Looking to escape and explore something new? Whether you’re craving scenic nature trails, charming small towns, or hidden cultural gems, Rochester, NY is perfectly positioned for unforgettable day trips. In this guide I have rounded up the best day trips from Rochester, New York.
In and Around Rochester
Discover the best of Rochester, NY, and its surrounding areas — from local events and cultural hotspots to nearby trails, eateries, and attractions. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, this category highlights things to see, do, and explore right in the heart of the city and just beyond its borders. Dive into the rich history, vibrant arts scene, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems that make the Greater Rochester area truly unique.
Check out the latest posts about things to do in and around Rochester. Everything is within 1-3 hour drive!
Top Ten Rides at Seabreeze Amusement Park (and Height Requirements)
Planning a visit to Seabreeze Amusement Park? Discover the top 10 rides and learn about height requirements to keep your day smooth and fun.
Review of the Harbor Hotel Watkins Glen
We spent an amazing weekend in Watkins Glen at the Harbor Hotel. It was a perfect getaway to enjoy the gorgeous area of the New York Finger Lakes.
15 Easy Hikes in Rochester NY
Looking to hit the trails but want to start with something easy? These 15 easy hikes in Rochester NY will get you outside and moving this season.
12 Top Attractions in New York State
New York State is a year round destination! These are my picks for the top attractions in New York State. Whether you are looking for a city vacation or lots of outdoor space, New York state has something for everyone.
Best Things to Do in Rochester, New York from a Local
I’ve lived in Rochester, New York for over a decade, and today I am sharing my picks for the best things to do in Rochester, New York.
8 Places for Apple Picking in Rochester, NY
Apple picking in Rochester, NY may be one of my all time favorite fall activities. It is a perfect fall activity in Western New York. These are our picks for the best Rochester, NY apple picking destinations.
18 Fall Activities in Rochester, NY
Rochester, NY during the fall season is the best! There are great outdoor activities and special events for the whole family. We’ve rounded up the best fall activities in Rochester, NY to enjoy some quality family time during the autumn season.
Six Flags Darien Lake Hotel Review from a Family of Five
Are you planning a visit to Darien Lake and need a place to stay? This review of the Six Flags Darien Lake hotel will give you everything you need to decide if this is a good choice for your family.
What to Do on a Rochester to Niagara Falls Day Trip
Looking for a day trip from Rochester, NY to Niagara Falls? This Rochester to Niagara Falls day trip includes stops in Buffalo for a great day trip from Rochester to Niagara Falls.
Fairy Door Walk at Mendon Ponds Park Trail Outside of Rochester, NY
The Fairy Door Walk at Mendon Ponds Park Trail is the perfect place to explore any season of the year. It is a fairly easy walk that is great for the entire family.
Ice Skating at Dick’s House of Sport at Eastview Mall
Ice skating at Dick’s House of Sport at Eastview Mall is a perfect winter activity for families looking to get out and enjoy the season. With accessibility for all ages this is a great addition to your winter bucket list in Rochester, NY.
ROC Holiday Village 2023 | Holidays in Rochester
ROC Holiday Village is back for the 2023 season!! It is a great event to enjoy the holidays in Rochester.
Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls NY for Families
This list of the best things to do in Niagara Falls NY for families will help you plan a perfect visit to one of the most popular destination in North America.
Guide to Rochester Children’s Museum The Strong Museum of Play
Families planning a visit to Rochester, New York need to add The Strong Museum of Play to their itinerary. This guide to Rochester Children’s Museum the Strong Museum of Play will help you plan your visit.
Best Museums Near Rochester NY
Are you planning a visit to Rochester, New York? The city of Rochester and the surrounding Finger Lakes region is a great place to visit. Today we are sharing the best museums near Rochester NY to include in your visit.
Fun Things to Do in Canandaigua, NY for a Day Trip
We love all the things to do in Canandaigua for a family day trip. There are great outdoor activities, things to see, and places to eat for families.
Best Things to Do in Corning New York
Corning, New York is a great place to visit and today we are sharing our best things to do in Corning New York with kids for a family weekend getaway from Rochester, NY.
Corning Museum of Glass with Kids | Glass Museum New York
Visiting a glass museum with kids? It might not sound like it goes together, but planning a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass with kids is a great family activity in New York state.
HalloweenFest at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua, NY
HalloweenFest at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua NY is a family friendly event held throughout the month of October. We visited over the weekend and had a great time enjoying this special event.
Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Park Review and Tips
You know it is a great family friendly destination when your kids say “we want to go again”…before your day is done. On our visit to Hidden Valley Animal Adventure that is exactly what happened. The kids loved it!
Things to Do in Ithaca New York for a Day Trip
With beautiful scenery and fun family attractions, there are many things to do in Ithaca, New York for a family day trip. We planned a Rochester to Ithaca, NY day trip, and it was a great day exploring a fun part of New York State.
Watkins Glen Gorge Trail: Watkins Glen State Park with Kids
With stunning waterfalls and an incredible uphill climb, the Watkins Glen Gorge trail is a perfect place to explore for families. Below we are sharing what you need to know about visiting Watkins Glen State Park with kids and how to plan an awesome family day out.
12 Fun Things to Do in the Finger Lakes in Winter
Are you looking for things to do in the Finger Lakes in winter? This list will help you find winter activities in the Finger Lakes that are great for families.
Tips for Visiting Chimney Bluffs State Park with Kids
Chimney Bluffs State Park is a unique and beautiful state park in New York. It sits along Lake Ontario and has been on our list of places to visit in Rochester for a few years now. Recently we spent the morning exploring the trails and taking in the views of Chimney Bluffs State Park.
101 Themed Summer Camp Ideas at Home (Camp Mom)
Every year I create themed summer camp ideas at home that we use to add structure and family time to our summer calendar. I put together this list of over 100 theme ideas to help you plan your at home summer camp this year.
Rochester Scavenger Hunt: 9 Locations to Discover in Rochester, New York
Looking for fun activities with kids in Rochester this week? We have been out driving around the last few days and came up with this fun Rochester scavenger hunt that you can do from your car with kids.
5 Reasons Your Family Will Love KIDZ BOP
A few weeks ago I announced that I would be a KIDZ BOP brand ambassador and I am so excited! My family has been listening to KIDZ BOP since my oldest was little. I like listening to music I know is safe for my kids and we can enjoy as a family. Today I wanted to share 5 reasons to love KIDZ BOP with your family.
Experiencing the Maid of the Mist
When you see Niagara Falls for the first time it is breathtaking but nothing is as amazing as seeing it up close while aboard the Maid of the Mist. The Maid of the Mist is located in New York State along the USA/Canadian border. It is about a 20 minute drive from Buffalo, New York. The Maid of the Mist is a family favorite that should be on everyone’s family travel bucket list.
The Waffle Factory | Rochester, New York
Rochester has the Strong Museum of Play, Dinosaur BBQ and garbage plates. Now we have The Waffle Factory. Located outside of Rochester, NY in Webster, The Waffle Factory offers all types of waffle creations imaginable. It was a HUGE hit with my family!!
Fall Fun at Powers Farm Market
Fall is the best time of the year to get out there and explore the festivals and farms in your neighborhood. I love creating fall family traditions and fall traditions for us means visiting farms and fall festivals in and around Rochester, New York. New York is the best place to be for fall because it is gorgeous this time of year!