Rochester, New York, is a colorful city that’s thriving all-year-round. While it is a mid-sized city, the things you can do and places you can visit in the city is limitless. With dozens of family-friendly attractions, Rochester is the perfect place for people of all ages.
Things To Do In Rochester, New York
1. The Strong National Museum of Play
4.8 (6,831 reviews)
Address: 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-263-2700
Website: http://www.museumofplay.org/
The Strong National Museum of Play is one of the largest history museums in the United States. It is home to a variety of collections and exhibits which explore the history and exploration of play. The museum serves families, children, students, teachers, scholars, and others from around the globe.
Some of the highlights at The Strong include the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, which features a vast collection of video games and other electronic gaming artifacts. The National Toy Hall of Fame also celebrates toys that have impacted American culture and society. Other notable attractions include the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, and the Woodbury School.
With so much to see and do, The Strong is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about the world of play.
2. George Eastman Museum
4.7 (1,761 reviews)
Address: 900 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-327-4800
Website: http://eastman.org/
The George Eastman Museum is a photography museum in Rochester, New York. It contains the world’s largest collection of photographic and cinematographic technology, as well as thousands of photographs, films, and cameras.
The George Eastman Museum has various exhibits including the Origins of Photography, the History of Motion Pictures, and the Contemporary Collection.
The museum was founded in 1947 by George Eastman, the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company. It is housed in the former mansion of Eastman, which was designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson and completed in 1889.
3. Memorial Art Gallery
4.8 (991 reviews)
Address: 500 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-276-8900
Website: http://mag.rochester.edu/
The Memorial Art Gallery features a large and varied permanent collection, as well as ever-changing temporary exhibitions. Some of the collections on display include American art, European art, modern and contemporary art, African art, and Asian art.
The museum dates back to 1913, when Rochester residents donated funds to build an art gallery in memory of soldiers who fought in World War I. Over time, the collection has grown to include works from all periods of history, ranging from Ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary paintings.
The gallery is also home to a cafe, gift shop, and plenty of public spaces for events and receptions. With its central location and wide variety of exhibits, the Memorial Art Gallery is a great place to spend an afternoon in Rochester.
4. Seneca Park Zoo
4.5 (4,580 reviews)
Address: 2222 St Paul St, Rochester, NY 14621
Phone: 585-336-7200
Website: https://senecaparkzoo.org/
Rochester’s Seneca Park Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world. While the zoo does not have a life-size replica of Noah’s Ark, it does contain monkeys and other primates inside its beautiful rainforest exhibit. Of course, there are also other majestic animals, including elephants, tigers, lions, giraffes, and snow leopards in their own exhibits.
The zoo is open year-round, and there are a variety of events and programs for visitors to enjoy. In the spring, the zoo hosts its popular Easter Eggstravaganza, where kids can hunt for eggs hidden throughout the park. The summer months bring ZooCamp, where kids can learn about different animals through interactive games and activities. And, in the fall, the zoo hosts its Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, where thousands of hand-carved pumpkins are illuminated throughout the park.
No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something to see and do at Rochester’s Seneca Park Zoo.
5. Rochester Museum & Science Center
4.5 (423 reviews)
Address: 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-271-4320
Website: https://rmsc.org/
The Rochester Museum and Science Center is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a fun and educational experience. The museum features exhibits on various topics, including dinosaurs, nature, science, and history. Some of the exhibits at the Rochester Museum and Science Center include “Expedition: Dinosaur,” “Sound Bites,” “Science On A Sphere,” and “Flight to Freedom: Rochester’s Underground Railroad.”
There are special live shows and activities that take place throughout the year. There’s also an IMAX theater on-site, which offers documentaries and feature films.
6. Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
4.6 (323 reviews)
Address: 17 Madison St, Rochester, NY 14608
Phone: 585-235-6124
Website: http://www.susanb.org/
The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House in Rochester, NY, once served as the home of the famous Susan Brownell Anthony. The activist is revered for being one of the pioneers of the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. She also served as the president of the National Women Suffrage Association from 1892 to 1900. Susan B. Anthony’s work paved the way for the women of today to be given the right to vote.
Anthony’s home in Rochester was the site of many milestones in her life until she passed away in 1906 at the age of 86. Today, the red brick house offers guests a look into the life of the legendary women’s rights activist.
7. Highland Park
4.8 (3,276 reviews)
Address: 180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
Website: https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-highland
Phone: 585-753-7270
Highland Park is a sprawling 150-acre park that rests nearby hills and valleys. While the park is known for its over 500 varieties of flowering shrubs, it sees the most crowds during May when the Lilac Festival is being held. During the festival, thousands of visitors all over the world gather to see the lilacs in full bloom. Additionally, guests also partake in the crafts and games during the festival.
Apart from beautiful flowering shrubs, Highland Park is also home to several memorials, including The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Workers’ Memorial, Victims’ Rights Memorial, and the AIDS Remembrance Garden. The Lily Pond on-site also transforms into a natural skating rink during the winter season.
8. Ontario Beach Park
4.4(4,889 reviews)
Address: 50 Beach Ave, Rochester, NY 14612
Website: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/ontariobeachpark/
Phone: 585-753-7275
Are you longing to feel the heat of the sun on your skin? The Ontario Beach Park is the perfect place to go. The 39-acre park is home to one of the best natural sand beaches of the Great Lakes.
Ontario Beach Park is open all-year-round. Guests who visit the park can enjoy various of activities throughout the day, including boating and swimming. Guests can also fish in the park’s waters, granted that they are over the age of 16 and have a valid fishing license.
Other facilities at the park include six beach volleyball courts, rentable pinic shelters, a children’s playground, basketball courts, a bathhouse, a performance pavilion, and an antique carousel.
9. Genesee Valley Park
4.5 (2,203 reviews)
Address: 1000 E River Rd, Rochester, NY 14623
Website: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/geneseevalleypark/
Phone: 585-753-7275
Genesee Valley Park is an 800-acre park designed by the famous landscape architect Frederic Law Olmsted. The park sits along the eastern bank of the Genesee River and serves as an ideal accesspoint to the Route 390 bike trail and the Genesee Valley Greenway.
There are plenty of things to do in the park. Guests can make use of the on-site softball diamonds, soccer fields, a cricket pitch and two 18-hole golf courses. In addition, park visitors can also take the many hiking traisl and biking paths within the vicinity.
10. Cobb’s Hill Park
4.7 (2,117 reviews)
Address: 80 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14610
Website: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/cobbshill/
Phone: 585-428-6755
Cobb’s Hill Park is a beautiful park located in the south east area of the city of Rochester. The park covers 109-acres of land and offers a walking trail where guests can get the best views of the city. Apart from the scenic trails, Cobb’s Hill Park is also a horticultural gem, with a collection of lilacs and original tree plantings.
If you’re thinking about visiting Cobb’s Hill Park, be sure to head to the on-site reservoir. This spot is a known favorite among runners who do laps around the sparkling water-filled basin. The park is also home to various playing courts and fields, cross-country skiing, playground and the Washington Grove.
11. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square
4.6 (1,402 reviews)
Address: 353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-428-6755
Website: http://cityofrochester.gov/mlkparkicerink/
Located in the East End District of the city, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park serves as a popular gathering place for a range of visitors, including families, locals, and tourists. The park features an ince rink that doubles as a reflecting pool in the summer months. The park also has a colorful playground and a water spray park to help children cool off under the heat.
The park was named after the legendary Martin Luther King Jr. a social activist and Baptist minister who played an important role in seeking for the equality and human rights for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged, and the people who became victims of injustice. His work was the driving force behind landmark legislation, including Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act.
12. Ellison Park
4.6 (1,191 reviews)
Address: 395 Rich’s Dugway Rd, Rochester, NY 14625
Phone: 585-753-7275
Website: https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-ellison
Ellison Park is a beautiful park spanning 447 acres. The park is known for the stunning beauty of natural woodlands set alongside rolling slopes and the level flood plain of the Irondequoit Creek.
Apart from its natural beauty, the park also offers guests five softball diamons, one multi-use field, tennis courts, a playground, and an off-leash Dog Park. There is also a non-motorized boat located near the Circle Shelter that allows tourists to go around the Irondequoit Creek.
13. Turning Point Park
4.7 (1,077 reviews)
Address: 260 Boxart St, Rochester, NY 14612
Website: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/turningpoint/
Phone: 585-428-6770
Turning Point park is a 275-acre park located along the banks of the Genesee River. The park is known for its many biking and hiking trails that take tourists through the wooded oak forests lining the property and to the cattail-lined shores of the Genessee River.
While the park is known for its natural beauty, what sets it apart from other parks is its gorgeous Rain Garden. When it rains or snows, the Rain Garden’s natural vegetation filters sediments from the nearby parking lot. This ensures that the runoff is clean before it reaches the Genesee River.
14. Clubhouse Fun Center (Henrietta)
4.4(958 reviews)
Address: 70 Jay Scutti Blvd, Rochester, NY 14623
Website: https://www.clubhousefuncenter.com/henrietta
Phone: 585-272-7888
The Clubhouse Fun Center offers families tons of fun at a price that won’t break the bank. The center features multiple indoor and outdoor activities, including two 18-hole mini golf courses, outdoor go kart tracks, big-wheel bumper cars, gemstone panning, and an indoor arcade.
With all that fun and playing, guests are sure to be hungry. The Clubhouse Fun Center also established an on-site restaurant serving a wide range of dishes, including pizza, wings, burgers, popcorn, pretzel, and funnel cake.
15. Lamberton Conservatory
4.8 (950 reviews)
Address: 180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
Website: https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-conservatory
Phone: 585-753-7270
The Lamberton Conservatory was originally constructed in 1911 to commemorate the life of Alexander B. Lamberton, who served as the President of the Parks Board between 1902 to 1915. The conservatory, designed by the famous Frederick Law Olmsted, had deteriorted by 2006, but was restored by the Monroe County Parks Department in 2007.
Today, a newly restored section of the Lamberton Conservatory features 1,800 square feet of floor area dotted with 1,000 brand new panes of glass, which helps in maintaining the conservatory’s displays of exotic flowers and foliage plants from around the world.
16. North Ponds Park
4.5 (948 reviews)
Address: 750 Holt Rd, Webster, NY 14580
Phone: 585-872-4150
The North Ponds Park is a quaint parkland located just off Route 104. The park is encircled by a one-mile paved hiking path, which is dotted with various fitness stations. Guests who come to the park can partake in various activities, including disc golfing, fishing, and snow shoeing.
In addition to the multitude of outdoor activities you can do at the North Ponds Park, there is also a lodge on site that can easily accommodate 35 people. The lodge is fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable celebration, including a stove, oven, refrigerator, microwave and bathroom.
17. High Falls
4.5 (923 reviews)
Address: 4 Commercial St, Rochester, NY 14614
High Falls is a 96-foot waterfall in downtown Rochester and is known to be the tallest of the three waterfalls connected to the Genesee River. Guests can see striking views of the falls from two locations: the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge and the rooftop of nearby Genesee Brew House.
18. Corbett’s Glen Nature Park
4.7 (917 reviews)
Address: 415 Penfield Rd, Rochester, NY 14625
Phone: 585-784-5260
Once a privately-owned park, Corbett’s Glen Nature Park serves as a premier attraction in the Rochester area, offering locals and tourists a variety of scenery that’s been immortalized in postcards. The park also features a two-mile trail that takes visitors to a cascading stretch of Allens Creek and into a meadow and cattail marsh.
Keep in mind that the park was designed for short visits lasting an hour or two. Additionally, the park does not have any restrooms available on site.
19. Powers Farm Market
4.7 (826 reviews)
Address: 161 Marsh Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534
Phone: 585-586-4631
Website: http://powersfarmmarket.com/
Powers Farm Market is a property dotted with thousands of pumpkins. However, there is more to the farm than that. Located within a thriving community, Powers Farm Market is a popular destination where guests can stroll through the farmland, take a tractor ride and pet animals in the on-site petting zoo.
In addition to farm activities, Powers Farm Market is also known for its delicious baked goods and one-of-a-kind gifts sold on-site. It is also famous for its seasonal events, including the Halloween Hayride where guests can board a tractor through Halloween-themed woods, a skeleton rock band and a 75-foot tunnel.
20. Tinker Nature Park/Hansen Nature Center
4.7 (726 reviews)
Address: 1525 Calkins Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534
Phone: 585-359-7044
Website: https://www.henrietta.org/community/page/tinker-nature-park
Encompassing a sprawling 68-acre space, Tinker Nature Park is a handicap accessible park featuring a mile-long walking trail and a half-mile-long nature trail. Additionally, the park is also home to multiple museums and facilities, including the Hansen Nature Centerm Wildlife Observation Blind, Snake Hibernaculum, and the Meditation Labyrinth.
In the winter months, Tinker Nature Park transforms into a beautiful snowy landscape where guests can go skiing. The park also offers snowshoes and ski rentals for tourists.
21. Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park
4.5 (640 reviews)
Address: Culver Rd, Irondequoit, NY 14622
Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/irondequoitbay/details.aspx
Phone: 585-336-6070
Irondequoit Bay Marine Park offers guests a launch site for small and power boats. The park also provides guests access to Lake Ontario where they can partake in fishing. The park has been historically underutilized, which means there is not much to do at the park as of writing. However, local officials are working to construct more facilities on site, including a pavilion and an improved truck and trailer parking area.
22. Channing H. Philbrick Park
4.7 (580 reviews)
Address: 1 Linear Park Dr, Penfield, NY 14526
Phone: 585-340-8655
The Channing H. Philbrick Park may be smaller than other parks. However, it offers guests a nice trail along the Irondequoit Creek with numerous cascading waterfalls and rapids. Guests who come to the park are invited to partake in outdoor activities, including fishing, picnicking, walking along the trail and playing at the playground.
The Irondequiot Creek Trail runs through the length of the Channing H. Philbrick Park. On the east side of the park, guests can take the Honey Creek Trail and Mills Trail. There is also the Fishing Trail on the west side of the park.
23. Maplewood Park
4.5 (564 reviews)
Address: 89 Maplewood Dr, Rochester, NY 14615
Phone: 585-428-5990
Maplewood Park, also known as Seneca Park West, is a landscaped public park known for its nationally-accredited Rose Garden where wedding ceremonies and photographs are often held. Maplewood Park is one of the two parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted to highlight the beauty of the Genesee River.
Guests who visit Seneca Park West should expect to see scenic views of two waterfalls in the Genesee River Gorge and experience the wonders of nature along the Genesee Riverway Trail.
The park hosts two annual events, including the Maplewood Rose Celebration in June and the ROC the Riverway Weekend in October.
24. Greece Canal Park
4.6 (526 reviews)
Address: 241 Elmgrove Rd, Rochester, NY 14626
Website: https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-greececanal
Phone: 585-753-7275
The 577-acre Greece Canal Park is the perfect place to go if you want to partake in hiking, bird watching and cross-coutnry skiing activities. The park also features a softball field and a soccer field, which are available for rent.
Greece Canal Park puts a priority on its cleanliness, which is why it adopted a carry in-carry out rule. Under that rule, guests must take all their garbage with them for disposal after leaving the park. In addition, all pets must be leashed and pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
25. Horizon Fun FX
4.2(526 reviews)
Address: 675 Ling Rd, Rochester, NY 14612
Phone: 585-865-0493
Website: http://www.horizonfunfx.com/
Unlike other arcades, Horizon Fun FX is anything but ordinary. While the site features activities such as Laser Tag and Skating, each activity has been leveled up, giving guests the feeling of experiencing the games for the first time.
The site’s X-treme Laser Tag features a multi-level area following the theme of Gotham City. In addition, the arena also has a sound system and a light show, making it more difficult to see your opponents as they move through the room.
Horizon Fun FX also features the King of the Hill bounce house. The objective of the game is to remain the last one standing on the top of the bouncy “hill.”
The park also features other fun activities, including Skating, Blading, Jungle Jim’s three-story playland and the Game Zone arcade.
26. Durand Eastman Beach
4.4(446 reviews)
Address: 1342 Lakeshore Blvd, Rochester, NY 14617
Website: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/durandbeach/
Phone: 585-428-7888
Set near Lake Ontario, the Durand Eastman Beach is one of Rochester’s four-season natural gems. The beach boasts steep wooded slopes, valleys, spring-flowering trees and a range of wildlife along Lake Ontario’s 5,000 feet waterfront.
While the beach is certainly a sight to behold, guests can only do so between June 19 to September 4. High water levels in recent years have kept Durand officials from opening the beach to swimmers due to safety concerns.
27. Buckland Park
4.6 (441 reviews)
Address: 1341 Westfall Rd, Rochester, NY 14618
Website: https://www.townofbrighton.org/261/Buckland-Park
Phone: 585-784-5250
Buckland Park is a great park offering guests a variety of facilities for a wide range of activities. The park features one Major League Baseball field, two junior baseball fields, five multi-use fields, three playgrounds, two basketball courts and a perimeter park trail. THe park also offers a rentable lodge facility that can accommodate up to 90 people while the on-site pavilion can fit up to 40 people.
28. Abraham Lincoln Park
4.6 (414 reviews)
Address: Empire Blvd, Webster, NY 14580
Website: https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-bayeast
Phone: 585-753-7275
Formerly known as the Irondequoit Bay Park East, this beautiful 182-acre country park was renamed to Abraham Lincoln Park to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the late former president’s birth.
The park has many activities for guests, including geo-caching, hiking, running, picnicking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, fishing (as long as you are licensed).
29. Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area
4.5 (381 reviews)
Address: Rochester, NY 14612
Website: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24428.html
Phone: 585-226-2466
Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA) was built to promote wildlife management, wildlife habitat management and wildlife-dependent recreation. The area is home to a number of animals including birds, fishes, reptiles and insects that migrate through the state. Some watchable wildlife in the area inclue the Northern Harrier, Bobolink, Meadowlark, American bitterns, White-tailed deer, Waterfowl and snapping turtles.
30. Lucien Morin Park
4.6 (310 reviews)
Address: 1135 Empire Blvd, Rochester, NY 14609
Website: https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-wetlands
Phone: 585-753-7275
Located on the north side of Ellison Park, Lucien Morin Park is a marsh area perfect for people who want to canoe or kayak to Irondequiot Bay. The wetlands park is also perfect for birdwatching and cross country skiing. Fishing is also allowed as long as those who wish to partake in the activity should follow the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation guidelines and rules as well as have the required licenses for fishing.
