There’s a ton of fun things to do in Rochester, NY. If you’re looking for ways to spend a visit, we’ve got all the bases covered from beer tastings to museums to amusement parks and more.
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Visitors to this popular museum will be able to take part in its interactive collection devoted to the history of play, including toys, games and video games. Visitors can also take a walk down “Sesame Street.”
The Finger Lakes region is known as one of New York’s top wine producers, but it also puts out a lot of great craft beer. Visit the taphouses, brewpubs and tasting rooms along the beer trail: There’s over 100 to try! Enjoy the trail responsibly – if you’re going to imbibe, let someone else do the driving.
Kodak (aka the Eastman Kodak Company), is headquartered in Rochester, so there’s a lot of photo history here. The George Eastman Museum, first opened in 1949, is the oldest museum dedicated to photography and it includes one of the oldest film archives.
Plays and events are held at this renovated 19th century arsenal, which also includes a bar and cafe.
Open since 1879, this historic amusement park debuted as a trolley park with picnic grounds. Often referred to as the “Coney Island of the West,” the park includes a carousel, four roller coasters, a water park, log flume, bumper cars, family rides and other attractions.
Dedicated in 1838, this historic cemetery is home to the final resting spots of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. You’ll find several kinds of trees and ornamental gardens strewn across its 196 acres.
This 150-acre park and arboretum features the Gothic-style Warner Castle, a conservatory greenhouse and a famed lilac collection. The park also holds an annual lilac festival in May that is the largest of its kind in North America and draws visitors from around the world.
National Susan B. Anthony Museum and House
This historic site was the home of Susan B. Anthony for 40 years during her time as a national figure in the women’s rights movement. The property was purchased for use as a memorial in 1945 and designated as a National Historic Landmark Museum. Visitors can view papers and memorabilia about the leader of the suffrage movement.
Artisanworks houses nearly 500,000 pieces of art as well as antiques and automobiles.Visitors to the renovated factory building can view multidisciplinary art pieces and attend events.
Catch a Rochester Red Wings game!
This gallery at the University of Rochester boasts a massive collection, including medieval through contemporary works and paintings by Rembrandt and Monet.
Rochester Museum and Science Center
Featuring exhibits related to science, the center hosts a number of interactive and hands-on experiences. The museum also operates the nearby Strasenburgh Planetarium and Cumming Nature Center, located an hour away in Naples.
This 15.5-acre zoo is home to more than 90 species of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish and arachnids. Open year-round, the zoo has a constantly rotating collection of animals and hosts events, including conservation education days and an annual jog through the zoo.
Operated by the city, this public market offers fresh produce, ethnic foods, specialty items and other merchandise. The market also provides space for cafes, food stands, coffee shops, breweries and florists. It is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
An off-road trail used for walking, running and biking along the Genesee River, the riverway extends from the Erie Canal to downtown Rochester and Lake Ontario. Sites along the trail include the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, Bridge Square and 12 parks.
A stone octagonal lighthouse dating back to 1822, this 40-foot tower is located on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Genesee River. Visitors can view displays both inside and outside the lighthouse’s museum. The lighthouse provides beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
What are some of your favorite fun things to do in Rochester, NY? Tell us in the comments.
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