• How did Rochester grow to become a thriving city?
    • Rochester grew from being the biggest supplier of flour in the country to a booming city known for its innovation, 140 fantastic festivals, 60 golf courses, and over 12,000 acres of parks.
  • What are some top attractions for kids in Rochester?
    • Top things to do in Rochester with kids include visiting the Seneca Park Zoo, The Strong - National Museum of Play, and the Rochester Museum & Science Center.

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Take the kids to The Strong - National Museum of Play

Take the kids to The Strong - National Museum of Play

© The Strong - National Museum of Play

  • What is The Strong - National Museum of Play?
    • The Strong, previously known as The Strong Museum of Play, is one of the most exciting children's museums in the world, offering interactive exhibits and a focus on play.
  • How large is the museum?
    • The museum spans 150,000 square feet of exhibit space, all dedicated to toys, games, and interactive play experiences.
  • What exhibits can visitors explore?
    • The museum features board games, dolls, video games, and books, as well as a century-old carousel and New York’s only indoor butterfly garden.
    • Other exhibits include displays on Berenstain Bears, Sesame Street, Monopoly, The Wizard of Oz, and many more.
  • What is the mission of The Strong Museum?
    • The museum's mission is to research and record the history of play and its role in human development and learning.
  • Does the museum have research facilities?
    • Yes! The museum houses research facilities and libraries dedicated to the study of play.
  • Is the museum fun for families?
    • Absolutely! The Strong Museum is filled with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, making it a fantastic experience for the whole family.
  • Where is The Strong - National Museum of Play located?

Have fun with interactive exhibits at Rochester Museum & Science Center

Have fun with interactive exhibits at Rochester Museum & Science Center

© Rochester Museum & Science Center

  • What is the Rochester Museum & Science Center?
  • What interactive activities can visitors enjoy?
    • Guests can climb a wall, zap lasers, build robots, throw a catapult, and fly through space.
  • How many exhibits does the museum have?
    • Visitors can explore more than 200 interactive exhibits, exciting shows, and original collections.
  • What kinds of collections are housed at the museum?
    • The museum holds 1.2 million items across various collections, showcasing the natural wonders of the region, the world, and beyond.
  • What is Science on a Sphere?
    • Science on a Sphere is a unique exhibit that displays our planet in 3D, appearing to float right in front of visitors.
  • Are there any virtual experiences at the museum?
    • Yes! Guests can take a virtual trip on a simulator and explore various scientific concepts.
  • What other unique experiences does the museum offer?
    • Visitors can talk to a frog expert, see bolts of lightning up close, and engage in many other exciting activities.
  • What additional attractions are part of the museum?
    • The museum also includes the Strasenburgh Planetarium and the Cumming Nature Center, both of which inspire young minds to explore science.
  • Where is the Rochester Museum & Science Center located?
    • 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607. For more information, call 585-271-4320.

Explore the Finger Lakes Wine Country


Explore the Finger Lakes Wine Country

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  • What is Finger Lakes Wine Country?
    • Finger Lakes Wine Country is a region in central New York known for producing some of the tastiest wines in the U.S. The area is home to over 100 wineries and features breathtaking natural scenery.
  • What makes the Finger Lakes ideal for winemaking?
    • The Finger Lakes region benefits from a unique climate, where the great depth of some lakes creates a lake effect, protecting the grapes from harsh winter conditions.
  • What types of wines are produced in the region?
    • Wineries in the region produce Chardonnays, Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, and many other varieties that attract wine lovers from all over the world.
  • How can visitors explore the wineries?
    • Three well-organized wine trails help visitors explore the region, allowing them to visit up to 35 wineries and experience wine tastings.
  • What experiences do the wine trails offer?
    • The trails often include wine and food pairings, barbecues, and festivals that showcase the best of Finger Lakes Wine Country.
  • What other attractions are in the area?
    • In addition to wineries, the region features great restaurants, markets, breweries, and distilleries.
    • Visitors can also explore excellent museums like the Corning Museum of Glass and enjoy the natural beauty of Watkins Glen State Park.
  • Where is Finger Lakes Wine Country located?
    • 1 W Market St #203, Corning, NY 14830. For more information, call 607-936-0706.

Visit the George Eastman Museum, the oldest museum of photography

Visit the George Eastman Museum, the oldest museum of photography

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  • What is the George Eastman Museum?
    • The George Eastman Museum is a historic museum dedicated to George Eastman, the pioneer of modern photography. It is located in a magnificent Colonial Revival mansion that Eastman completed in 1905.
  • What happened to George Eastman’s mansion?
    • Upon his death, Eastman bequeathed the mansion to the University of Rochester, which later donated it to the museum dedicated to his memory and contributions.
  • Why is the George Eastman Museum significant?
    • The museum is the oldest museum of photography in the world and one of the oldest film archives, preserving a vast collection of photographic and cinematic history.
  • What are some of the museum’s original collections?
    • The museum's original collections included the historical collection of Eastman Kodak Company, the Medicus collection of Alexander Gardner’s Civil War photographs, and the extensive Gabriel Cromer collection.
  • Has the museum expanded its collections?
    • Yes! Thanks to numerous donations over the years, the museum's collection of photography and film has greatly expanded.
  • Are there temporary exhibits at the museum?
    • Yes, the museum frequently hosts well-received temporary exhibits that showcase various aspects of photography and cinema history.
  • What is the Dryden Theatre?
    • The museum is home to the 500-seat Dryden Theatre, which screens historic and contemporary films.
  • Where is the George Eastman Museum located?
    • 900 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607. For more information, call 585-271-3361.

Admire flowers and plants at Highland Park


Admire flowers and plants at Highland Park

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  • What is Highland Park?
    • Highland Park is a world-class arboretum and landscape spread over 150 acres of valleys and hills. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
  • What makes Highland Park famous?
    • The park features 1,200 lilac shrubs, making it the site of the famous annual Lilac Festival.
  • What plant collections can visitors find in Highland Park?
    • Highland Park is home to a collection of Japanese Maples, 35 kinds of magnolias, a collection of barberries, and a rock garden with dwarf evergreens.
    • It also features 700 varieties of azaleas and rhododendrons, Andromeda, mountain laurel, horse chestnuts, spring bulbs, native wildflowers, and many exotic trees.
  • What is unique about the park’s pansy bed?
    • Each year, the pansy bed contains 10,000 plants arranged in a unique and different pattern.
  • What attractions are located within Highland Park?
    • The park is home to the Lamberton Conservatory, the Greater Rochester Vietnam Memorial, Warner Castle, and the John Dunbar Memorial Pavilion.
  • Where is Highland Park located?
    • 180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY 14620. For more information, call 585-753-7270.

See a Rochester City Ballet performance


See a Rochester City Ballet performance

© Serenade choreography by George Balanchine, Courtesy of The George Balanchine Trust, Photo: Will Brenner

  • What is the Rochester City Ballet?
    • Since its inception in 1987, the Rochester City Ballet has been performing award-winning contemporary ballets and enriching the Rochester community through the art of dance.
  • What is the mission of the Rochester City Ballet?
    • One of the company’s aims is to enrich the quality of life in the Rochester community by providing performances for a broad range of audiences.
  • What is the Sensory-Friendly performance?
    • The Sensory-Friendly performance, first performed in May 2015, was the first of its kind and allows children on the Autism spectrum to enjoy artistic performances in a welcoming environment.
  • What other programs does the ballet company offer?
    • The ballet offers workshops, donates to underserved youth, and actively engages in community outreach programs.
  • Where can I find ticket and performance information?
    • The Rochester City Ballet puts on several performances throughout the year. Ticket information and event schedules can be found on the company’s main website.
  • What is the Draper Center for Dance Education?
    • The Draper Center for Dance Education, affiliated with the Rochester City Ballet, provides high-level dance training in classical ballet and offers dancing opportunities for the community.
  • Where is the Rochester City Ballet located?
    • 1326 University Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607.

Spend an afternoon at The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium

Spend an afternoon at The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium

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  • What is the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium?
  • What are the star shows at the planetarium?
    • The planetarium features star shows that use a star projector to accurately display the sun, planets, and more than 8,000 stars as they would appear on a perfectly clear night.
  • What are the Saturday night laser shows?
    • The planetarium hosts Saturday night laser shows that project choreographed beams of light onto the indoor sky, synchronized with music.
  • Does the planetarium offer interactive experiences?
    • Yes! Visitors can participate in hands-on space mission simulations, experience world exploration through giant-screen films, and enjoy free public telescope viewing.
  • Is the planetarium open to the public?
    • Yes, the planetarium is open to the public and welcomes grade-appropriate class visits.
  • Are there special ticketed events?
    • Yes! The planetarium offers featured shows that are ticketed events and open to the public.
  • Where is the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium located?
    • 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607. For more information, call 585-697-1945.

See a show at the Theatre Young Kids Enjoy (TYKEs)

See a show at the Theatre Young Kids Enjoy (TYKEs)

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  • What is Theatre Young Kids Enjoy (TYKEs)?
    • Theatre Young Kids Enjoy (TYKEs) is a non-profit organization that brings meaningful stories to life on stage, captivating young audiences with professional performances.
  • Where do TYKEs performances take place?
    • TYKEs performances take place in the Hart Theater at the JCC in Brighton.
  • Who performs in TYKEs productions?
    • The stories are presented by adult professional actors who bring imaginative and inspiring performances to young audiences.
  • What is the mission of TYKEs?
    • TYKEs aims to inspire children’s appreciation of the arts and literature, promote communication, and teach valuable life lessons through theater.
  • What makes TYKEs productions special?
    • The scripts are carefully chosen, the costumes are spectacular, and the actors transport audiences to faraway lands and fantasy worlds.
  • What facilities does the theater have?
    • The theatre features a cozy and intimate space, state-of-the-art light and sound equipment, and a large, comfortable lobby for families to enjoy.
  • Are TYKEs performances accessible to all children?
    • Yes! TYKEs performances are accessible to all children regardless of their ability to pay.
  • Where is TYKEs located?
    • 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14618. For more information, call 585-461-2000.

Watch animals at the Seneca Park Zoo


Watch animals at the Seneca Park Zoo

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  • What is the Seneca Park Zoo?
    • Seneca Park Zoo is a 15.5-acre zoo in Rochester, New York, located within Seneca Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
  • What animals can visitors see at the zoo?
    • Visitors can see African elephants, white rhinos, and Bornean orangutans, as well as polar bears and sea lions in their underwater habitats.
    • The zoo is home to over 90 species of animals, each living in naturalistic habitats.
  • When was Seneca Park Zoo founded?
    • The zoo opened in 1893 with just an aviary containing a few birds and several species of deer.
  • What is the Rocky Coasts exhibit?
    • The Rocky Coasts exhibit, which opened in 1997, is a state-of-the-art habitat designed to give animals more spacious and natural environments. It represents the future of zoos.
  • Where is Seneca Park Zoo located?
    • 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY 14621. For more information, call 585-336-7200.

Step back in time at the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

Step back in time at the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

© National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

  • What is the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House?
  • Where is the museum located?
    • The museum is housed in the home where Susan B. Anthony lived during her most active years and where she was arrested in 1872 for voting.
  • What can visitors see at the museum?
    • The house features a collection of research materials, artifacts, and memorabilia related to Susan B. Anthony’s struggles and legacy.
  • What is the significance of this house?
    • This is the house where Susan B. Anthony spent her final years and where she passed away after delivering her famous speech, "Failure is Impossible," in Baltimore.
  • Does the museum offer educational programs?
    • Yes! The museum serves as a learning center, inspiring younger generations to make a difference through various programs such as Girl Scouts, Healthy Aging, and Grade School initiatives.
  • Where is the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House located?
    • 17 Madison St, Rochester, NY 14608. For more information, call 585-235-6124.

Plan Your Trip


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