Rochester New York

City of Play

Rediscover the joy of being a kid in Rochester. All ages will love the Strong National Museum of Play, which provides educational and interactive fun. Discover the world’s largest collection of toys, dolls and games, then create a virtual avatar and immerse yourself in video game scenarios at the exhibit ESL Digital Worlds: Level Up. At the Rochester Museum & Science, explore science, culture and the natural world with over two hundred interactive installations designed to encourage curiosity and ignite a lifelong passion for science.

Take the fun outdoors at Seabreeze Amusement Park, where attractions range from relaxed, kid-friendly rides to big thrills like the Jack Rabbit, the oldest continually operating roller coaster in the USA. Splash in the waterpark, attend live shows and bond with family at this seasonally operating attraction. For a bit of grown-up merriment, visit one of Rochester’s more than two dozen breweries, wineries and distilleries. Local favorite Genesee Brew House, one of the largest and oldest breweries in New York State, is worth a visit; taste some of their exclusive beers from their rotating menu.

Art and History

Art, culture and history abound in Rochester, commonly referred to as the Young Lion of the West for the important economic impact the area had on the early USA. Journey through thousands of years of art history at the Memorial Art Gallery, whose massive, eclectic permanent collection holds everything from ancient relics to contemporary sculptures. Cinema buffs must visit the George Eastman Museum. As one of the oldest photography museums in the world, it hosts an unparalleled collection of several million photography and cinema objects as well as entrepreneur and Kodak founder George Eastman’s historic mansion and gardens. Witness a piece of women’s history at the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House. Learn more about this civil rights leader’s story and tour her home, which once served as the headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.

Outdoors Year-Round

Known for its spring and summer festivals, Rochester is a four-season destination that offers year-round outdoor fun. Visit the Erie Canal during the fall to see picture-perfect autumn foliage and historic canal villages as you take a boat ride down and through a canal lock. Wander charming village streets and taste freshly harvested produce at Rochester’s Public Market, serving the community since 1905. Stunning water features surround the area, and downtown Rochester features the magnificent 30-meter High Falls. Experience Rochester’s past firsthand when you stroll through Genesee Country Village and Museum. This living history museum provides an immersive experience all year, but once winter arrives it transforms into a wonderland adorned with lights and holiday splendor.