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Out and About
A family outing is often a wonderful time to gather the kids and enjoy a day out together. Whether you visit a museum or get a little wild at the zoo, family time together is what makes Rochester families special. Check out these Family Favorites the next time you plan an outing.
Local Area Museum
Top Three
- Rochester Museum & Science Center
- Memorial Art Gallery
- The Strong Museum National Museum of Play
Winner: The Strong National Museum of Play www.museumofplay.org
From inter-active and hands-on exhibits to educational programs The Strong has been a Rochester Family Favorite for decades. Here you will find opportunities to play, and learn why play is so important. There’s plenty to get you and your kids busy all day long.
Place to learn about History
Top Three
- Genesee Country Museum & Village
- George Eastman House
- Rochester Museum & Science Center
Winner: Genesee Country Museum & Village www.gcv.org
This unique museum features costumed interpreters in restored historic buildings and enjoy browsing through the shops. Here you and your kids will get to see how families lived in an authentic 19th-Century Country Village.
Place to see Animals
Top Three
- Lollypop Farm
- Seneca Park Zoo
- Springdale Farm
Winner: Seneca Park Zoo www.senecaparkzoo.org
It’s easy to see why the Seneca Park Zoo has been voted a Rochester Family Favorite. Children of all ages love to see the animals and learn about their habitats. There are many inside exhibits and viewing areas as well as the walk through pathways. The Zoo also offers fun programs just for moms and dads.
Children’s Theatre/ Performances for Children
Top Three
- Geva Theatre Center
- Nazareth College Arts Center
- TYKES
Winner: TYKES www.jccrochester.org/events/special-events/tykes
TYKEs – Theatre Young Kids Enjoy, has been entertaining Rochester Families since 2008. Now part of the JCC Arts and Family Programs, TYKEs continues to entertain families with delightful fairy tales, bedtime stories and children’s books brought to life on stage.
In-State Family Vacation Destination
Top Three
- Adirondacks
- New York City
- Niagara Falls
Winner: New York City www.nycgo.com
So much to do and so little time! Don’t let this happen to you when traveling to the Big Apple! Check out the New York City Official Guide to find out where to stay, what to see, where to eat and so much more.
Area spot for Free Entertainment
Top Three
- Charlotte Beach
- Highland Park
- The Public Library
Winner: The Public Library www3.libraryweb.org/home2.aspx
Rochester parents know where to have have the best FREE educational and fun activities. From summer reading programs to crafts, your local public library is the place to go. Check out a book today and visit your library’s website to find out what’s happening.
Local Sports Team
Top Three
- Amerks – The Rochester Americans
- The Red Wings –
- Rochester Rhinos
Winner: The Red Wings www.rochesterredwings.com
Take me out to the ballgame! The Rochester Red Wings have been the Community Baseball team for over 100 seasons! And have been known by a variety of names until 1929 when they officially became The Rochester Red Wings. Each game offers promotions and fun for the entire family…family fun at its finest!
Indoor Playspace
Top Three
- Altitude Trampoline Park
- Bounce-It-Out
- The Strong Museum National Museum of Play
Winner: Altitude Trampoline Park www.altituderochester.com
It’s easy to see why Altitude Trampoline Park is a Rochester Family Favorite, offering hours of fun for the entire family. Here your kids will enjoy indoor trampolines, foam pits and other activities. Let’s get the fun started!
Local area Picnic Spot
Top Three
- Highland Park
- Mendon Ponds Park
- Webster Park
Winner: Highland Park www2.monroecounty.gov/parks-highland.php
It’s easy to see why Highland Park is a Rochester Family Favorite. Here you and your family can enjoy the picnic season in an environment that is picture perfect. Visit the gardens, take family photos and fill-up on yummy picnic foods!
Family Hiking Spot
Top Four
- Corbett’s Glen & Ellison Park are tied
- Letchworth State Park
- Mendon Ponds Park
Winner: Letchworth State Park www.nysparks.com/parks/79/details.aspx
Fantastic views, wonderful hiking paths and breath taking waterfalls are all here for you and your children to enjoy all year long. Whether you hike the trails in the springtime and watch the first wildflower buds appear or later in the fall when the countryside is ablaze of fall colors you will have an adventure to remember. Don’t forget to wear sturdy comfortable hiking shoes and bring your camera.
Favorite Area Storytimes
Top Three
- Your Local Barnes and Noble
- Chili Public Library
- Webster Public Library
Winner: Webster Public Library www.websterlibrary.org
The Webster Public Library has been chosen a Rochester Family Favorite for Storytimes. Here you and your children can enjoy a story together in the comfort of the Storytime Room. The best part is being able to check out the book or any book after the fun. Visit the Webster Library website to view all the storytimes offered.
Place to go on a Playdate
Top Three
- Altitude Trampoline Park
- Chuck E Cheese
- The Strong National Museum of Play
Winner: The Strong National Museum of Play www.museumofplay.org
From inter-active and hands-on exhibits to educational programs The Strong has been a Rochester Family Favorite for decades. Here you will find opportunities to play, and learn why play is so important. Such a perfect place for a playdate!
Place to go with your Toddler/preschooler
Top Three
- Lollypop Farm
- The Public Library
- The Strong National Museum of Play
Winner: The Strong National Museum of Play www.museumofplay.org
From inter-active and hands-on exhibits to educational programs The Strong has been a Rochester Family Favorite for decades. Here you will find opportunities to play, and learn why play is so important. There’s plenty to get you and your little ones busy all day long.
Place to go with your school-aged kid
Top Three
- Altitude Trampoline Park
- The Strong National Museum of Play
- Rochester Museum & Science Center
Winner : Rochester Museum & Science Center www.rmsc.org
RMSC offers your school-aged child a chance to explore on their own in a safe environment. Moms and dads can join in the fun or stand back and let their child’s imagination soar. Visit the website to plan your day and find out what special programs are available.
Place to go with your Tween/Teen
Top Three
- Altitude Trampoline Park
- Eastview Mall
- LASERTRON
Winner: Eastview Mall www.eastviewmall.com
Teens and Tweens love the mall. Here they can meet up with friends, share an ice cream and do a little window shopping. Check out the Eastview Mall website to view upcoming events such as Super Saturdays that offer fun activities for the entire family as well as seasonal events.
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