The Strong National Museum of Play
Large interactive museum devoted to play and games
View details →Kids activities by city
Things to Do with Kids in Rochester, NY
Rochester has one of New York’s strongest clusters of play-based attractions, led by The Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester Museum & Science Center and a planetarium. Its zoo, amusement park and waterfront expand the options for warm-weather outings.
Discover local attractions
More in Rochester and Finger Lakes →Best places for kids in Rochester
Rochester Museum & Science Center
Science exhibits and hands-on learning
View details →Seneca Park Zoo
Wildlife, conservation and educational experiences
View details →Seabreeze Amusement Park
Amusement rides and waterpark attractions
View details →Ontario Beach Park
Lakeside park, beach and seasonal recreation
View details →Strasenburgh Planetarium
Astronomy shows and space education
View details →Plan an outing
How to enjoy a day with kids in Rochester
A practical family outing idea
Plan an indoor discovery day at The Strong or RMSC, allowing enough time for children to revisit favorite interactive exhibits. For a separate outdoor trip, consider Seneca Park Zoo, Seabreeze Amusement Park or Ontario Beach Park when seasonal conditions permit.
Helpful tips for parents
Large play museums can easily fill most of a day. Check timed-entry rules, parking, and which special experiences require additional tickets.
Celebrate together
Compare all birthday venues →Birthday party places in Rochester
The Strong Museum of Play Birthday
A birthday celebration in one of the country's most playful museums, with museum party spaces and interactive exhibits.
View details →RMSC Museum & Science Center Birthday
Hands-on science exploration and a private celebration space at Rochester Museum & Science Center.
View details →Indoor fun nearby
Shopping-center entertainment in the region
Eastview Mall
Family-oriented mall events and seasonal programming
View details →Save the date
Upcoming kids events in Rochester
Nov 27, 2026 – Dec 20, 2026
Roc Holiday Village
Free ice skating and rentals, Santa's Workshop, craft activities, music and a festive downtown market.
View details →Entertainment inside shopping centers
Play and explore at New York malls
Indoor activities, attractions and kids events
More than shopping
Find kids entertainment at Destiny USA, Palisades Center and major New York malls: play parks, climbing, interactive attractions and special events.
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Kids events calendar
Find more kids events →Upcoming events and shows for children
Oct 29, 2026
Mall-o-ween at Destiny USA
Costumes, characters and a festive afternoon at the mall, with family activities in the Canyon on Level 1.
View details →Oct 29, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026
Enchanted Pumpkin Trail at Buffalo Zoo
An after-dark zoo walk through glowing giant jack-o’-lantern scenes and seasonal surprises.
View details →Oct 31, 2026
Halloween Celebration at the American Museum of Natural History
Dress up beneath the Blue Whale for a museum-wide day of music, creative activities and Halloween surprises.
View details →Plan a birthday party for kids
Choose an unforgettable birthday venue
Birthday party ideas for children
Make their celebration memorable
Compare birthday party places by location and activity: indoor playgrounds, science museums, active games and immersive adventures.
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Help children play and grow
Explore child development articles →Learning and development ideas
Your Child Is Not Giving You a Hard Time
Look beneath challenging behavior to notice the unmet need, growing skill or overwhelming situation.
View details →Why Telling a Child to Calm Down Usually Fails
Help children recover from emotional overload through connection, co-regulation and a calmer environment.
View details →Developmental Milestones Without the Comparison Trap
Understand milestones as conversation starters and learn when to ask for professional guidance.
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