Rochester is a great city for families, with no shortage of fun and educational activities for kids to enjoy throughout the year. At Rochester Mom Collective, we focus on sharing practical, real-life ideas to help local families make the most of their time together. To get you started, here’s our list of the 50 Best Things To Do With Kids in Rochester.
Attractions & Museums
1. Amusement Parks – Spend the day at Seabreeze Amusement Park or take a day trip to a nearby amusement park for some fun.
2. Museums – Visit one of the many museums that Rochester has to offer.
3. Train Rides & Museums – Check out these places to ride trains and see model trains.
4. Zoos & Animal Encounters – Visit these places to see wildlife up close!
Outdoor Activities
5. Beaches – Lakefront spots for sand, water, and space to relax.
6. Drive-In Movie Theaters – Catch an outdoor movie at these nearby drive-ins!
7. Erie Canal – Walk along the canal paths or take a boat ride.
8. Fairy Door Trails – Scenic walks with hidden, kid-friendly details.
9. Hiking Trails – Easy family-friendly trails in the area.
10. Highland Park – Enjoy the gardens at this Rochester park.
11. Mini Golf – Casual courses that are fun without taking all day.
12. Nature Centers – Explore nature at one of the many nature centers around Rochester.
13. Playgrounds – See our guide for the best spots for climbing, sliding, and open play.
14. Sledding – Popular sledding hills to check out after snowfalls.
15. Splashpads – Most are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
16. State Parks – Nearby State Parks with trails and views.
17. Waterfalls – Short trips to some of the area’s best natural sights.
Indoor Activities
18. Arcades – Enjoy playing games at a local arcade.
19. Bowling – Knock down some pins as a family!
20. Ice Skating – Seasonal rinks for an easy winter activity.
21. Indoor Playgrounds – See our guide for great ideas for indoor play.
22. Lamberton Conservatory – Enjoy the tropical flowers and animals of the conservatory.
23. Library Storytimes – See our guide to regularly-scheduled storytimes for little kids at different branches.
24. Theatre & Concerts – Enjoy a concert or theatre performance in Rochester.
25. Vintage Movie Theaters – Enjoy seeing a new movie or a special screening at a retro theater.
Farms & Markets
26. Farms With Kid Activities – Discover local farms with fun things for kids to do.
27. Farms With Animals and Petting Zoos – Check out these local farms for hands-on experience.
28. Maple Syrup Farms – Get some local maple syrup!
29. Berry Picking – In the summer, catch the window for U-Pick strawberries, blueberries and more!
30. Apple Picking – After Labor Day, enjoy apple picking season in Rochester.
31. Pumpkin Patches – Have some fall fun at a local farm.
32. Corn Mazes – Check out the farms with these elaborate corn mazes.
33. Farmers’ Markets – Find nearby local markets to support.
Food & Shopping
34. Chocolate Makers – Visit the local candy stores for a treat.
35. Coffee Shops – See our guide on local coffee spots.
36. Donuts – Donuts and fried cakes are a treat at these local shops.
37. Food Truck Rodeos – Enjoy some local food trucks at these events.
38. Garbage Plates – Have you tried this Rochester staple?
39. Ice Cream – Find a new flavor at a local ice cream shop.
40. Kids Eat Free – Check out where kids eat free in Rochester.
41. Family-Friendly Restaurants – Here are some of our writers’ favorite restaurants for families.
42. Family-Friendly Breweries & Wineries – Relaxed spots where kids are welcome and there’s room to spread out.
43. Shop Local – See our Ultimate Shop Local Guide In Rochester for bookstores, boutiques and more!
Special Events
44. Annual Events – The can’t-miss events that come around every year.
45. Summer Festivals – The best of Central New York’s packed summer event lineup.
46. Fall Festivals – Seasonal events with food, activities, and family-friendly fun.
47. Halloween Events – We’ll have the best Halloween events ready for moms in October.
48. Holiday Events – Here are the holiday events that families can look forward to.
More Exploring
49. Free or Cheap Things To Do In Rochester – Budget-friendly ideas that still get you out of the house.
50. Day Trips From Rochester – Easy getaways within a short drive when you want something different.
