free family celebration of Three Kings' Day traditions presented by the Puerto Rican Festival.
Event
Dec 12 – Dec 20 · Sat Dec 12, Sat Dec 19, Sun Dec 20
Story Time with Santa
A ticketed morning at the Triple-O Lodge with a story read by Santa, a sing-along, photos and coloring, plus donuts, bagels and hot chocolate. Tickets go on sale Nov 2.
Event
Sat, Dec 12 · 11 am–2 pm
Winterfest at Cobblestone Arts Center
A free indoor winter festival with live music and dance, hands-on crafts, an artisan market and a visit from Santa.
Event
Sun, Dec 13 · Seatings 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 1:30 pm
Brunch with St. Nick
A holiday brunch in the museum's decorated Meeting Center with a visit from St. Nicholas.
Event
Sun, Dec 13 · 11 am–6 pm
Hanukkah Celebration at Roc Holiday Village
A free Hanukkah celebration for families hosted with the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester's PJ Library.
Event
Sun, Dec 13 · 9:30–11 am
Holiday Magic Show at Roc Holiday Village
A family magic show with breakfast refreshments, followed by holiday coloring and arcade play at the village's lodge.
Event
Wed, Dec 16 · 7:05 pm
Amerks Sensory-Friendly Night
The season's first sensory night: quieter music, no goal horn or flashing lights, dimmer bowl lighting and a calm-down area with sensory tools.
Event
Dec 18 – Dec 20
Jeff Tyzik's Gala Holiday Pops
The RPO's 33rd holiday pops show mixes Christmas and Hanukkah favorites, a high school chorale and audience sing-alongs.
Event
Sat, Dec 19 · 3:05 pm
Amerks Teddy Bear Toss
A Saturday matinee vs. Hamilton. Fans throw new stuffed animals onto the ice after the first Amerks goal, and the toys are donated.
Event
Sun, Dec 20 · 9–10:30 am
Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo
A hot breakfast in the zoo's Trailside Café followed by cookie decorating, photos with Santa and a possible penguin cameo. Zoo admission is included so families can explore afterward.
Event
Sun, Dec 20 · Seatings 9, 10, 11 am and 12 pm
Breakfast with St. Nick
A morning breakfast with St. Nicholas at Genesee Country Village; it's the same day as the Holiday Open House, so you can make a day of it.
Event
Sun, Dec 20 · 11 am–6 pm
Christmas Celebration at Roc Holiday Village
The village's closing-day Christmas celebration, presented by First Bible Baptist Church and free to attend.
Event
Sun, Dec 20 · 10 am–3 pm
Holiday Open House at Genesee Country Village
The historic homes open with crackling fires, period decorations, music and dance, so families can see how holidays were celebrated long ago.
Event
Sun, Dec 20 · 1:00 pm
Shortest Day Short Hike
An easy, slow-paced walk the day before the winter solstice, explaining why it's the shortest day and how to enjoy nature in winter.
Event
Sat, Dec 26 · 2 pm
A Christmas Story at OFC Creations
Ralphie's quest for a Red Ryder BB gun comes to the stage over school break; check the theater for the full run.
Event
Thu, Dec 31 · 11 am–12:30 pm
Noon Year's Eve at Seneca Park Zoo
Little ones ring in the new year at a kid-friendly hour with a noon countdown and ball drop at two spots around the zoo.
Event
Sun, Jan 3 · 5:00 pm
Rochester Knighthawks vs. Vancouver Warriors
A Sunday-evening NLL lacrosse game that closes out winter break.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Pittsford
Bounce Hopper
Large indoor inflatables across from Pittsford Plaza for ages 1–12, with a separate soft area for toddlers.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Rochester
Ontario Play & Cafe
Screen-free indoor play for kids 10 and under, with a water table, foam blocks and a climber, plus an on-site café.
Trampolines & active
Open regularly · Victor
Funtastic Adventure Park
Trampolines, a Gel Blaster arena and a separate KidZone for younger kids, attached to Eastview Mall.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Rochester
Rochester Heritage Trail
A self-guided downtown walking route marked with plaques at historic sites, a free way to explore the city with school-age kids.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
Great Lakes Gaming
A downtown esports and PC gaming lounge in Innovation Square that hosts tournaments and rents private rooms for parties; evening hours.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
Bad Axe Throwing Rochester
Coached axe-throwing lanes downtown, a novel outing for older teens with a parent. Check the minimum-age policy before booking.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Rochester
MLK Jr. Memorial Park Ice Rink
Downtown's outdoor rink at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park (Manhattan Square), with skate rentals and themed skate nights through the winter.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
GTFO Escape Rooms
A downtown escape room company known for puzzle-heavy rooms, including a 1990s-themed game that's fun for parents and teens together.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Rochester
Dice Versa
Rochester's board game lounge, where one cover charge buys unlimited time with a big library of games. Good for families with school-age kids and teen hangouts.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
Eastman Theatre (Kodak Hall)
The Eastman School's main concert hall and home of the Rochester Philharmonic, which runs family concerts; many student recitals are free.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
Hochstein Performance Hall
A historic downtown concert hall that hosts the RPO's kid-focused concert series with pre-show activities.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Rochester
Genesee Riverway Trail
A mostly paved bike path that follows the Genesee River through the city, linking parks, waterfalls and the lake so families can pick a short stretch to ride.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
The Strong National Museum of Play
A huge museum devoted to play, with hands-on zones for little kids plus classic and modern video game exhibits that keep tweens and teens busy. Fridays and Saturdays it stays open until 8pm.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Rochester
High Falls & Pont de Rennes Bridge
Stroll out onto a pedestrian bridge high above the Genesee for a close look at a 96-foot waterfall right downtown; it's flat and easy with a stroller.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
Geva Theatre
Rochester's professional regional theater, with some productions suitable for kids 5 and up.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
The Little Theatre
A beloved nonprofit art-house cinema that shows independent films and some special family screenings, with a cafe next door. A good first step into indie movies for teens.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Troup Street Park Spray Park
A small city park spray feature and playground aimed at kids 6 and under.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
ESL Ballpark (Rochester Red Wings)
Home of the Rochester Red Wings Triple-A baseball team, formerly Innovative Field, with family-friendly game nights.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
RBTL's Auditorium Theatre
Rochester's main stage for touring Broadway productions, which regularly hosts family-friendly shows.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
West Herr Auditorium Theatre
The large downtown hall where touring Broadway shows and concerts play; best for kids about 6 and up.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
David F. Gantt Recreation Center Spray Park
A City of Rochester rec center spray park on North Street.
Climbing
Open regularly · Rochester
Central Rock Gym Rochester
A large climbing gym with tall roped walls and a big bouldering area, plus youth climbing clubs and teams. Teens often come here with friends.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
Guided tours of the home where Susan B. Anthony lived and was arrested for voting. Best for tweens and teens studying history; the first floor is wheelchair accessible.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Memorial Art Gallery
The University of Rochester's art museum mixes famous paintings with armor, a sculpture park and family storytelling walks. Its Creative Workshop runs art classes for kids and teens.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Rochester Museum & Science Center
Three floors of interactive science and regional history, with a water-play area that toddlers love and engineering exhibits for older kids. Sensory Sundays offer fidgets and adaptive gear.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Strasenburgh Planetarium
RMSC's domed theater runs live star shows for families and music-driven laser shows that draw teens. Exhibit space is open Wednesday to Friday afternoons.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
Roc Cinema
A 1914 neighborhood movie house in the South Wedge area with dine-in seating and free Monday movies.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Roxie Ann Sinkler Recreation Center Spray Park
A City of Rochester rec center spray park in the southwest.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Campbell Street Recreation Center Spray Park
A City of Rochester rec center spray park (Tyshaun Cauldwell Recreation Center for Hope).
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Edgerton Recreation Center Spray Park
A City of Rochester rec center spray park in the Edgerton neighborhood.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
The Playhouse // Swillburger
A South Wedge arcade bar with burgers, pinball and video games. Families are welcome until 10pm, making it a fun casual dinner-and-games spot.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Edgerton Model Railroad
A big model railroad layout run by volunteers inside the Edgerton R-Center, open to visitors on set days and for holiday open houses.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Rochester
Breaking Free Skatepark
An indoor skate park in the same building as RocVentures, giving skaters and scooter riders a year-round place to ride.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
George Eastman Museum
George Eastman's mansion and gardens plus galleries on photography and film. Best for school-age kids and teens with an interest in cameras, movies or history.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
Dryden Theatre
The George Eastman Museum's historic cinema, which has run kid-friendly matinees of classic family films with free admission for children. Check the current calendar for family titles.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Fourth and Peck Street Park Spray Park
A small city spray park aimed at kids 6 and under.
Climbing
Open regularly · Rochester
RocVentures Climbing Gym
A climbing gym off University Avenue offering roped routes and bouldering for all levels, with youth programs and group events. A solid weekend option for active tweens and teens.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Lamberton Conservatory
A glass conservatory beside Highland Park filled with tropical plants plus turtles and fish, making it a warm escape on a winter day.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Thomas P. Ryan Recreation Center
A renovated city recreation center with a new playground and a summer spray park.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Highland Park
Rolling Olmsted-designed hills where kids can roll down grassy slopes in summer and sled them in winter; the lilac collection peaks in May and the reservoir loop is stroller-friendly.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Rochester
Lower Falls Park
Overlooks and a footbridge give dramatic views of the Lower Falls and the deep Genesee gorge right inside the city; a short walk with a big payoff.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Rochester
Dynamic Movement Gym (formerly Rochester Parkour)
A parkour and movement gym on University Avenue offering kids' and teen parkour/ninja sessions.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Carter Street Recreation Center Spray Park
A City of Rochester rec center spray park, generally open 9am-8pm in summer.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
The Great Escape Room Rochester
A chain escape room with several puzzle rooms that families can book privately. Works best with kids around 10 and up.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Maplewood Park & Rose Garden
A city park along the Genesee gorge known for its rose garden, which peaks in June, plus a playground.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
L&M Lanes
A classic neighborhood bowling alley on Rochester's east side, good for a low-key family game night.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Rochester
Genesee Valley Park Sports Complex
The City of Rochester's indoor rink, one of the cheapest public skates around, with weekday and weekend sessions.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
Omega Escape Room
A Rochester escape room company with themed rooms for families and groups.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
Radio Social
Boutique bowling, a small arcade and games in the restored Stromberg-Carlson radio factory, which replaced Clover Lanes. Check the age policy before visiting with kids in the evening.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Humboldt R-Center Spray Park
A City of Rochester spray park next to the Humboldt rec center, where neighborhood kids cool off in summer.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Rochester
Cobbs Hill Park
One of the city's go-to sledding hills in winter; the rest of the year families walk the loop around the hilltop reservoir for skyline views.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Genesee Waterways Center
A community paddling center by Genesee Valley Park that rents canoes and kayaks and runs youth programs.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Brighton
JCC CenterStage Theatre
A community theater at the Jewish Community Center that stages shows for young audiences.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Brighton
Color Me Mine Rochester
A paint-your-own-pottery studio that takes walk-ins, so kids can pick a piece and paint it any day. Pieces are glazed and fired for pickup a few days later.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
Kodak Center
A performance venue hosting concerts, comedy and touring kids' shows.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Genesee Valley Park
Flat, open Olmsted park where the Erie Canal crosses the Genesee River; families bike the paved trails, picnic, watch rowers and paddle the canal.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Rochester
Skate Luvers Roller Palace
An indoor roller-skating rink on Rochester's west side with public skate sessions and themed skate nights.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Rochester
Tryon Park
A mostly undeveloped wooded park with steep, rooty trails down to Irondequoit Creek marshes; a good first 'real hike' for school-age kids.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
ARTISANworks
A sprawling former factory packed with regional art, antiques, cars and oddities, best for older kids and teens.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Seneca Park Zoo
A compact zoo that stays open all winter, with heated animal buildings that make a good cold-day stop. Sensory bags and quiet areas help kids who get overwhelmed.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Irondequoit
Kids Empire Irondequoit
A large chain indoor playground that opened in the old Culver Ridge movie theater, with tall climbing structures, slides and toddler areas. Open every day, including holidays.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Seneca Park
Another Olmsted park perched above the Genesee gorge, with a pond, gorge-edge trails and big lawns right beside the zoo, so it pairs well with a zoo visit.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Irondequoit
Heyer-Bayer Park
An Irondequoit neighborhood park with a partly fenced inclusive playground; portable toilet only.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Gates
Locked: A Rochester Escape Room
An escape room venue off Buell Road with several themed puzzle rooms for groups.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Henrietta
Rochester Sports Garden
An indoor sports complex with rentable batting cages, turf fields, basketball courts and a table tennis club.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Gates
Westgate Park
A Gates park with a shaded, rubber-surfaced playground that opened in 2025.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Henrietta
OFC Creations Theatre Center
A theater company in a converted space on Winton Place staging family musicals and youth productions.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Penfield
BayCreek Paddling Center
A paddling outfitter on Irondequoit Creek renting kayaks and canoes for trips toward Irondequoit Bay.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
The Nut House Escape Rooms
Highly rated escape rooms, some of them scary. Better suited to teens than young kids, so check each room's theme before booking.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Rochester
Tim Hortons Iceplex (formerly Bill Gray's Iceplex)
A busy two-rink ice complex with public skate sessions when hockey isn't booked, plus learn-to-skate programs.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Penfield
Tree Town Cafe
A neighborhood coffee shop on Penfield Road with indoor and outdoor play corners for young kids. Closed Sundays.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Henrietta
The Warrior Factory
A ninja-warrior obstacle gym with courses for adults and a dedicated kids' area used for classes and parties.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Penfield
Ellison Park
A big county park along Irondequoit Creek with playgrounds, wide fields, wooded creek trails and a popular sledding hill once snow falls.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Brighton
Corbett's Glen Nature Park
Walk through an old stone tunnel under the railroad tracks to find a small waterfall on Allen Creek, where kids love to wade and skip stones.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Gates
ABC Gates Bowl
A family bowling center in Gates with bumpers for little bowlers and birthday packages.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Pittsford
Roc Kid City
A newer premium indoor playground with separate sections for different ages, ball pits and tunnel climbers. Designed for kids 10 and under, with bookable hourly sessions.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Henrietta
Lasertron
A long-running laser tag arena near the Marketplace Mall with an arcade on site. It's a favorite for tween and teen birthday groups.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Henrietta
Bowl-A-Roll Lanes
A long-running Henrietta bowling center on Jefferson Road with kid-friendly lanes and summer youth specials.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Irondequoit
Helmer Nature Center
A small, school-district-run nature center with woodland trails and a pond, plus seasonal family programs like maple sugaring and owl walks.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Gates
Rochester Regional Health Total Sports Experience
A big indoor sports complex in Gates with turf and courts that hosts youth leagues and sports-themed birthday parties.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Gates
Gates Town Park
The main Gates town park with a playground and picnic pavilions.
Shows & movies
Games & activities
Open regularly · Penfield
Arcade 80's (Flower City Arcade)
A retro arcade packed with 1980s cabinets and pinball, where one admission covers unlimited play. Parents can share the games they grew up with.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Gates
Cinemark Tinseltown Rochester
A multiplex for new releases that has run a discounted summer kids' movie series in past years. Check each spring for the lineup.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Henrietta
Dave & Buster's Rochester
A big arcade and restaurant at the Marketplace Mall that was remodeled with new games. Best for tweens and teens; check the chain's minor escort policy for evenings.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Greece
Domm's Bowling Center
A local bowling center in Greece with leagues and open bowling.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Greece
Goodwin Park
A small Greece park with a classic wooden playground; portable toilet only.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Henrietta
Clubhouse Fun Center (Henrietta)
A family fun center with go-karts, bumper cars, mini golf and an arcade. The arcade is open year-round and the outdoor attractions run in season.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Henrietta
iSmash Rochester
The original iSmash rage room, where groups smash dishes and electronics, splatter black-light paint or throw axes. Mostly for teens; check age rules for younger kids.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Greece
Horizon Fun F/X
The area's go-to indoor roller rink, with a light show and sound system plus laser tag. Weekend sessions draw lots of tweens and teens.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Greece
Lakeshore Hockey Arena
An indoor hockey arena in Greece that also schedules public skating. It's next to the roller rink, so you can pair the two.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Irondequoit
SeaBreeze Bowl
A bowling alley in Irondequoit near the Seabreeze area with leagues and open bowling.
Trampolines & active
Open regularly · Henrietta
Altitude Trampoline Park Rochester
A big Henrietta trampoline park with dodgeball courts, an airbag drop zone and a battle beam, popular with tweens and teens. It also runs a little-kid area and sensory-friendly jump times.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Gates
Pure Imagination Cafe
A family cafe on Buffalo Road in Gates with a dedicated children's play and reading corner alongside a casual food menu.
Shows & movies
Games & activities
Open regularly · Greece
Chuck E. Cheese (Greece)
The only full Chuck E. Cheese left in the Rochester area, with simple arcade games and pizza for younger kids.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Greece
Kid's Canyon Playground
A fenced, forest-themed playground at Greece's town campus, next to the Wild Over Water Zone spray park.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Greece
Carter Park
A Greece neighborhood park with a newer playground that suits toddlers.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Rochester
Turning Point Park
A long boardwalk floats along the Genesee River past wetlands and boats; flat and paved for bikes and strollers, with herons and turtles to spot.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Greece
Greece Spray Park (Wild Over Water Zone)
Greece's town spray park on the Town Hall campus, with fountains and sprayers that keep toddlers and young kids cool on hot days.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Irondequoit
Camp Eastman Spray Park
A county spray park at Camp Eastman in the Durand Eastman area of Irondequoit.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Greece
Clubhouse Fun Center (Greece)
The Greece location in the former Adventure Landing has an indoor ropes course and an arcade, plus batting cages and mini golf.
Parks & playgrounds
Shows & movies
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Henrietta
Gene Polisseni Center (RIT)
RIT's modern hockey arena opens for low-cost public skates when the ice is free, and teens can also catch a college hockey game here.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Durand Eastman Park & Beach
A long sandy lakefront beach backed by hilly wooded trails and small lakes; the steep slopes become sledding runs in winter.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Pittsford
Nazareth University Arts Center
A campus performing arts center with many free or low-cost performances.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Irondequoit
Lemming Beach & Bateau Park
A lesser-known lakeside spot with an inclusive playground and a grassy, sandy area; parking is limited and there are no restrooms.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Webster
Lucky Strike Rochester
A huge 64-lane bowling center (formerly Bowlero) with automatic bumpers for kids and an arcade. It runs separate kids' and teen party options.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Henrietta
Play Palace
An indoor play space in Henrietta for babies through early tweens, sold as day passes or memberships. Useful as a rainy-day burn-off for mixed-age siblings.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Pittsford
Kings Bend Park
A Pittsford town park along the canal with a fully accessible, turf-surfaced playground.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Irondequoit
Parkside Whispering Pines Miniature Golf
A historic miniature golf course beside the Parkside Diner near Seabreeze, open seasonally when weather allows.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Henrietta
IndyKart Raceway
Henrietta's indoor go-kart track, with timed races and group bookings. Older kids and teens who meet the height minimum get the most out of it.
Amusement & water parks
Open regularly · Irondequoit
Seabreeze Amusement Park
A classic lakeside amusement park on Irondequoit Bay with roller coasters, family rides and an attached water park, open late spring through summer.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Irondequoit
Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park & Outlet Beach
A bay-outlet park with a fully fenced playground and a small shallow sandy beach for wading (no swimming).
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Pittsford
Erie Canal Trail at Schoen Place
Ride bikes or push a stroller along the flat canal towpath, watch boats pass and stop for ice cream at the canal-side shops in Pittsford village.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Pittsford
Sam Patch Packet Boat
A replica canal packet boat that offers narrated Erie Canal cruises from Schoen Place, including a trip through a lock.
Indoor play
Open regularly · East Rochester
USA Ninja Challenge East Rochester
A ninja-warrior training gym with obstacle classes for kids as young as 4 and teen programs. Mainly class-based, so check for open-gym or party times.
Games & activities
Open regularly · East Rochester
Rochester Pinball Collective
One of the region's best pinball spots, with a flat fee that buys unlimited play on select days. Pinball-curious tweens and teens love it.
Indoor play
Open regularly · East Rochester
Rochester Gymnastics Academy
A gymnastics school with open gym sessions where kids can tumble, bounce and swing outside of class. Toddler classes are available for the youngest.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse
The oldest surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario, open for climbs and tours on warm-season weekends near Ontario Beach.
Trampolines & active
Open regularly · Greece
Nova Trampoline Park
A 45,000-square-foot park that goes well beyond trampolines, with a zip line, ninja course, parkour zone and arcade. Separate toddler courts keep little ones apart from older jumpers.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Webster
Sandbar Park
A small Webster lakefront park at the bay outlet with accessible paths, a playground and a pier.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Henrietta
Henrietta Splash Bash (Memorial Park)
A new Henrietta splash pad beside the Memorial Park playground and the town library.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Greece
Frisbee Hill Park
A Greece town park with a big sledding hill and a playground, with parking at the bottom.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Greece
Greece Canal Park
Home to Monroe County's newest ADA-accessible playground, fully fenced with rubber surfacing, a communication board, some of the county's biggest slides and a giant tower; canal-side trails sit right next door.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Greece
Dark Matter Escape Rooms
Escape rooms in Greece offering both traditional puzzle rooms and VR escape games.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Henrietta
Hansen Nature Center at Tinker Nature Park
A flat loop with a boardwalk through woods and wetlands, plus a small nature center with live critters and seasonal kids' programs.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Greece
Edmund Lyon Park Splash Pad
A Greece town park with a splash pad and playground.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Greece
AMF Dewey Garden Lanes
A Bowlero-run bowling center in Greece with weekend unlimited-bowling family deals and kids' party packages.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Penfield
Rothfuss Park (Jack's Place Penfield)
A Penfield park home to the original Jack's Place community-built wooden playground.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Ontario Beach Park Spray Park & Inclusive Playground
An accessible spray park and inclusive playground right by the beach and carousel, so kids can splash, dig in the sand and ride the carousel in one trip.
Parks & playgrounds
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Rochester
Ontario Beach Park
Rochester's classic beach day: swim at the lifeguarded beach in summer, ride the antique carousel and walk the long pier out toward the lighthouse.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Greece
Basil Marella Park
A large Greece park with an inclusive, partly fenced playground featuring sensory play.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Perinton
Village Sports
A Penfield/Fairport ice facility with midday public skates and extra sessions during school breaks.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Penfield
Abraham Lincoln Park
A Penfield town park with a playground, included on KOAA's area playground list.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Chili
Sunset Lanes
A local bowling alley in Chili; league play limits open bowling during the fall-spring season, so check hours.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Perinton
Bricks ROC
A LEGO-focused shop opened in 2024 with a minifigure build bar and a back room families can rent for building parties.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Perinton
AMF Fairview Lanes
A Bowlero-run bowling center on Fairport Road with weekend family unlimited-bowling deals and party packages.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Pittsford
Mythical Escapes
Fantasy-themed escape rooms on the Pittsford-Victor line. Teens and puzzle-loving tweens do well here.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Pittsford
Kreag Road Park
A Pittsford park with climbing-focused play equipment for older kids.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Henrietta
Veterans Memorial Park
A Henrietta town park with playground equipment and sports fields.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Webster
Herman's Farm Market
A Webster farm market with a big fall pumpkin and mum selection.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Penfield
Shadow Pines Playground
A fenced, toddler-friendly playground in Penfield with restrooms close by.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Pittsford
Thornell Farm Park
Pittsford's main town park, with a playground, a loop trail for scooters and bikes, sports courts, and a sledding hill that fills up after every snowfall.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · North Chili
Union Station Park
A Chili park with a playground rebuilt in 2025 right next to a splash pad, a handy summer combo.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Webster
Gosnell Big Woods Preserve
A 165-acre Webster preserve with old-growth woods, wetlands and dirt trails; no restrooms.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Pittsford
Powers Farm Market
A Pittsford farm market and bakery with animals to feed, a beehive window and seasonal attractions in fall and at the holidays.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Penfield
Raspberry Hill Farm
A Penfield farm for picking raspberries and blueberries in summer.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Henrietta
Gro-Moore Farms
A Henrietta farm with a farm market, pick-your-own produce and fall pumpkin activities.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Chili
Whittier Fruit Farm
A North Chili farm with u-pick cherries, blueberries, apples and pumpkins.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Penfield
Wickham Farms
A family farm with animals to visit, big outdoor play areas and seasonal picking, from summer sunflowers and berries to fall pumpkins and corn mazes.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Webster
Webster Ice Arena
Webster's indoor rink, which schedules public skating around its hockey programs and charges less for young kids.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Webster
Northern Hemisphere Gymnastics
A Webster gymnastics school that runs weekly drop-in open gymnastics and open ninja sessions during the school year.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · North Chili
Davis Park
A Chili town park with two playground areas, including an inclusive structure and swing set.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Perinton
Rochester Ice Center
The Fairport rink formerly known as Thomas Creek, with weekend public skates and skating lessons.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Mendon
Birdsong Trail & Wild Wings (Mendon Ponds)
Bring birdseed: chickadees will land right on kids' hands along this short trail, which also has fairy houses tucked among the trees, and the rescued raptors at Wild Wings are next to the trailhead.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Perinton
Perinton Park
A park on the Erie Canal near Fairport village with a playground and canal path access.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Webster
Color Me Mine Webster
A paint-your-own-pottery studio on Ridge Road where families pick a ceramic piece, paint it and pick it up after firing.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Perinton
Ladybugs Play
A play center aimed squarely at preschoolers, with pretend-play setups and climbing sized for small kids. A calmer pick than the big trampoline parks.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Penfield
Thousand Acre Swamp Sanctuary
A big wetland sanctuary in Penfield with boardwalks and dirt paths; muddy in spring and fall.
Farms & animals
Indoor play
Open regularly · Webster
Play-A-Latte
A play cafe in the Webster Towne Center plaza where kids up to age 7 play while parents order coffee. It opened in September 2025 and runs timed play sessions.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Perinton
Colonial Belle
A canal tour boat from Fairport offering sightseeing and themed cruises on the Erie Canal.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Mendon
Mendon Ponds Park
Monroe County's largest park, shaped by glaciers: families hike esker ridges and boardwalks past kettle ponds, fish, and come back in winter to snowshoe or ski.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Perinton
Erie Canal Trail at Fairport Lift Bridge
Kids watch Fairport's oddly angled lift bridge rise for boats, then bike the towpath in either direction from the village.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Perinton
Created by Us Pottery
A paint-your-own-pottery studio in Fairport village, open Tuesday through Sunday for walk-in painting.
Parks & playgrounds
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Webster
Schutt's Apple Mill
A Webster cider mill and market known for fall apples and donuts, with u-pick fruit in summer.
Parks & playgrounds
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Pittsford
Powder Mills Park Fish Hatchery
A small fish hatchery inside Powder Mills Park where kids can see trout from fingerlings to adults, open year-round.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Pittsford
Powder Mills Park
Kids can peer into the trout-rearing ponds at the fish hatchery, wade along Irondequoit Creek and sled the park's hill in winter.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Webster
North Ponds Park
A Webster town park with ponds, a walking loop and a playground.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Webster
Karpus Family Playground
An inclusive, partly fenced playground in Webster that works well for toddlers, with restrooms nearby.
Parks & playgrounds
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Henrietta
Lehigh Valley Trail
A flat former railroad bed through woods and farmland in southern Monroe County; good for bikes in warm months and cross-country skis or snowshoes in winter.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Spencerport
Spencerport Bowl
A small-town bowling center in Spencerport that welcomes young bowlers and hosts kids' parties.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Spencerport
ERA - Eric's Retro Arcade
A retro arcade in the village of Spencerport where a single admission gets you free play on classic video games and pinball.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Webster
Webster Spray Park (First Responders Park)
Webster's splash pad at First Responders Park, an easy summer stop for little kids to run through water jets with a playground close by.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Spencerport
Erie Canal Trail at Spencerport Depot
A quieter stretch of towpath beside Spencerport's restored trolley depot and lift bridge; good for a young rider's first longer bike ride.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Webster
Webster Park
Wooded trails lead out to Lake Ontario bluffs and a fishing pier; in winter the hills and trails are used for sledding and cross-country skiing.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Webster
Never Say Never Stables
A Webster horse stable that offers farm visits, pony rides and riding lessons.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Scottsville
Stokoe Farms
A family farm with a big fall festival, corn maze, pumpkin picking and farm play areas.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Henrietta
New York Museum of Transportation
Kids can ride a restored electric trolley, climb around vintage streetcars and watch a big model railroad. Open Sundays mid-May through October, with holiday trolley weekends in December.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Spencerport
Market 1892
A Spencerport farm market with pigs, cows, chickens and sheep plus a free playground.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Perinton
Rochester, Syracuse & Eastern Trolley Trail
A flat, roughly 8-mile path on an old trolley line in Perinton that families can walk out-and-back at any length.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Webster
Webster Arboretum (Kent Park)
Short garden paths, a pond and a whimsical fairy garden make this volunteer-run arboretum a gentle outing for preschoolers.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Spencerport
Homesteads for Hope
A nonprofit farm in Spencerport hosting Thursday evening farm nights with music, vendors and pony rides from June to October.
Parks & playgrounds
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Perinton
Lollypop Farm (Humane Society of Greater Rochester)
The local humane society's campus, where families can visit the farm animals barn and walk the grounds.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Scottsville
Scottsville Ice Arena
A smaller community rink with Saturday-evening and Sunday-afternoon public skates and a family rate.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Spencerport
Springdale Farm
A Heritage Christian Services farm in Spencerport with a petting zoo (April-October), a playground and a fairy trail.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Hilton
West Wind Fruit Farm / Blue Barn Cidery
A Hilton orchard with u-pick berries, stone fruit, apples and pumpkins, plus a kids' corn maze and a cidery.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Webster
Bauman's Farm Market
A Webster farm market with u-pick strawberries and peas in June, then raspberries, tomatoes and apples.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Hilton
Blodgett Family Farm
A small Hilton family farm with no admission fee, donkeys, a frog pond, a toddler play area and a fairy house trail.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Spencerport
Robb Farms
A Spencerport farm market with u-pick blueberries and other berries in summer and apples in fall.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Greece
Braddock Bay Park & Hawk Lookout
In spring thousands of hawks funnel along the lakeshore here; kids can watch from the hawk lookout platform and walk marsh boardwalks to look for owls and herons.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Chili
Black Creek Park
Rolling meadows, ponds and quiet woodland trails in western Monroe County, great for wildlife spotting, picnics and winter snowshoe walks.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Webster
Four Mile Creek Preserve
A hilly Webster preserve with a creek, an overlook and old abandoned cars along the trail.
Climbing
Open regularly · Victor
DICK'S House of Sport (Eastview Mall)
A large sporting-goods store at Eastview Mall with an in-store climbing wall and batting cages that families can use.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Victor
Chuck's Arcade (Eastview Mall)
Chuck E. Cheese's new arcade-only concept, which replaced Fun Spot Arcade at Eastview Mall in 2025. It mixes classic titles with new games and works well as a break during a mall trip.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Perinton
Egypt Park
A Perinton park with a farm-themed playground, wide ramps and a walking path that connects to Lollypop Farm and the trolley trail.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rush
Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum
Volunteers run diesel train rides between this restored depot and the neighboring transportation museum. Rides operate on Sundays in summer and fall, plus pumpkin and Santa train dates.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Perinton
Chase Farms
A Fairport farm market with u-pick berries, goats, a wooden ship play structure and a shortcake and sundae bar.
Shows & movies
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Hilton
Adventure Towers Playground
A big tower-style playground at the Hilton-Parma town park, geared mostly to older kids.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Hilton
Mamaste Cafe and Play
A cafe with an attached children's play space in Hilton, aimed at families with young kids.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Mendon
Mendon Acres Fruit Farm
A Mendon-area farm with u-pick berries in June and July.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Hilton
Manitou Beach Preserve
A mostly rocky Lake Ontario preserve near Braddock Bay that's good for shore walks and wildlife spotting.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Hilton
Kelly's Farm Market
A small Hilton farm market with a pumpkin patch and fresh cider in fall.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Hilton
Pleasure Lanes
A neighborhood bowling alley in Hilton with leagues and open play.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Walworth
G and S Orchards
A Walworth orchard offering pick-your-own fruit through summer and fall plus a farm market.
Parks & playgrounds
Games & activities
Open regularly · Honeoye Falls
West Main Lanes (Okay Beer Company)
A small-town bowling alley in Honeoye Falls paired with a family-run brewery.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Riga
Churchville Park
A sprawling western park with a well-used sledding hill in winter and, in summer, an accessible kayak launch onto Black Creek plus big picnic areas.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Ogden
Northampton Park
Big western-county park with ponds and trails; in winter kids sled and tube Sugar Hill, and local astronomers run public stargazing at the onsite observatory.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Victor
Dryer Road Park
Victor's rebuilt playground has a ramped structure for little ones, towers and tube slides for bigger kids, an inclusive spinner and accessible surfacing in place of wood chips.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Victor
Victor Municipal Park
A neighborhood park near the village with a playground and ball fields; an easy stop for younger kids before or after errands in Victor.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Victor
Victor Hiking Trails
A network of volunteer-maintained trails through Victor's parks and preserves with many short family-friendly loops.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Macedon
Long Acre Farms
A Macedon farm known for its corn maze and summer-fall farm fun area, plus a farm market and winery.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Macedon
Gravino Park
A Macedon village park with an inclusive, turf-surfaced and mostly fenced playground.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Macedon
The Playpen
A small indoor play center in Macedon for kids roughly 1-10, offering open play, drop-off sessions, crafts and events.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Macedon
Champions Mini Golf
An outdoor mini golf spot in Macedon with two courses and ice cream, open daily in season when weather allows.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Mumford
Genesee Country Village & Museum
A sprawling 19th-century village with working tradespeople, farm animals and a nature center. The historic village runs in the warm months, with special winter weekends and holiday events.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Victor
Ganondagan State Historic Site
Walk trails across the site of a 17th-century Seneca town and step inside a full-size replica bark longhouse, then learn more at the Seneca Art & Culture Center.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Brockport
Sweden Town Park Splash Pad
A town splash pad near Brockport next to a new playground.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Brockport
Brockport Strand Theatre
A historic village movie theater dating to 1916 with an Art Moderne facade.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Brockport
Brockport Bowl
A league-focused bowling center in Brockport that also offers open bowling.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Hamlin
Hamlin Recreation Playground
A wooden maze-style playground behind the Hamlin library; no restrooms.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Marion
Morgan's Farm Market
A Wayne County farm market listed by KOAA for pick-your-own apples in season.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Holley
Hurd Orchards
A historic family orchard on Ridge Road with seasonal pick-your-own fruit and flowers.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Holley
Holley Canal Falls
A small waterfall in a village park in Holley, about 35 minutes west of the city, popular for photos and picnics.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Hamlin
Hamlin Beach State Park
A state park with several lifeguarded Lake Ontario beaches, playgrounds and an easy nature trail; less crowded than city beaches on hot weekends.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Williamson
Lagoner Farms
A Wayne County fruit farm with pick-your-own apples and other fruit and a farm market.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Le Roy
Jell-O Gallery Museum
A small museum in Le Roy, the birthplace of Jell-O, covering the dessert's history and advertising.
Farms & animals
Games & activities
Open regularly · Lakeville
Minnehan's Fun Center
A family fun center at the north end of Conesus Lake with go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, an arcade and a restaurant, about 35 minutes south of Rochester.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Greater Canandaigua Civic Center
An ice arena in Canandaigua with public skate sessions alongside hockey and figure skating programs.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Shortsville
Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical Society Museum
A volunteer-run rail museum in Shortsville's old station with exhibits and equipment, open seasonally on weekends.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Motion Junction (Outhouse Park)
A railroad-themed playground designed so kids and grown-ups of every ability can play side by side, with soft surfacing, family restrooms, a timber-frame pavilion and a calm mindfulness path.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion
A state historic park with a Victorian mansion and themed formal gardens, open spring through fall.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Kershaw Park
A grassy lakefront park with a small swim beach on Canandaigua Lake, a waterfront path for scooters and a playground; pairs well with a Motion Junction visit.
Amusement & water parks
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Roseland Waterpark
An outdoor water park in Canandaigua with slides, a wave pool and kids' splash zones, open during the summer season.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Sodus
Brantling Ski Slopes
A small, low-key ski and tubing hill in Wayne County that's an affordable place for kids to learn without big-mountain crowds.
Amusement & water parks
Open regularly · Batavia
Palm Island Indoor Waterpark
A hotel indoor water park off the Thruway in Batavia, with slides and pools that work year-round. Call ahead about non-guest day passes.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Bristol Mountain
The region's biggest ski area, with learn-to-ski programs for kids in winter, scenic chairlift rides in fall foliage season and a treetop aerial adventure park in summer.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures
A treetop ropes-and-zipline park at Bristol Mountain with courses of varying difficulty, open warm-weather months.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Batavia
House of Bounce Batavia
An inflatable and soft-play center for kids 12 and under, with a foam pit, rock wall and a sensory bean box. Open play is booked in two-hour reserved sessions.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Geneseo
National Warplane Museum
A museum at Geneseo's airfield with restored WWII-era planes, some of which still fly.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Stanley
Pick n' Patch
A farm near Geneva with u-pick, bounce pillows, giant slides and a corn maze in the fall.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Naples
Cumming Nature Center (RMSC)
The Rochester Museum & Science Center's forest preserve, with themed trails, a beaver pond and a pioneer homestead; in winter families rent snowshoes or skis right on site.
Amusement & water parks
Open regularly · Darien Center
Six Flags Darien Lake
A large theme park about an hour west of Rochester with thrill coasters, family rides and a water park included with admission.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Dansville
Stony Brook State Park
About an hour south: a gorge trail with stone steps climbs past three waterfalls, and in summer kids swim in a dammed stream pool at the bottom.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Castile
Letchworth State Park
The 'Grand Canyon of the East' is a classic day trip: drive between overlooks to see three big waterfalls, hike gorge-rim trails, and come back in winter for snow tubing and snowshoeing.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Swain
Swain Resort
A family-scale ski area in Allegany County, about 90 minutes south, with beginner terrain and lessons that suit kids learning to ski or ride.
Guides parents actually use
HalloweenToddler trick-or-treats to teen hayrides
Holiday FunSanta visits, light shows, Nutcrackers
Free FunParks, libraries and free days
ToddlersStorytimes, soft play and short outings
Teens OutThings they’ll actually say yes to
Indoor PlayBurn energy when it’s 9 degrees out
Parks & PlaygroundsInclusive playgrounds, splash pads, beaches
Farms & AnimalsPetting farms, u-pick and farm markets
Birthday PartiesVenues by age, and what to ask
Winter FunSledding, skating and ski lessons
Rainy DayPlans for when the forecast flips
MuseumsThe Strong, RMSC, the zoo and more
Hikes & NatureWaterfalls, nature centers, easy trailsYour weekend plans, sorted.
A free email every other Thursday with the best things to do around Rochester, picked for your kids’ ages and your part of town.