Rochester, New York, is a hidden gem packed with kid-friendly attractions, fun-filled dining, and hands-on learning experiences. Nestled in the scenic Finger Lakes region, this vibrant city offers something for every age and interest. Families can enjoy the wonders of science, history, and play all within a few square miles. Here are our top spots to visit for a Rochester family vacation.
The Strong National Museum of Play
What do He-Man, Sesame Street, and Donkey Kong have in common? They can all be found at The Strong National Museum of Play (1 Manhattan Square Drive), an awesome collection of toy memorabilia, interactive exhibits for all ages ranging from Marvel Comics to Dr. Seuss, and the most famous video and pinball games in the world. Plan to spend an entire day in this sprawling museum with two eateries, plenty of bathrooms, and more fun than most people can handle.
The museum is also home to the National Toy Hall of Fame. Every year a committee of educators, curators, and historians review the public’s nominations, and a public vote is cast for the finalists. The three toys receiving the most votes are inducted into the Hall of Fame, which is on display on the second floor of the Strong.
Nerdvana
After a long day of play, get in some more game time at Nerdvana (50 Adventure Place), located directly across the street from the museum. Billed as the “ultimate upscale nerd culture experience,” Nerdvana is a chic gaming-themed restaurant and bar with custom cocktails and a scratch kitchen—we recommend the Stardew (Valley) salad and the braised beef short ribs. After a few battles, races, or games on the console connected to the booth, request a board game from the massive list of options—from Cribbage to Wingspan.
BONUS STOP: Fattey Beer Company is loaded with free-to-play board games and a wonderful selection of local and imported beverages for the adults. Fattey’s Rochester location is right next to Nerdvana. It is a great spot to wait if there is a line at Nerdvana.
RMSC Rochester Museum & Science Center
At first impression, the RMSC Rochester Museum & Science Center (657 East Ave) may seem to be an ordinary natural science museum as the first floor highlights a locally discovered mammoth and flora and fauna of the region. But as the visitors make their way upstairs, the museum transforms into a thrilling assortment of BIPOC history, planetary discovery, and hands-on science. Again, plan the better part of a day to take in everything this three-story museum offers.
On the museum grounds is the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium. A separate entry ticket is needed for this feature. Seasonal exhibits delight holiday travelers. Special presentations, like musical laser shows mean there is always something new at the planetarium. Of course, stellar displays occur several times each day when the planetarium is open.
Radio Social
The fun does not have to stop to enjoy a superb meal in a chic environment. Radio Social (20 Carlson Rd), is a bowling alley, restaurant, bar, music venue, and social club located in Rochester's historic Stromberg-Carlson warehouse, inspiring the décor collection of antique radios and telecommunications equipment. It offers a tapas-style menu created by former Executive Chef Steve Eakins. We recommend the Spanish octopus, crispy potatoes, and the wings.
The 42,000-sq ft. facility includes a craft cocktail and whiskey bar, 34 bowling lanes, and outdoor games inside. In the summer, the back lawn is open for play. Bowling lanes can accommodate up to six players and reservations are recommended. The staff throughout Radio Social are accommodating and friendly.
George Eastman Museum
Rochester was built on film...and textiles, floriculture, and milling, but that is not the point here. In 1888, George Eastman founded Kodak in Rochester, and the company revolutionized photography with affordable cameras and film. Throughout the 20th century, Kodak dominated the global imaging industry.
The founder’s home is now the George Eastman Museum (900 East Avenue), the world’s oldest photography museum, founded in 1947. The museum displays part of its collection of over 400,000 photographs dating from the beginnings of the medium to modern displays and a physical history of the camera, still and moving, through a curated exhibition.
For the younger travelers, the museum offers seasonal activities and special exhibits. Also, music recitals take place in the mansion almost every Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. The mansion features one of the largest pipe organs in the world.
HOT TIP: Get Lunch at the Eastman Museum’s Open Face restaurant, offering an amazing selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked goods. It is some of the best museum food ever, and its local popularity via Uber Eats orders backs this opinion. Try the Moxie!
Whether you’re reliving childhood memories at the Strong Museum, exploring the stars at the planetarium, or savoring a meal at one of Rochester’s unique eateries, this city offers unforgettable experiences for all ages. With its perfect mix of play, learning, and culture, Rochester proves to be a hidden gem that keeps families coming back for more.