From museums to zoos, western New York offers a variety of child-oriented activities that the entire family can enjoy. Whether you are a resident New Yorker looking for something new or you are just traveling through the area, you'll find activities that are geared to children of all ages. With a little luck, you might even find activities that the adults will enjoy too.
The Strong National Museum of Play is one of the premier children's museums in the country, with activities designed for babies to big kids. Located in Rochester, New York, the museum houses the National Toy Hall of Fame and many hands-on activities and exhibits. It takes a full day to get through the entire museum, so visitors will most likely have to pick their activities. Children will love shopping in the kid-size grocery store or visiting their favorite characters in Berenstain Bear country. Hands-on activities range from exploring Sesame Street to delivering and sorting mail to exploring the cockpit of a plane. The indoor Dancing Wings butterfly garden is worth a visit, but visits require tickets and entry is limited. Be sure to call ahead to ensure that tickets are available. Finally, no visit is complete without a train ride or a trip around the indoor carousel. Visitors can eat in the cafeteria, stop at the diner or opt to bring their own lunch.
Strong National Museum of Play
One Manhattan Square
Rochester, NY 14607
585-263-2700
museumofplay.org
The Genesee Country Village is an actual, working village that dates back to the 1800s. Visitors can explore the historic buildings and get glimpses into what life was like in the 19th century. The village itself includes everything from a post office to a blacksmith shop to a dressmaker's shop. Kids will be especially fascinated to see the old-fashioned schoolhouse that dates back to 1822. Hands-on activities change periodically, but may include roping a bed, churning butter or kneading bread. Artisans continue their crafts today, often giving demonstrations and using the tools from the 1800s. Located in the small town of Mumford, New York, the Genessee Country Village is only 20 miles from Rochester and 45 miles from Buffalo.
Genessee Country Village and Museum
948 George Street
Mumford, NY 14511
585-538-2500
gcv.org
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a destination that sports buffs won't want to miss. The museum is home to more than 38,000 artifacts and more than 500,000 photographs that tell the story of baseball. Kids will enjoy the Sandlot Kids Clubhouse, where there are interactive, hands-on activities and exhibits. Three stories of additional baseball exhibits will fascinate the entire family, although it is recommended that visitors begin on the second floor. The museum was first built in 1939 in Cooperstown, New York, which has since been deemed the home of baseball.
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
25 Main Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326
888-HALL-OF-FAME
baseballhall.org
Rochester's Seneca Park Zoo has grown in recent years, expanding their exhibits and adding extensive renovations to the animal habitats. The zoo is home to an extensive list of mammals, including a new elephant barn where visitors can watch the zookeepers clean and care for the elephants. Children can enjoy watching the African black-footed penguins or the resident polar bears, whether it's from an outdoor vantage point or an indoor, underwater viewing area. The zoo features several programs during the summer months, where visitors can watch zookeepers feeding, training, bathing and interacting with a number of different animals.
Seneca Park Zoo
2222 St. Paul Street
Rochester, NY 14621
585-336-7200
senecaparkzoo.org
