Welcome to our annual directory and almanac. This year we decided to highlight birds of the month. I didn’t even realize that, just like gems and flowers, there are birds that represent each month. Who knew? The almanac also (just as in past issues) gives you an idea of what garden tasks to deal with over the course of the year. One of the big ones is tool maintenance. We’ve all pulled out last year's trowel or trimmers only to realize they are kind of rusty, dirty, and dull. I used to be very diligent when it came to tool care, but life really got in the way of garden chores last fall.

Yesterday I looked at my sad tools, and realized I should get back to practicing what I preach. What I’d actually love to do is start fresh by handing off all my tools to an expert for a tune up. But who is that expert? Gardeners, help a gal out and tell me if you know of a business or individual in the area that can take on this task. Email me at [email protected].

This article originally appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of Upstate Gardeners’ Journal.

- This directory is not an exhaustive list of local services or camps.

- * Denotes businesses with camps available.

- If you would like to see your organization, business, or camp listed in our next directory, please email [email protected].

ART

*ADIRONDACK WOODCRAFT CAMPS

285 Woodcraft Rd., Old Forge

315-369-6031

woodcraftcamps.com

*THE ART STOP

1822 Penfi eld Rd., Penfi eld

585-872-5710

artstopllc.com

*CREATED BY US POTTERY

3 Railroad St., Fairport

585-223-8210

createdbyuspottery.com

*MS. MASON’S ART CLUB

100 Passing Creek Drive., Webster

585-872-4779

[email protected]

mmartclub.com

*THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER’S MEMORIAL ART GALLERY

500 University Ave., Rochester

585-276-8900

mag.rochester.edu

BANKING/FINANCE

ADVANTAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

advantagefcu.org

SUMMIT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

summitfcu.org

BOOKS

BOOK CULTURE PITTSFORD

28 South Main St., Pittsford

585-203-1501

[email protected]

bookculture.com

Book Culture is an independent bookstore with books and educational toys in all subjects for all ages—there's a large children's department and great gifts for adults, too.

HIPOCAMPO CHILDREN’S BOOKS

638 South Ave., Rochester

585-461-0161

hipocampochildrensbooks.com

LIFT BRIDGE BOOK SHOP

45 Main St., Brockport

585-637-2260

liftbridgebooks.com

TOUCH OF GRAYCE

65 Main St., Geneseo

585-243-4980

[email protected]

touchofgrayce.com

Touch of Grayce is an independent specialty, book, toy, and gift shop in downtown Geneseo.

THE UNRELIABLE NARRATOR

302 N. Goodman St. E101, Rochester

unreliablebooks.com

CHILDCARE/PRESCHOOL

(Also see listings for the YMCA further down)

BANNERS CHILDCARE

3510 Winton Place, Rochester

585-427-0700

bannerschildcare.com

Banners Childcare offers quality, affordable child care in a safe, clean, and loving environment. Flexible care for children ages six weeks to 12 years old.

CARE-A-LOT

395 John St., Rochester

585-883-2500

[email protected]

carealotchildcare.com

*GENERATIONS CHILDCARE

2815 Baird Road, Fairport

2400 Chili Ave, Gates

250 Empire Blvd, Irondequoit

75 Clinton Square, Rochester

generations-care.com

585-883-2500

WINTON ROAD NURSERY SCHOOL

220 S. Winton Rd., Rochester

585-442-8340

[email protected]

wintonroad.org

Winton Road Nursery School is a semi-cooperative, play-based preschool with mixed age class offerings for children aged two to five. Registration for 2024 and 2025 begins in February.

DANCE

ARTICUL8 DANCE

349 W. Commercial St., Suite 2278, East Rochester

585-267-7010

[email protected]

articul8dance.com

*DRAPER CENTER FOR DANCE EDUCATION

1200 Edgewood Ave., Rochester

585-461-2000

drapercenter.com

*ELITE STUDIO OF DANCE

1387 Fairport Rd. Suite 900i, Fairport

585-425-7975

elitestudioofdance.com

*FITZSIMMONS DANCE FACTORY

7374 Pittsford Palmyra Rd., Fairport

585-425-7164

fdancef.com

*GARTH FAGAN DANCE

50 Chestnut St., Fl. 3, Rochester

585-454-3260

garthfagan-dance.org

INNA BALLET

3800 Monroe Ave., Suite 16, Pittsford

585-466-4701

[email protected]

innaballet.com

Inna Ballet offers professional instruction in classical ballet (following the Russian Vaganova method) and related dance forms.

*NEW YORK STATE BALLET TRAINING

821 Fairport Rd., East Rochester

585-704-1903

[email protected]

newyorkstateballet.org

The New York State Ballet aims to preserve the classical art form of ballet by creating and performing exceptional productions that bring a refreshed appreciation and awareness of classical ballet to the New York state community and beyond.

ROC DANCE

30 E. Main St., Lower Level, Webster

585-667-0957

[email protected]

rocdance.net

Roc Dance is dedicated to dance for students of all ages and levels.

ROCHESTER CITY BALLET

1326 University Ave., Rochester

585-461-5850

[email protected]

rochestercityballet.org

RCB is an eclectic and versatile company that offers something for everyone.

SPINS DANCE STUDIO

2505 Browncroft Blvd., Rochester

585-248-9330

spinsdancestudio.com

VISIONS DANCE STUDIO

1225 Jefferson Rd. a22, Rochester

In Frontier Commons

585-732-2367

visionsdancestudio.com

DENTAL/ORTHODONTICS

EASTMAN INSTITUTE FOR ORAL HEALTH

625 Elmwood Ave., Rochester

585-275-1147

urmc.rochester.edu/dentistry

GET IT STRAIGHT ORTHODONTICS

750 Pittsford-Victor Rd., Pittsford

1213 Mayberry Place, Macedon

3208 Latta Rd., Rochester

585-207-4084

[email protected]

get-it-straight.com

Get It Straight offers full spectrum of the highest quality orthodontic services for adults, teens, and children.

GREECE FAMILY DENTISTRY AND IMPLANTOLOGY

3101 W. Ridge Rd. Bldg C, Greece

585-621-6460

gfdimplantology.com

TWELVE CORNERS ORTHODONTICS & PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

4 Chelmsford Rd., Rochester

585-244-1177

twelvecornersdentistry.com

WESTSIDE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

523 Beahan Rd., Rochester

585-426-2550

westsidepediatricdentist.com

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT/ACTIVITIES

ARCADE & ATTICA RAILROAD

278 W. Main St., Arcade

585-492-3100

[email protected]

aarailroad.com

Step back in time aboard our vintage World War ll-era diesel train excursion in New York State. We’re an authentic short line railroad with the distinction of being one of the last “common carriers”—running freight and passenger trains weekly.

GEVA THEATRE ROCHESTER

75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester

585-232-4382

gevatheatre.org

CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

Monroe Community College

R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center

1000 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester

rcbfest.com

The Rochester Children’s Book Festival is presented by RACWI (Rochester Area Children’s Writers and Illustrators) and the Lift Bridge Book Shop, in affi liation with The Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library. Our hosting sponsor is Monroe Community College.

ROCHESTER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

255 East Ave. Ste. LL02, Rochester

585-454-2100

[email protected]

rpo.org

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its origins in 1922. The RPO reaches more than 15,000 youth through its specific education programs.

ROC HOLIDAY VILLAGE

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park

353 Court St., Rochester

585-340-7170

[email protected]

rocholidayvillage.com

Roc Holiday Village is Rochester NY’s Favorite Winter Festival!

FAMILY RESOURCES

PARENTING VILLAGE

255 East Ave Ste 201, Rochester

[email protected]

parentingvillage.org

MODELING

*ETIQUETTE CHICS

Rochester

585-413-7206

theetiquettechics.com

*THE MARY THERESE FRIEL MODELING AGENCY

20-102 Assembly Dr., Mendon

585-624-5510

[email protected]
mtfmodels.com

Full Service Modeling Agency with a Complete Training Program, established in 1987 by Mary Therese Friel, former Miss USA, Ford model, national spokesperson, goodwill ambassador, and author.

MULTIPLE OFFERINGS

(sports, childcare, camps, and more.)

*4H CAMP BRISTOL HILLS

480 N. Main St., Canandaigua

585-394-3977 x 407

[email protected]

cceontario.org/4-hcampbristollhills.org

*BEAM CAMP

55 Boy Scout Rd., Strafford, NH

718-855-7600 ext. 823

beamcamp.org

*BROOKLYN ROBOT FOUNDRY ROCHESTER

81-83 Plymouth Ave., Rochester

585-201-8636

[email protected]

Brooklynrobotfoundry.com

Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers STEAM classes for children, and sometimes adults, all over the country from its base in Brooklyn, NY. The goal of the Robot Foundry is to share the fun of STEAM learning with children everywhere and inspire them to continue a life full of exploration, problem-solving, and imagination.

*CAMP CHERITH OF WESTERN NY

9534 Short Tract Rd., Hunt

585-468-3850

[email protected]

campcherithwny.org

Camp Cherith is a traditional s’mores and outdoors summer camp. Camper activity choices include swimming, hiking, horseback riding, target sports, fishing, nature, and much more. One week of day camp, then four weeks of residential camp for ages 7 to 17.

*CAMP HICKORY HILL

2970 Kohler Rd., Varysburg

585-535-7832

camphickoryhill.org

*CENTRAL ROCK GYM

725 Averill Ave., Rochester

[email protected]

centralrockgym.com/rochester

*CAMP STELLA MARIS

4395 E. Lake Rd., Livonia

585-346-2243

[email protected]

campstellamaris.org

For almost 100 years Camp Stella Maris has been a home away from home for campers to try new and exciting things, meet new friends, and challenge themselves. Located just thirty minutes south of Rochester on the shores of Conesus Lake, CSM has programs for campers of all ages.

*CAMP WHITMAN

150 Whitman Rd., Penn Yan

315-220-0084

[email protected]

Campwhitman.org

*CASOWASCO

158 Casowasco Dr., Moravia

315-364-8756

[email protected]

Casowasco.org

*CHALLENGE ATHLETICS

At The Cannery

25 Parce Ave. Ste 175, Fairport

585-678-9434

challengerochester.com

*CODE NINJAS

3040 Monroe Ave., Rochester

585-900-2633

codeninjas.com/ny-pittsford

*CITY OF ROCHESTER

585-428-5990

585-428-9777 (camps)

CityofRochester.gov

*CREATIVE THEMES

325 Eaglehead Rd., East Rochester

585-385-6830

cthemes.net

*DICK’S HOUSE OF SPORT

200 Eastview Mall, Victor

585-282-0000

stores.dickssportinggoods.com/ny/victor/1500/

*EMPIRE TENNIS ACADEMY

1981 Clover St., Rochester

585-697-7766

empiretennisacademy.com

*HISTORIC PURSUITS

4017 Miner Rd. Palmyra

315-576-3202

Historicpursuits.org

*JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF GREATER ROCHESTER

1200 Edgewood Ave., Rochester

585-461-2000

[email protected]

jccrochester.org

*LAKESHORE HOCKEY ARENA

123 Ling Rd., Rochester

585-865-2800

lshaice.com

*MARVELOUS MIND ACADEMY

274 N. Goodman St. Ste. D110, Rochester

585-210-8554

marvelousminds.com

*MASTER KIM’S TAEKWANDO INSTITUTE ROCHESTER PARKOUR

1601 Penfield Rd., Rochester

585-377-2000

2255 East Ridge Rd., Rochester

585-342-5010

3042 W Ridge Rd., Rochester

585-227-8000

[email protected]

masterkims.com

*MIDTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB

200 E Highland Dr., Rochester

585-461-2300

[email protected]

midtown.com

*PINNACLE ATHLETIC CAMPUS AND EVENTS CENTER

7600 Pinnacle Rd., Victor

585-433-2930

pinnacleathleticvictor.com

*ROCHESTER FENCING CLUB

3335 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Rd., Rochester

585-654-6047

[email protected]

rocfencing.com

*ROCHESTER PARKOUR

1344 University Ave., Rochester

585-204-7537

rochesterparkour.com

*ROCHESTER YACHT CLUB

5555 St. Paul Blvd., Rochester

585-342-5511

rochesteryc.com

*ROC KID CITY

3300 Monroe Ave., Suite 122, Rochester

585-354-6177

rockidcity.com

*ROCVENTURES

1044 University Ave., Rochester

585-442-5462

rocventuresclimbing.com

*SODUS BAY JUNIOR SAILING ASSOCIATION

7433 Clover St., Sodus Point

315-483-8883

[email protected]

sbjsa.org

*ROCHESTER ICE CENTER

80 Lyndon Rd., Fairport

585-223-2160

rochestericecenter.com

*TENNIS CLUB OF ROCHESTER

570 Kreag Rd., Pittsford

585-381-2529

tcr1886.com

*TOTAL SPORTS EXPERIENCE

880 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester

585-458-4263

435 W. Commercial St., East Rochester

585-203-0367

totalsports-experience.com

*WARRIOR FACTORY/SUMMER NINJA CAMP

3150 W. Henrietta Rd., Rochester

585-427-9289

thewarriorfactory.com

*WRITERS & BOOKS

740 University Ave., Rochester

585-473-2590

wab.org

*YMCA (ROCHESTER AREA)

rochesterymca.org

The YMCA of Greater Rochester is a charitable, cause-driven organization that strengthens community and improves lives through Christian principles, impactful programs, and purposeful partnerships that serve and connect all.

Bay View Family YMCA

1209 Bay Rd., Webster

585-671-8414

Corning Family YMCA

127 Center Way, Corning

607-936-4638

Eastside Family YMCA

1835 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd., Penfield

585-341-4000

The Lewis St. YMCA Neighborhood Center

53 Lewis St., Rochester

585-325-2572

Maplewood Family YMCA

25 Driving Park Ave., Rochester

585-647-3600

Northwest Family YMCA

730 Long Pond Rd., Rochester

585-227-3900

Sands Family YMCA

351 North St., Canandaigua

585-396-8700

Schottland Family YMCA

2300 West Jefferson Rd. Ste. 400, Pittsford

585-446-2000

The Thurston Rd. YMCA Neighborhood Center

597 Thurston Rd., Rochester

585-328-9330

Westside Family YMCA

920 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester

585-247-3501

The YMCA at Innovation Square

100 S. Clinton Ave. C250, Rochester

585-723-3020

The Y at Watson Woods

9620 Dry Run Rd., Painted Post

607-962-0541

Camp Arrowhead

730 Long Pond Rd., Rochester

20 Arrowhead Rd., Pittsford

Camp Bay View (Bay View Family YMCA)

1209 Bay Rd., Webster

585-671-8414

Camp Cory

140 East Lake Rd. #54, Penn Yan

585-325-2889

Campcory.org

Camp Eastside

1835 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd., Penfield

585-341-4030

Camp Glacier Lake

4965 County Rd. 16, Canandaigua

585-396-8770

Camp Gorham

265 Darts Lake Rd., Eagle Bay

315-357-6401

Campgorham.org

Camp Northpoint

249 North Greece Rd., Hilton

585-784-3800

Camp Thunderbird

The Rochester Location is TBD for 2026, call for updates

585-877-0509

Camp Watson Woods

9620 Dry Run Rd., Painted Post

607-962-0541

Before and After School Program Offices

1851 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd., Penfield

585-341-4010

Irene Skalny Child Care Center

1835 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd., Penfield

Skalny Childcare Center at Schottland Family YMCA

2300 West Jefferson Rd., Pittsford

585-446-2080

Westside Child Care Center

920 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester

585-341-3278

Mickey Sands Child Care Center

351 North St., Canandaigua

585-396-8700

YMCA of Greater Rochester - Association Office

100 Chestnut St. Ste. 901, Rochester

585-546-5500

MUSEUMS & DESTINATIONS

*CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS

1 Museum Way, Corning

607-937-5371

cmog.org

Corning Museum of Glass is known as the world’s best glass museum.

*GENESEE COUNTRY VILLAGE AND MUSEUM

1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford

585-538-6822

gcv.org

GEORGE EASTMAN MUSEUM

900 East Ave., Rochester

585-327-4800

eastman.org

Founded in 1947 as an independent nonprofit institution, GEM is the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives.

HERSCHELL CARROUSEL FACTORY MUSEUM

180 Thompson St., North Tonawanda

716-693-1885

[email protected]

carrouselmuseum.org

The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, operated by the Carousel Society of the Niagara Frontier, is a premier national historic site and community resource for family recreation and learning that fosters an appreciation for the unique heritage of the carousel and related industries in the Niagara Region.

*ROCHESTER MUSEUM & SCIENCE CENTER

657 East Ave., Rochester

585-271-4320

rmsc.org

The Rochester Museum & Science Center in Rochester is dedicated to community education in science, technology, and local history. The museum also operates the Strasenburgh Planetarium, located next to the museum, and the Cumming Nature Center, a 900-acre nature preserve near Naples, NY.

*STRONG NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PLAY

1 Manhattan Square Dr., Rochester

585-263-2700

museumofplay.org

The Strong National Museum of Play offers a variety of camp experiences designed to engage curious minds and active bodies. Whether it’s the excitement of summer or the much-needed break during the school year, the Strong’s museum-based camps provide children to discover, create, and explore through the power of play.

MUSIC LESSONS

*BACH TO ROCK PENFIELD MUSIC SCHOOL

2160 Penfi eld Rd. Penfi eld

Parkside Commons

585-364-3766

[email protected]

bachtorock.com

Our music school is the destination for aspiring musicians, vocalists, songwriters, and DJs. We help students of all ages and all skill levels tap into their creativity and passion for music. From all-star performers to budding musicians, we have programs for all.

*EASTMAN COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL

10 Gibbs St., Ste. 321, Rochester

585-274-1400

[email protected]

esm.rochester.edu

The Eastman Community Music School offers music lessons, ensembles, classes, and workshops to community members of all ages and backgrounds.

*THE HOCHSTEIN SCHOOL

50 N. Plymouth Ave., Rochester

585-454-4596

hochstein.org
The mission of The Hochstein School is to provide people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities with access to excellent music and dance education in a community that nurtures and encourages personal achievement.

*KANACK SCHOOL OF MUSICAL ARTISTRY

2077 S Clinton Ave., Rochester

585-244-6910

[email protected]

kanack.org

Creative educational systems in a warm, disciplined, and non-competitive environment.

*SCHOOL OF ROCK

235 High St. Extension Ste. 4, Victor

585-400-7625

schoolofrock.com/locations/rochesterny

PEDIATRIC MEDICINE

ELMWOOD PEDIATRICS

919 Westfall Rd. Bldg A, Ste. 105, Rochester

585-244-9720

elmwoodpediatrics.com

GENESIS PEDIATRICS

900 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester

585-426-4100

genesispediatrics.com

OAK ORCHARD HEALTH

300 West Ave., Brockport

585-637-3905

oakorchardhealth.org

PANORAMA PEDIATRIC GROUP

961 Panorama Trl S., Rochester

585-381-4848

panoramapeds.com

SCHOOLS/EDUCATION

*ALLENDALE-COLUMBIA SCHOOL

519 Allens Creek Rd., Rochester

585-381-4560

allendalecolumbia.org

*FRANK DIMINO CASA ITALIANA

4245 East Ave., Rochester

585-389-2468

naz.edu/casa-italiana/childrens-programs

*THE CHARLES FINNEY SCHOOL

2070 Five Mile Line Rd., Penfield

585-387-3770

[email protected]

finneyschool.org

The Charles Finney School is a private Christian school in Rochester that is accredited by the

Association of Christian Schools International and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

EDUCATION SUCCESS FOUNDATION

4 Lake View Park, Rochester

585-484-1105

[email protected]

educationsuccessfoundation.org

Education Success Foundation equips our community’s children to succeed in school and in life. Through our EnCompass and Norman Howard School programs we reach over 2,400 Rochester-area students.

ENCOMPASS RESOURCES FOR LEARNING INC.

16 Lake View Park, Rochester

585-266-7277

[email protected]

educationsuccessfoundation.org/encompass/familynavigation

Family Navigation is a free and voluntary program designed to help families to support their children’s success at home, in the community, and at school.

ENCOMPASS FUTURE READY

16 Lake View Park, Rochester

585-261-3166

[email protected]

educationsuccessfoundation.org/encompass/future-ready

EnCompass Future Ready is enrolling Rochester students grades six to 12. This FREE, safe, and enriching afterschool college and career-readiness program takes place four days per week on EnCompass’s Lake Ave. campus.

GAMETIME TUTORING

Amy Mealey

[email protected]

THE GOW SCHOOL

2491 Emery Rd, South Wales, NY

716-652-3450

gow.org

*THE HARLEY SCHOOL

1981 Clover St., Rochester

585-442-1770

hareleyschool.org

HILLEL COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL

191 Fairfield Dr., Rochester

585-271-6877

hillelschool.org

HOPE HALL SCHOOL

1612 Buffalo Rd., Rochester

585-426-0210

hopehall.org

*MCQUAID JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL

1800 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester

585-473-1130

mcquaid.org

THE NORMAN HOWARD SCHOOL

275 Pinnacle Rd. Rochester

585-210-4721

585-334-8010

[email protected]

normanhoward.org

Students at The Norman Howard School are offered a truly unique academic experience, enriched by hands-on learning, activities, friendships, community events, supports, and an atmosphere of acceptance.

*OUR LADY OF MERCY

1437 Blossom Rd., Rochester

585-288-7120

mercyhs.com

*ROCHESTER CHILDFIRST NETWORK

941 South Ave., Rochester

585-473-2858

[email protected]

rcn4kids.org

Rochester Childfirst Network is a not-for-profit agency dedicated to advancing the quality of early education and care.

ROBERTS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

2301 Westside Dr., Rochester

800-777-4792

[email protected]

roberts.edu

*SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL

165 Rhinecliff Dr., Rochester

585-473-6604

setoncs.org

SCOUTING

*BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA SENECA WATERWAYS COUNCIL

2320 Brighton-Henrietta Townline Rd., Rochester

585-244-4210

senecawaterways.org=

Seneca Waterways Council, BSA, serves more than 6,000 youth in Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, Yates, and Monroe Counties.

*GIRL SCOUTS OF WESTERN NY

Multiple locations

1-888-837-6410

[email protected]

gswny.org

Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place

*GIRL SCOUTS OF NYPENN PATHWAYS

960 James St. Second Floor, Syracuse

315-698-9400

[email protected]

gsnypenn.org

SHOPPING

CRICKET ON THE HEARTH

900 Panorama Trail S., Rochester

585-385-2420

cricketonthehearth.com

Cricket on the Hearth sells swing sets and play equipment for children of all ages.

EASTVIEW MALL

7979 Pittsford Victor Rd., Victor

585-223-4420

eastviewmall.com

Eastview is a super-regional shopping center located less than a mile off NY State Thruway Exit 45 and Route 490. The mall is located near the Finger Lakes wine region, the second largest wine producing region in the US.

FISHER PRICE

636 Girard Ave., East Aurora

716-687-3300

fisherpricetoystore.com

Catch a glimpse of the historic headquarters when you visit the Toy Store to shop for Fisher-Price baby gear and toys.

HOBBY HOUSE TOYS

3349 Monroe. Ave. #38, Rochester

7979 Pittsford Victor Rd., Victor

7 Jordan St., Skaneateles

hobbyhousetoys.com

THE MALL AT GREECE RIDGE

271 Greece Ridge Center Dr., Rochester

585-225-1140

themallatgreeceridge.com

PANACHE CONSIGNMENT BY NATALIE RAE

1855 Monroe Ave., Rochester

Brighton Commons

585-473-5343

[email protected]

panacheconsignboutique.com

Shop two stores—Panache Clothing is the perfect place for moms to catch up on shopping. Panache Home is the place to shop when decorating any style home (kids too!). Looking for a

change? Consign women’s luxury fashions and furniture/dècor with Panache too!

PITTSFORD PLAZA

3349 Monroe Ave., Rochester

585-225-1140

pittsfordplaza.com

Pittsford Plaza is a regional upscale shopping destination that

provides a unique selection of merchandise for all.

STEVER’S CANDY

623 Park Ave., Rochester

585-473-2098

steverscandy.com

SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES

*AUTISMUP

50 Science Pkwy, Rochester

585-248-9011

[email protected]

autismup.org

AutismUp offers year-round innovative social clubs, sensory exploration classes, personal fitness, and recreation programs for individuals ages three-plus of all abilities. There is the Center for Community Transition for ages 18+. Winter programming runs  January 14 to March 30.

COBBLESTONE ARTS CENTER

1622 Route 332, Farmington

585-398-0220

cobblestoneartscenter.com

*CAMP EAGR

Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp

809 Five Points Road, Rush

585-442-4430

epiny.org/epilepsy/camp-eagr

*CAMP GOOD DAYS CNY REGION

356 N. Midler Ave., Syracuse

315-434-9477

campgooddays.org/regions-central-ny

*CAMP GOOD DAYS ROCHESTER

1332 Pittsford-Mendon Rd., Mendon

585-624-5555

*FAMILY AUTISM CENTER/CAMP PUZZLE PEACE

1100 Goodman St., Suite #103, Rochester

585-371-5018

[email protected]

groweverytree.org

GIGI’S PLAY HOUSE

372 N. Goodman St., Rochester

Village Gate Square

585-563-7487

[email protected]

gigisplayhouse.org

Gigi’s offers direct educational, therapeutic and career building programs to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community.

ROCHESTER ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURES

1650 South Ave, Ste. 200, Rochester

585-491-6011

[email protected]

RochesterAccessibleAdventures.org

RAA’s DirectConnect is perfect for families looking for opportunities that are disability inclusive. RAA works with rec centers, camps, libraries, and more to help them be accessible, welcoming programs. Parents love finding something we can all do together!

THEATER

*A MAGICAL JOURNEY THRU STAGES, INC.

West Herr Performing Arts Center

875 East Main St., Suite 380, Rochester

585-935-7173

[email protected]

mjtstages.org

Stages provides high-quality theater training and premiere performance opportunities for youth ages six to eighteen, in a supportive team environment. There are season shows, summer/ school break camps, improv troupes, open mic nights, and tech/theater workshops.

*BEST FOOT FORWARD

100 Cobblestone Ct. Dr., Victor

585-727-2438

bestfootforwardkids.com

*GEVA THEATRE CENTER SUMMER ACADEMY

75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester

585-232-4382

gevatheatre.org

*MT ED (MUSICAL THEATRE EDUCATION)

4785 Lake Ave., Rochester

585-802-1902

musicaltheatreeducation.com

*OFC CREATIONS THEATRE CENTER

3450 Winton Place, Rochester

585-667-0954

[email protected]

ofccreations.com

OFC Creations LLC’s (Opportunities For Creativity) mission is to give artists of all ages an opportunity to explore and push their creative limits.

*TERRY FYKES MAIN STREET PLAYERS

585-455-5050

[email protected]

terryfykemsp.com

The Main Street Players are about creating connections and collaborating through the art of storytelling. Our inclusive experience offers performers of all ages an opportunity discovering their theatrical skills.

WELLNESS/METAL HEALTH

THE COUNSELING CENTER AT JFS ROCHESTER

441 East Ave., Rochester

585-506-3060

[email protected]

jfsrochester.org/the-counseling-center-at-jfs

The Counseling Center at JFS Rochester provides a range of evidence-based models to support the mental health and well- being of individuals, children, and families in our community, across the lifespan regardless of age, race, faith or circumstance.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES

255 East Avenue Suite 201, Rochester

585-461-0110

Jfsrochester.org

JFS Rochester provides comprehensive support for individuals and families across the lifespan throughout the greater Rochester community.

SOULSHINE HEALING AND WELLNESS CENTER

40 Clinton St. Brockport

585-797-9417

Soulshine, the manifestation of local nurse practitioner Shari Hogan, is a wellness studio located on the Erie Canal in the village of Brockport.

ZOOS/ANIMALS

BACKYARD BARNYARD

6765 Mount Morris Nunda Rd., Mount Morris

585-689-1420

[email protected]

backyardbarnyard.fun/

BUFFALO ZOO

300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo

716-837-3900

buffalozoo.org

HIDDEN VALLEY ANIMAL ADVENTURES

2887 Royce Rd., Varysburg

585-535-4100

hiddenvalleyadventure.com

Visitors will be treated to breathtaking views, unique dining, and guided bus tours—or you can choose a drive-through experience in the sixty-plus-acre animal park to see animals such as camels, zebra, llama, emu, bison, and much more.

*FOXHALL FARM TRAINING & SALES

585-259-9516

foxhallfarm.wordpress.com

LAZY ACRE ALPACAS

8830 Baker Rd., Bloomfield

585-455-1203

[email protected]

Lazyacrealpacas.com

*LOLLYPOP FARM

99 Victor Rd., Fairport

585-223-1330

lollypop.org

*SENECA PARK ZOO

2222 St. Paul St., Rochester

585-336-7200

[email protected]

senecaparkzoo.org

Seneca Park Zoo inspires our community to connect with, care for, and conserve wildlife and wild places.

*SUNSET VIEW CREAMERY

4970 Co Rte. 14, Odessa

607-594-2095

sunsetviewcreamery.com

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

Winter is here and it’s “snow much fun!” What is your favorite cold weather activity? Building a snowman? How about a good old-fashioned snowball fight?

Let’s bring the outdoor fun inside and learn how to launch “snowballs” with some supplies you already have around your home.

As always, please remember to ask an adult for permission before starting any craft or art project.

GATHER THESE ITEMS FOR EACH CATAPULT:

-Five small craft sticks 

-Seven rubber bands

-Two large craft sticks 

-One plastic spoon

-Cotton balls or pom poms

STEP 1: Stack five small craft sticks together and secure each end with a rubber band (A).

STEP 2: Stack the large craft sticks together and secure one end with a rubber band (B).

STEP 3: Slide the small craft stick stack between the two large craft sticks about an inch from the rubber band at the end of the two large craft sticks (C). Secure with two rubber bands, crisscrossed diagonally (D).

STEP 4: Add two rubber bands to top craft stick (E). Slide spoon handle under each rubber band.

STEP 5: Place a cotton ball or pompom on spoon (F). Hold catapult in place with one hand on the small craft sticks. Push down on spoon (G) with a finger on your other hand and remove quickly to launch your “snowball.”

GAME IDEAS:

- Who can catapult their pom pom farthest? Each person could use a different color pom pom to keep track of whose pom pom is the winner.

- Who can catapult their pom pom accurately? Draw a tic-tac-toe board on a piece of paper. Place paper on a flat surface, then take turns launching pom poms to see who can get three in a row first.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

Regular visitors to the Rochester Museum and Science Center’s (RMSC) Strasenburgh Planetarium are familiar with the dome-shaped building, darkened corridors, and reclinable seating. You might have seen “The Sky Tonight,” about the current positions of the constellations or learned about planets and black holes in other star shows. Maybe you’ve even attended a laser light show set to holiday or pop music. 

Now you can see a full documentary projected over your head: Space: The New Frontier!

Released in 2024, Space was specifically made for giant screen theaters like the planetarium’s and opened at RMSC in October 2025. The museum’s staff are excited to bring films back to their dome, something they haven’t done in several years. 

Space “ventures behind the scenes of some of the most promising space technologies and missions of our time,” says the RMSC website. It also gives viewers a sneak peek into the near future—like non-astronauts being able to take a leisure spaceflight!

“Space is a wonderful tie-in to the museum’s new traveling exhibit: Astronaut,” says Jim Bader, director of the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium. Featured in the (585) Kids fall issue, this exhibit runs through May 3, 2026 and “investigates the realities of what it takes to be a space explorer through hands-on, immersive, and full-body displays,” says RMSC. Visitors will be able to watch the documentary at the planetarium, then walk next door to the museum proper to see if they have what it takes for a career in space.

“This new show also coincides nicely with the expected launch of Artemis II, which will be the first crewed launch to the Moon since the ’70s,” says Bader. “The launch windows open in February of 2026 and are promised before the end of April 2026.” Artemis II will be led by Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen and NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Victor Glover.

Glover, a navy man turned astronaut in 2013, is one of the stars of the film. In November 2020, he piloted the Resilience to the International Space Station, where he spent 168 days in space. He will be the pilot once again for Artemis II. At the helm of the Orion spacecraft, he will also be the first person of color to orbit the Moon, and viewers can see him prepare for his historic role.

Dr. Ariel Ekblaw also stars in the film. She is the founder and CEO of Aurelia Institute, which creates and tests technology to be used in space. As part of MIT’s Space Exploration Initiative, Ekblaw and her team run parabolic flights (space travel simulations involving weightlessness and only partial gravity), suborbital launches (flights that go to the edge of space and back to Earth, not into orbit), and missions to the International Space Station. Some of her tools have made it to Mars, and viewers can see how Ekblaw is working to get humans there, too.

Some viewers may recognize the voice of the narrator, who is none other than Chris Pine, Star Trek’s Captain Kirk in the movie reboots (2009, 2013, & 2016). Don’t let his sci-fi stardom fool you—while some of the interstellar dreams in the film feel like fiction, the work being done to achieve them is real.

If you are less of a visual person and more of a musical one, you’re still in luck. Space has won numerous awards for best original score. And while moviegoers often take the auditory part of the experience for granted, composer Alan Williams makes sure his majestic orchestral arrangements enhance the emotion of the film.

Space is forty-two minutes long and recommended for ages five and up. “The film was intended to connect kids to the fact that it will be them who are going to be the Mars explorers,” says Bader. “The opening and closing scenes are ten to twelve-year-old kids launching model rockets.” Viewers will also get to experience rocket launches, an underwater neutral buoyancy lab (an indoor pool used to train astronauts and test their equipment), and a “spin-launch” (spinning a satellite up to 5,000 mph before catapulting it into orbit) on the big screen.

Ticket prices run from $11 to $13 dollars each, but RMSC members can purchase them for $4 less. (Members can also see the star shows—and get into the museum—for free!) Make sure to put this experience on your calendar before July 2026 when the film's year-long planetarium run will end. “Guests who have seen the film have given very positive feedback,” says Bader, so don’t miss it. The new space age is now!

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

They run, chase, swing, and climb. Who is it getting into all this monkey business? Why the olive baboons, of course!

Originally from equatorial Africa, these animals form groups of fifteen to 150 baboons (called troops) in nature. Seneca Park Zoo’s (SPZ) alpha, or dominant, baboons are Olive Oil, an eighteen-year-old female, and Mansino, a twenty-two-year-old male, who keep the rest of the troop in line.

The other eight baboons living at SPZ include two fourteen-year-olds who were born at the zoo: female Olivella (Olive Oil is her mother) and male Pico-de-Limon. The rest of the troop are Kalamata, Jefferson Jr., Peperella, and Sabina, all age eighteen. There is also Pearl (age twenty-five), and Pimento (age thirty-two), who is the oldest olive baboon living in an Association of Zoos & Aquariams–accredited zoo!

All baboons organize their troops into hierarchies (think of a pyramid with the alpha/dominant baboon at the top), led by a dominant male and female, like Mansino and Olive Oil. The others fall into place based on their mother’s status (for females) or by winning a fi ght (for males). They can also rise up the ranks by performing positive tasks for the higher-ranking baboons, like grooming.

Grooming is a behavior that visitors to the zoo can witness for themselves. One baboon will look through the fur of another and remove ticks and their eggs. Not only does it keep the baboons healthy but also shows their care for each other.

Speaking of fur, these curious primates get their name from their grey-green olive color. Visitors may also notice the baboons’ hairless rumps, which are made up of thick layers of skin. Their padded bottoms help make the monkeys comfortable while they are sitting in trees.

Olive baboons belong to the category of animals called Old World Monkeys, which are from Africa and Asia. New World Monkeys are from Central and South America. Characteristics of Old World Monkeys include medium-sized bodies (olive baboons are about thirty-three to fifty-three pounds), long, down-turned noses, and tails that cannot grasp.

Still, these acrobats get up, down, and all around. In their natural range, they spend days on the ground foraging for food but spend nights in the safety of the trees. That’s why SPZ has installed high perches for them to climb and rest on. 

Olive baboons are omnivores, which means they eat plants, nuts, seeds, and meat. Despite their pointy canine teeth, they aren’t big hunters and usually only go after easy-to-catch small mammals and birds. The baboons at SPZ are fed fruits, vegetables, and a special food called “primate chow.” These “biscuits” are packed with vitamins and nutrients that keep the baboons healthy and strong. 

Another important part of the baboons’ health is enrichment. 

“Enrichment is anything that is given to the baboons that engages their mind, bodies, and social bonds. Primates have large brains that require lots of stimulation!” says zookeeper Clare Belden. “By giving them enrichment that engages their brains, we are not only providing opportunities for stimulation but also mimicking the problem-solving skills that olive baboons would be using in nature for survival.”

An example is foraging for food, an important activity that takes up much of a baboon’s life in their natural range. At the zoo, they don’t need to engage in this behavior. However, since it is part of their natural instincts, the zookeepers make sure the baboons have an opportunity to do a similar activity. One way is by giving the baboons toys with food hidden inside that they must figure out how to open to reach the treats.

“We call this cognitive enrichment because it engages their minds,” says Belden. 

Other ways the zookeepers keep the olive baboons engaged are by giving them blankets or cardboard boxes to tear apart or play with; stuffi ng food inside tubes that they try to get out; and offering them foods they don’t usually receive like lentils, oats, rice, pasta, and seeds. 

While olive baboons are thriving in the African savanna, SPZ is always focused on animal conservation. Your visits to the zoo help SPZ support that mission. Check out their online calendar for events for special times to go. KinderZoo runs for ages eighteen months- to five years, where kids will learn about a certain type of animal and see one close-up, and Book & Beast is a story time for all ages that ends with a visit from a small Ambassador Animal.

As a bonus, February is “Free Youth February” at SPZ. That means for each adult ticket you buy, you can bring up to five kids for free. Swing on over to the baboon habitat with your own troop and meet the ten boisterous baboons!

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

>>>DOWNLOAD BELOW

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

>>>DOWNLOAD BELOW

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

I write quite a few of these editor’s letters every year. In 2025 I wrote sixteen different letters for our three different publications (Upstate Gardeners’ Journal, (585) Kids, and (585) magazine). I wonder sometimes what to say and how to connect with our readers. But at the end of the day, I think short, sweet, and simple is usually the way to go. 

This philosophy also translates to family life. Sometimes we can, as parents, dive deep into rabbit holes trying to find advice about child rearing or searching for the perfect club or class. I’ve known people who have spent months calling and emailing and Googling summer camps only to find out they are full or that there is a waiting list. Our directory can save you time, I promise! Not only will you find local camps and organizations to help you figure out how the little ones will spend the summer, but it is also a nice list of area businesses that are family friendly. Happy new year and thanks for supporting local media like (585) Kids.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of (585) Kids.