If you’re looking for a day of small-town, nostalgic fun, look no further than the Olcott Beach Carousel Park in Olcott, NY. Just over an hour’s drive down Route 18 from Rochester, this hamlet offers free and affordable experiences, all within walking distance of each other. Weekends in Olcott are typically light on crowds and provide a safe place to enjoy some family time. My four-year-old and I took the scenic ride out to check out the town and have a special day together. We created beautiful memories and look forward to returning with the whole family sometime.
Parking
We found plenty of free parking on the street or in a parking lot on the corner of East Main and Franklin Street. It was a quick and easy walk to the Carousel Park and Shoppes from there, but parts of Krull Park are a bit of a distance. Krull Park has two sections; one on the lake and one south of Route 18, each with their own parking lots.
Olcott Beach Carousel Park
We made it a point to prioritize the vintage kiddy rides at the Olcott Beach Carousel Park. It is a small, volunteer-run park that is conveniently laid out for families with young children. A welcoming boardwalk extends across the south entrance where the sounds of the Wurlitzer Band Organ greet you. A smaller entrance is located on the north side of the park. There is no cost for admission and each kiddy ride costs just 25 cents for children 52″ and under. The park also has a few games, a concession stand, a nursing area, clean bathrooms with a changing station, and plenty of places to sit in the shade. While you’re there, make sure to catch the free magic show! We spent about 3 hours as my 4-year-old delighted in the rides, games, and amusements.
Lakeview Village Shoppes
After my daughter enjoyed the rides to her heart’s content, we walked through the north exit of Olcott Beach Carousel Park. There we found a quaint and colorful boardwalk packed full of locally owned small businesses called the Lakeview Village Shoppes. You can stroll through and grab a snack, enjoy sitting by the water, or find unique gifts. Nearby, a pier extends into Lake Ontario from Eighteen Mile Creek where you can fish or watch the boats. As you circle back through town, check out the amazing views of the lake from Hartz’s Folly Ferris wheel. There are also a few great places to grab fun family photos along the way.
Krull Park
Krull Park is a fantastic location to spend the rest of the day with the family. The park is large and has roads splitting it into two areas.
Krull Park north of Rt 18 features:
- a sandy swimming beach (near the corner of Ontario and Franklin Streets)
- shelters
- a small museum
- beautiful views of the lake
- many seasonal community events
- bathroom facilities
Krull Park south of Rt 18 features:
- a splash park
- sporting fields
- several playgrounds
- shelters
- bathroom facilities
While the beach is close to the Carousel Park, little legs may struggle with the walk to the playgrounds or splash park. Those are a short drive away with nearby parking and public bathrooms.
Related Educational Suggestions
- Study the physics and mechanics of theme park rides
- Photograph the sunset over Lake Ontario
- Exercise by swimming, playing basketball, volleyball, or tennis
- Research and hunt for sea glass
- Learn about local history at Ye Olde Log Cabin in Krull Park
- Birdwatch for belted kingfishers, common yellowthroats, great blue herons, green herons, mallard ducks, marsh wrens, red-winged blackbirds, swamp sparrows, or wood ducks
- Study local species of fish such as brown trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead trout
- Study the Civil War and visit the Civil War Monument in honor of local troops
- Read about lighthouses and visit the Olcott Harbor Lighthouse (replica)
Additional Information
The days and hours of the attractions are limited and should be checked ahead of time. Although the crowds are generally light, events may bring in more people than typical.
