With young kids or a reluctant teen, a trip to the museum needs to pack some serious punch. Visits tend to be short, so every minute counts. Within 90 minutes of Rochester, these ten museums fit the bill. Hands-on experiences, family programming, and free or discounted admission makes the trip even more appealing.
Rochester
George Eastman Museum
A visit to the museum provides you with a glimpse into the private home of George Eastman, one of the greatest American innovators. The Kodak founder’s collection includes a pipe organ and indoor conservatory you have to see to believe. Spring visits showcase the blooming gardens while winter brings an extensive gingerbread house exhibit. All year-round, the Eastman Museum’s exhibits of photography and technology will fascinate visitors. The museum’s website also hosts an extended Virtual Discovery Room.
Memorial Art Gallery
Start your trip to the MAG by downloading the Digital Guide to the Museum which can be used to navigate the collection, the free sculpture park, and the outdoor Poets and Story Walks. Admission is free for children age 5 and under and active University of Rochester affiliates. In addition to enjoying the museum’s exhibits, there are always programs, classes and camps for kids and families.
Buffalo
ArtPark
Artpark is a scenic outdoor park near Buffalo that combines concerts, public art, and nature trails in one place. Artpark in Lewiston, NY is open daily and free to explore. Its outdoor Art in the Park includes a mix of permanent installations and rotating works, giving visitors something new to discover throughout the season. In the summer, ArtPark comes alive with concerts, festivals, and a range of free to low-cost family programming. Sign up for emails to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Buffalo AKG Art Museum
Located in Buffalo, the AKG Art Museum is a vibrant hub for modern and contemporary art, offering impressive collections, and programs that appeal to visitors of all ages. It hosts a variety of rotating exhibits and events so be sure to check the website regularly to see when is a good time to visit. No matter when you go, the free digital guide will come in handy to be sure to download the app. Use it to zoom in on artwork, listen to audio, or watch behind-the-scenes videos.
Burchfield Penney Art Center
American painter Charles E. Burchfield, known for his passionate watercolors, settled in Buffalo, and the Burchfield Penney Art Center focuses on his work. There are sixteen other galleries to explore and free admission for everyone under eighteen. The museum offers a monthly kids’ book club (ticket includes the book & art project), and open studio each month. There are free docent-led tours on weekends.
Corning
Corning Museum of Glass
The uniqueness of the Corning Museum of Glass lies in its intersection of arts, culture, science, and technology. With daily demonstrations, glassmaking activities for kids starting at age four, and captivating educational exhibits, there’s something to enjoy all day long. This renowned museum encourages kid visitors with its hands-on activities, break and summer programming, and free admission to children ages 17 and under. Local residents and SNAP participants receive special rates too.
The Rockwell Museum
The Rockwell Museum showcases fine American artwork. When there is a whole section of the website devoted to kids, it’s clearly worth the drive for a family adventure. Gallery Games, a KIDS Guide, and family programming inspire all ages to appreciate art. The ROCKWELL KIDS Art Lab is just a short walk around the corner and provides an opportunity for kids to create art. The tickets are good for 48 hours and are free for those 17 and under. Extend your trip to the museum by wandering through the public art in the area.
If you plan to visit both museums on consecutive days, purchasing a combination ticket makes sense. Start the ticket buying process by selecting a date then choose “Two-Museum Combination Ticket”.
Syracuse
ArtRage
Through its exhibits and events, ArtRage explores social issues and encourages cultural change. Its primary purpose is to bring attention to the meaningful work of local activists and organizations. Admission is free, though hours are limited, so check the website ahead of your visit. Because the museum addresses complex topics, review current exhibits ahead of your visit to ensure they’re age-appropriate and suitable for your family.
Everson Museum of Art
The permanent collection at the Everson Museum of Art holds over 700 paintings and 200 ceramics pieces. Most of the collection is American photography and video art with a variety of rotating exhibits. While visitors ages 5 and under have free admission, the Everson Museum of Art invites all patrons to ‘pay what you wish’ on Wednesdays. One does not need a museum ticket to enjoy the unique blend of ceramic art and creative cuisine at the museum restaurant, Louisa Café.
Syracuse University Art Museum
A trip to the Syracuse University Art Museum is well worth your time, especially if you have older kids or budding artists. The collection is designed to extend the classroom and spark discussion. Beyond the galleries, you can explore public art installed on the grounds and in campus buildings using a Google map—or visit the virtual museum from home.
No matter what direction you head, a day of art and culture is closer than you think. A trip to the museum gives your family a chance to build creativity and curiosity together. On the drive, consider downloading audiobook of the Newbery Medal-winning children’s novel From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg, which tells the story of siblings who run away to live secretly in the Metropolitan Museum of Art—then get ready to explore!
