Attractions
Museums, thrill rides, doubleheaders … whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with family, there’s always something to see and do in Rochester! We've highlighted a few ideas on places to visit in Rochester, but browse the listings below for even more ideas.
Museums
The Strong National Museum of Play in downtown Rochester delights children and adults with its hands-on approach to learning. Kids can shop at the mini-Wegmans grocery store (a staple to us Rochesterians), explore interactive exhibits for all ages, walk and play through the outdoor Hasbro Game Park, tour the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden®, and view the National Toy Hall of Fame with toys beloved by all generations.
The Rochester Museum and Science Center offers many ways to spark creativity in young minds while encouraging lifelong learning opportunities for adults. Along with viewing the permanent and traveling exhibits, visitors can catch a show at the Strasenburgh Planetarium and walk the trails of the Cumming Nature Center.
Take a trip back in time when you visit Genesee Country Village & Museum—the largest living history museum in New York State and third largest in the United States. The museum features costumed interpreters in restored historic buildings that create a working 19th-century village setting the stage to tell the story of New York State and American history.
The oldest photography museum in the world can be found here in Rochester at the George Eastman Museum, located on the estate of George Eastman, the pioneer of popular photography and motion picture film. The museum features rotating galleries, tours of the historic mansion and gardens, a historic theatre capable of screening nitrate and 35 mm films, and a range of programs and events all year long for fans of photography.
Explore the place that Susan B. Anthony called home during the most politically active period of her life and even stand in the front parlor where she was arrested for voting in 1872 with a visit to the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House—a National Historic Landmark—in Rochester, NY.
Art enthusiasts will not be disappointed in the number of museums and galleries our city offers. With the Memorial Art Gallery, including the Centennial Sculpture Park, and the Rochester Contemporary Art Center, there are works of art to please even the toughest art critic.
Theme Parks and the Zoo
Seabreeze Amusement Park is one of only thirteen trolley parks still operating in the U.S., and it offers thrill rides and attractions for the entire family. It’s also home to the Jack Rabbit, the oldest continuously operating wooden roller coaster in the country, in operation since 1920. Seabreeze also has a water park, kiddie rides, midway, and food.
Roseland Waterpark is a family-fun water destination in the Finger Lakes. Enjoy 56 acres of aquatic adventure and 9 unique water attractions perfect for the entire family, including speedy tube and tubeless slides, a raft tube, wave pool, splash factory, and adventure river. Near Roseland Waterpark is Roseland Wakepark, the first and only Cable Wake Park in the northeastern United States. It’s perfect for experienced wakeboarders and those that want to learn.
The Seneca Park Zoo is open year-round and is home to over 90 different species. Conservation is at the forefront of the Zoo’s mission, and it is committed to the highest standard of care for each animal. Along with visiting the animals, kids can enjoy the huge central playground, hands-on learning activities, and educational programs.
Sports
The Rochester Red Wings, Rochester’s Minor League baseball team, always draws an energetic crowd to their home games at Innovative Field. Theme nights like Pride Night, Garbage Plate Night, and First Responders Night, add to the fun and make rooting for the home team even more exciting.
During ice hockey season, the Rochester Americans (locally referred to as the Amerks), play at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. The games are faced-paced, loud, and exciting—everything a hockey game should be!
Root for the home team and cheer for Rochester soccer team Flower City Union.