Looking for family things to do in Rochester NY that everyone will enjoy? These activities will please every family member from your youngest to your oldest so you can avoid the meltdowns and make lasting memories instead!
It can be so frustrating to try and find things that everyone in your family can do and enjoy while traveling. Especially when you have little travelers who don’t meet age or size restrictions and have a short attention span. We’ve been there and can say the struggle is real!
We’ve rounded up the list of the best family things to do in Rochester NY that are sure to be crowd-pleasers and make your trip unforgettable. This way you don’t need to spend hours researching places to visit or trying to guess what attractions will work for your family.
This list will help you plan your trip itinerary without worry! Let’s jump into the top family things to do in Rochester NY!
What Are The Best Game-Changing Family Things To Do In Rochester NY?
1. Explore The Strong National Museum Of Play
The Strong National Museum Of Play Sneak Peek
- Parking at the museum is $5
- Dining is available on-site
- Prepare to spend a lot of time – at least a couple of hours
- Combination of interactive exhibits and historical displays
The whole reason we planned a trip to Rochester was so we could visit The Strong National Museum of Play. We knew it would be awesome, but the museum completely exceeded our expectations.
We’ve been to a lot of children’s museums. The Strong Museum is on a whole other level. It has tons of interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. But it is also a museum devoted to the history of play with displays of toys going back generations.
On top of all that, there is a butterfly garden and climbing course. There really is something for everyone encompassing all ages and interests.
We spent two hours at the museum and only explored the exhibits that interested our toddler. And we still didn’t get to see everything in those exhibits! Needless to say, you can spend a lot of time here!
There is a parking garage at the museum and you do have to pay to park. However, as long as you visit the museum, parking is only $5.
The museum has dining on-site so you can spend the day and not have to leave to get something to eat. You can also bring your stroller, but we would not recommend a stroller unless you have a baby. Your little ones will be running all over playing so a stroller will just be a nuisance.
2. Visit A Waterfall Or Two
Rochester Area Waterfalls Sneak Peek
- High Falls is a must-see waterfall in Rochester
- Letchworth State Park is close to Rochester and has waterfalls your whole family will love
- Spend some time in the Ithaca area to check out all of the waterfalls it has to offer
There are a ton of waterfalls in the Rochester area! Not only are the waterfalls gorgeous, but many of them are located in state parks, which are beautiful in their own right.
If you want all the details on the best waterfalls to visit, then check out the 9 Must-See Waterfalls In Rochester NY.
There are many waterfalls that are easy to access so your whole family can enjoy them. High Falls in downtown Rochester should be at the top of the list. If you are visiting the city, then this needs to be a stop on your itinerary.
Letchworth State Park, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East, is only an hour from Rochester and has some beautiful and easily accessible waterfalls.
If you venture down towards Ithaca NY, then Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls are must-see waterfalls for your whole family.
No matter which waterfalls you visit, you can’t go wrong with getting outdoors on a family trip.
3. Get Wild At Seneca Park Zoo
Seneca Park Zoo Sneak Peek
- A variety of animals, including a lot of “big” animals
- Plan to spend at least 90 minutes
- Free parking at the zoo
- Other fun things to do nearby such as Seneca Park Playground and Genesee Riverway Trail
You can’t not have a good time at the zoo! The Seneca Park Zoo has a variety of animals so everyone in your family can find an animal they love!
A great feature of the zoo is that they have a lot of big animals – like elephants, giraffes, lions, baboons, and sea lions. These bigger animals are easier for little ones to see instead of the smaller animals that you think you see in the back corner of the exhibit but aren’t sure because it might just be a shadow.
The zoo is a great size – not too big and not too small. We spent 90 minutes at the zoo, which was perfect. But you could definitely spend a little more time, especially if you grab a bite to eat or add on an animal tour or feeding.
As an added bonus, Seneca Park Playground and the Genesee Riverway Trail are close to the zoo if you are looking for things to do in the area.
4. Sink Your Toes In The Sand At Ontario Beach Park
Ontario Beach Park Sneek Peak
- The park is on the sandy shores of Lake Ontario
- Variety of activities including playground, carousel, fishing, and ice skating
- Free parking close by
- Restrooms and picnic tables are available
Rochester sits on Lake Ontario, which is one of the Great Lakes. This was another reason we were eager to visit Rochester – we had never been to a Great Lake!
The best place to check out Lake Ontario is at Ontario Beach Park. You can spend time on the sand beach, take a walk along the boardwalk, and watch the boats on the water from the pier.
Your little ones will enjoy the playground and carousel, which offers rides seasonally. You will also find beach volleyball, pickleball, fishing, and ice skating at the park so there truly is something for everyone. Some activities are seasonal or require a reservation or license so check before you visit.
There is free parking within steps of the park. The park also has restrooms and picnic tables if you want to make a day of it!
5. Take A Day Trip
Rochester Day Trips Sneek Peak
- Check out Niagara Falls for a bucket list adventure
- Play and learn at family-friendly attractions in Buffalo and Ithaca
- Enjoy New York’s natural beauty in Watkins Glen
Rochester is close to so many other fantastic New York attractions. There are plenty of things to do only a short day trip away.
Niagara Falls is about 90 minutes from Rochester so it’s an excellent family-friendly choice for a day trip. Check out these 7 Bucket List Things You Need To Do On A Niagara Falls Day Trip to make the most of your visit.
Buffalo is only a little over an hour from Rochester. You can enjoy the family activities at Canalside, play at Explore & More Children’s Museum, and visit the animals at the Buffalo Zoo.
Located about 90 minutes from Rochester in the Finger Lakes is Watkins Glen. You can visit Watkins Glen State Park and explore some stunning waterfalls. You can also take a tour of a Farm Sanctuary or a boat cruise on Seneca Lake.
Ithaca is another great day trip from Rochester since it is only a little over 90 minutes away. There are several great waterfalls and state parks near Ithaca. You can check out these 9 Must-See Waterfalls for some of our favorites. The Sciencenter and Ithaca Children’s Garden are other great family-friendly places to visit.
This post was all about the game-changing family things to do in Rochester NY to take your trip from great to unforgettable for your whole family!
Other Posts You May Like
- If you are looking for other things to do in New York, you may like 9 Must-See Waterfalls In Rochester NY And Tips For Visiting With Toddlers and 7 Bucket List Things You Need To Do On A Niagara Falls Day Trip.
- If you are interested in other East Coast places to visit, then check out 7 Epic Things To Do In New Hope PA With Toddlers, 5 Insanely Fun Things To Do With Toddlers In Wilmington DE, and the Ultimate Day Trip to Providence RI with Toddlers.
- Before taking any toddler trip, you will want to read How to Travel with a Toddler | 9 Essential Tips so you have the best trip ever!
