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Rochester Rocks: 10 Finds for Family Fun in Rochester, NY

By Catherine Fialla, Macaroni Kid Brandon Publisher, hosted August 19, 2017

Earlier this month, I set off with 50 other MK publishers for a whirlwind of fun in Rochester, NY. Next time, I will have to bring my family to experience all of the wonderful adventures this city has to offer. My husband, and my kids would have had a blast experiencing play, leaning and fun!

1. Fairport Village Erie Canal


Sing it with me, "Low bridge, everybody down! Low bridge, for we're coming to a town..." We began our trip floating down the Erie Canal on the Colonial Belle. It was such a cool experience and felt like living in a part of history. Well, they say "low bridge " in the song for good reason; as the boat floats under bridges, the overpasses are so low that passengers on the top deck of the boat actually have to duck. What an adventure and a learning experience! "... for you'll always know your neighbor, you''ll always know your pal if you've ever navigated down the Erie Canal!" I can now say that I did!


2. Strong National Museum of Play


I'll pulling out my BA in Early Childhood Education on this one, but it doesn't take a bachelors degree to see that a museum dedicated to play is just what children really need. It's tons of fun for the adults too! This place is fantastic and a visit to The Strong Museum is enough reason to  make the trip to Rochester. The Strong has areas dedicated to all kinds of play: from a storybook corner for dramatic play to blocks & building toys. I found several of my own childhood favorites in The Strong's National Toy Hall of Fame. We were lucky enough to get a tour of the archives and it was amazing seeing all of that toy history! The Strong is also home to the World Video Game Hall of Fame and the only 4-person Pac Man game. Totally played it and totally won :)


3. Seabreeze Amusement Park


Part water park, part amusement park, Seabreeze Amusement Park  has something for everyone. From the oldest continuously operating wooden roller coaster in the United Stares to the brand new Time Machine, those who crave an adrenaline rush have plenty to do. For those,um, less daring people like myself (and the little kids) there are a ton of other options for a fabulous day. I had so much fun (maybe a little too much fun) on the bumper cars and riding on the log flume made me feel like a little kid again!  The wait times were considerably shorter than those we are used to in big Florida theme parks. The admission prices are much smaller too! Many pass options are available including Ride & Slide Pass & Under 48" Pass and children 2 years & under are free. There is even a discounted spectator pass for those that would rather walk around and enjoy the ambiance than ride rides. Right now, Seabreeze is also offering a summer discount!


4. Seneca Park Zoo



Seneca Park Zoo's mission is to "inspire the community to connect, care for and conserve wildlife and wild places." They have been breeding African penguins, an endangered species, for the past 20 years and this year the 100th African penguin chick was born. We were able to catch a trainer HAND-feeding a lion! The relationship between the two was pretty evident and you could see a definite mutual respect. The zoo is located inside inside the historic Seneca Park and there is a nice playground area for kids to get a little energy out between checking out different animals. 



5. Casa Largo Winery and Finger Lakes


The Finger Lakes Region is known for their grapes... and grapes mean wine! On our visit to Casa Larga Winery I found an amazing wine, Casa Largo's Lilac Hill, and I just had to take some home with me. Pretty funny for someone who isn't really a wine drinker. If you want to know how to safely pack three bottles of wine in your checked baggage, I'm now your girl! The vineyards are beautiful and a fantastic spot to take a group or family photo. 


6. Wegman's Pittsford


Yep, next up is a supermarket, but it isn't just your run-of-the-mill grocery store. Wegman's Pittsford is the flagship store for Wegman's where they try out all their new ideas. Wegman's offers in-store dining options for families. They make their own cheese, mix up smoothies, have a selection of sushi, and you can make your own creation at their trail mix bar. Want to grab a meal? Head to Wegman's "Burger Bar" restaurant inside the store.


7. Letchworth State Park

America's best state park in 2015, Letchworth State Park is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East.” The park's waterfalls and scenery are true natural treasures. While you are there, be sure to check out the Humphrey Nature Center. Cabins and camping sites are available or you can stay overnight or dine at the Glen Iris Inn, a country inn within the park. There's way more to do including swimming, fishing, hiking trails, whitewater rafting, canoeing and even hot air ballooning!


8. Genesee Country Village & Museum

Step back in time at the Genesee Country Village & Museum, the largest living history museum in New York State.  The 19th century environment is filled with historical buildings, artifacts and knowledgeable interpreters. We watched a potter work with clay and heard tales of the cooper, or barrel maker.  Next was a tour through an 8-sided house, which was considered to promote good health and be "lucky" back in this era. The restored buildings are carefully set up just as a real village would have been. History really does come alive at the Genesee Country Village & Museum.


9. Susan B. Anthony House


I can't think of a better place to be joined by 49 other strong women who work to influence and strengthen their communities than The Susan B.Anthony House. What a powerful experience to stand in the very room where Susan B. Anthony, the legendary American civil rights leader, was arrested for voting in 1872 just because she was a woman. 


10. Rochester Museum & Science Center

The Rochester Museum & Science Center is home to Science on a Sphere where weather patterns, planet surfaces or other scientific data are projected on a six-foot sphere! Kids can dig for fossils, enter the "space tunnel" or enjoy many other interactive learning exhibits. They have an "awesome" Tesla coil show-- you can see why it's so awesome in the video below. Along with 3 other publishers, I was crazy lucky enough to go INSIDE the Faraday cage during the show. This is something that I KNOW my kids, especially my oldest would love.! Be sure to check out the Strasenburgh Planetarium in Rochester and if you're looking for a great time to plan your trip, Rochester will be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse April 8, 2024.



Visit Rochester hosted Macaroni Kid publishers for a three-day press trip. Accommodations and most meals and activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received in consideration of this article and all opinions are that of the writer.