Looking for Great Things to do with the Kids?

There's Plenty to do! Each month Genesee Valley Parent takes a mini-review of places around the area that are worth visiting. Here is our current list.

Have a place you would want featured? Send the info to our editor at Editor@gvparent.com

Local or a Short Drive

Seneca Park Zoo
Where can you see some of the biggest, prettiest, messiest and most glorious animals? You might get to see the endangered Amur tiger siblings playing, a black-handed spider monkey swinging around, some friendly sea lions showing off or a polar bear splashing about. Don't forget the slithering Asian rock python and Dumeril's Ground boa. ...READ MORE...
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Susan B. Anthony.
As many of you know, Susan B. Anthony spent much of her life struggling to gain voting rights for women, but she also worked hard to get equal rights for all. Lucky for all of us in Rochester, Miss Anthony lived right here during most of the politically active period of her life. In fact, this is where she was famously arrested for voting in 1872 ...READ MORE...
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Sledding Around Rochester.
With the winter season ahead you are probably wondering where to take the kids to play when the snow falls. Sledding can be one of the best activities on a snowy day for many reasons. First, who doesn't love riding down the slopes at fast speeds, racing their siblings, friends or parents? That's right parents, get in on the fun! ...READ MOR...
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Rochester Public Market.
The Rochester Public Market is an amazing place to go with the family. They were recently named America's Favorite Farmers Market by the American Farmland Trust, and with all the activities, fresh foods, and family fun, it is clear why they received this prestigious award. ...READ MORE...
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Eastman House.
With a 35,000-square-foot house that has 37 rooms, 13 baths, and nine fireplaces, the George Eastman House is one impressive National Historic Landmark. Plus, you can explore the grounds and the beautiful gardens that span over many acres, which are a work of art in themselves. ...READ MORE...
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Letchworth.
With the Genesee River running through it, three major waterfalls between cliffs as high as 600 feet, and beautiful surrounding forests, Letchworth State Park is one of the most scenic areas in the eastern United States. There are 66 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking, which makes the park perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities. ...READ MORE...
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The Rochester Historical Society Museum, Archive & Research Center.
Where can you find the camp chair that General Ulysses S. Grant sat in? Or more than 100 pioneer portraits of Rochester's pioneers? History-loving kids will marvel at the numerous wonders that are collected ...READ MORE...
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Lollypop Farm.
With cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, turtles, snakes, llamas, sheep, cows, ducks, and pot-bellied pigs under their roof, Lollypop Farm is a draw for any animal lover. While it's a popular place for anyone looking to add a furry member to their family, Lollypop also provides many programs and attractions in addition to its adoption services. ...READ MORE...
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Mount Hope Cemetery
Whether you're looking to get into the Halloween spirit, explore the history of Rochester or enjoy a peaceful moment in nature, Mount Hope Cemetery has it all. ...READ MORE...
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Playgrounds in the Area
Whether they're swinging, sliding, or sandbox exploring, kids love playgrounds. But those with special needs may be unable to experience this fun, as the design of traditional playgrounds is often unaccommodating to their unique needs. Luckily, more and more parks are implementing equipment that gives children of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy a day of play. ...READ MORE...
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Ontario Beach
It may no longer be home to the Fast Ferry, but Ontario Beach Park still has plenty to offer Rochester residents. The park provides a variety of fun and interesting attractions and activities suitable for parents, children and whole families ...READ MORE...
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Highland Park.
In Rochester, there's almost no way to avoid hearing about the famed Lilac Festival held each May on the grounds of Highland Park, but this majestic public park has more to offer than lilacs alone. Found on the southeast side of the city it is home to Lamberton Conservatory, acres of rolling hills, thousands of flowering shrubs, a rock garden, wildflowers and a mixture of exotic trees.. ...READ MORE...
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Cumming Nature Center.
The RMSC's Cumming Nature Center is a 900-acre preserve located seven miles south of Honeoye and seven miles north of Naples village in the Bristol Hills of N.Y. State's Finger Lakes region. While pets cannot be accommodated, people can take advantage of the five groomed trails best for hiking in the spring, summer and fall months. Snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing activities are scheduled during the winter time ...READ MORE...
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Underground Railroad Heritage Trail
It has been nearly 200 years since the Underground Railroad was established. Its memory lives on at the Rochester Museum & Science Center in "Flight to Freedom" exhibit by offering visitors the opportunity to retrace the steps of those who traveled it. ...READ MORE...
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Manhattan Square Park.
This winter, don't let the blustery Rochester weather keep you and your family cooped up inside. Ice skating is a great way to get everyone active and having fun during these chilly months. So lace up your skates, grab a Thermos of cocoa, and head on over to Manhattan Square Park! ...READ MORE...
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To the West

Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park
Climb aboard and observe some large pieces of history. You can explore The USS Little Rock, a 610 foot Cruiser that is the only guided missile cruiser on display in the United States, touch The USS Croaker, a submarine used in WWII, and see The USS The Sullivans, a Destroyer named after five brothers who were in the Navy. ...READ MORE..
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The Buffalo Zoo.
Gemsbok and mouflon and addax, oh my! Get a glimpse of these exotic animals (along with some of their more familiar friends) at the Buffalo Zoo. Check out the naturalistic habitats, take a ride on the train, or catch one of the live animal demonstrations at this year-round attraction. ...READ MORE...
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Kazoo Factory.
An instrument that requires no expertise (and, arguably, no talent!), the kazoo is familiar to many people. But did you know that it was invented by a man named Alabama Vest? Or that it was patented in 1923? Or that in 2006 Rochester broke the Guinness World Record for the world's largest kazoo ensemble? ...READ MORE...
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Old Fort Niagara.
Along a bluff above the shores of Lake Ontario sits Old Fort Niagara – home to the Fort Niagara Lighthouse, an 1812 Cemetery and artifacts which tell the tale of the French & Indian War, which was a battle between Britain (with aid from Iroquois allies) and France for control of North America which pre-dates the American Revolution by 20 years.. ...READ MORE...
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To the East

National Women's Hall of Fame
Today, the National Women's Hall of Fame pays tribute to some of the greatest women in the history of this country. The Hall's mission comes to life in a variety of ways while preserving its historical roots through the induction of great women into the Hall of Fame. ...READ MORE...
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Montezuma Audubon Center
Surrounded by hiking, birding, snowshoeing and cross country ski trails that wind through 450 acres of managed marshes, grasslands, woods, ponds and creek habitats, the Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) is the ideal place to celebrate spring and enjoy some time outdoors with your family ...READ MORE...
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Herkimer.
The Herkimer Diamonds are not diamonds, as their name impliles, but beautiful double-terminated quartz crystals.
With your admission ticket you get an all day prospecting admission ticket, instructional 7-minute video to watch before
entering the mining area, an all day museum entrance pass, use of their hammers, and a bag to hold all of your amazing
finds in the mine. ...READ MORE...
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Cooperstown National Baseball Hall of Fame.
With Opening Day fast approaching, why not celebrate the start of a new season with a trip to Cooperstown? Learn more about the game, its history, and some of its greatest players at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located 3 hours east of Rochester. ...READ MORE...
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Corning Museum of Glass.
A museum full of notoriously fragile objects may seem like an odd place to bring your family, but don't let the thought of kids and glass in close proximity to each other scare you away. The Corning Museum of Glass is a kid-friendly place that offers a variety of sights and activities that will entertain the entire family. ...READ MORE...
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Museum of Science & Technology.
Ever been inside a cave? What about a human heart? At the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (commonly abbreviated MOST), visitors can explore these places & more with MOST's variety of interactive & hands-on science exhibits. ...READ MORE...
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