50+ Things to do Near Rochester New York

Whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor things to do near Rochester New York – I’ve got you covered. In this post I am sharing fun things to do in Rochester NY this weekend or for your next visit.

We have lived in Rochester for 15 years now and have had an opportunity to enjoy many of the attractions Rochester has to offer. It is a small city with big city fun.

Living in Rochester with your family means never being bored on a weekend. This list includes places we visit in Rochester as a family and some of our favorite Rochester attractions and places to eat.

I’ve included indoor and outdoor attractions, as well as free things to do! I even have a few ideas for day trips around Rochester. I am always adding new places to the list so be sure to check back often!

Best Things to Do Near Rochester New York

I want this list to be an easy go-to guide so I broke everything into easy to find categories. As we try new things, and I think they are worth visiting, I add them to the list.

Unique Things to Do in Rochester

• Radio Social
• ArtisanWorks
• Record Archives
• iSmash Rochester
• Visit Central Library
• Rent bicycles (or bring your own) along the canal. If bikes aren’t your style take a walk along the canal. Pittsford and Fairport have great shops, restaurants, and ice cream options.
• Whispering Pines Mini-Golf Course (Oldest in America)
• We the Hobby

Family Fun Museums

• The Strong Museum of Play: Lots of interactive exhibits, outdoor play area, Video Game Museum
• Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum
• Rochester Museum & Science Center / Strasenburgh Planetarium
• George Eastman House
• Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum
• National Warplane Museum
• New York Museum of Transportation
• Memorial Art Gallery
• Medina Railroad Museum
• Ganondagan Historic Site
• Susan B. Anthony House

Amusement Parks

• Seabreeze Amusement Park
• Darien Lake
• Roseland Waterpark
• Central Rock Gym
• Clubhouse Fun Center
• Flower City Amusement
• Altitude Trampoline Park
• Lasertron

Outdoor & Nature Places

• Seneca Park Zoo
• Stony Brook State Park
• Lazy Acre Alpaca Farm
• Mendon Ponds Park: Home of the Fairy Trails
• Wild Wings Inc
• Letchworth State Park
• Hamlin State Park
• High Falls Historic Walking Tour
• Turning Point Park
• Bristol Mountain: Summer-Zipline/Ropes Course, Winter-Skiing
• Chimney Bluffs State Park
• Lilac Adventure Zone at Highland Park
• Lamberton Conservatory
• Mount Hope Cemetery
• The Sam Patch-boat cruise down the Erie Canal
• Tinker Nature Park
• Powder Mills Park Fish Hatchery
• Lollypop Farms
• Colonial Belle Historic Boat Ride

Favorite Places to Eat in Rochester

• Swillburger: Family friendly casual burger spot with a vintage arcade
• Orbaker’s Drive-In Restaurant
• Donuts Delite
• Dinosaur BBQ
• Rochester Public Market
• Ridge Dounuts
• Steve’s Diner-the pancakes are so good!!!

Seasonal Activities

• Wickham Farms
• Stokoe Farms
• ROC Holiday Village
• G & S Orchards
• Lilac Festival
• Lincoln Hill Farms
• Springdale Farm
• Schutts Apple Mill (Open Year Round)
• Powers Farm Market

Day Trip Ideas

• Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
• Sonnenburg Gardens
• Women’s Rights National Historical Park
• Mount Morris Dam
• Want more? Read this post: 18 Day Trips from Rochester, NY to Recharge and Explore

This list of fun things to do in Rochester could go on and on but I try to keep it to things I have experienced to help you decide if it is worth a visit.

Hope you discovered some fun things to do in Rochester! As knew places and things to do pop up I add them to the list so check back often!

Read Next: 21+ Family Fun Weekend Trips from Rochester New York

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