Child-Sized Fun: 10 Ideas for Enjoying Spring Break in Rochester

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the area, Rochester offers many activities and attractions for families looking to make the most of their school’s spring break. From interactive museums to nature adventures and delicious dining experiences, this guide has everything you need to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Take a look and start planning your perfect spring break!

1. Edgerton Model Railroad Room

Step into a miniature world of trains and tracks at the Edgerton Model Railroad Room. This hidden gem delights visitors of all ages with its intricate model layouts, detailed landscapes, and moving trains. Kids can marvel at the craftsmanship while learning about railroad history, making it a perfect educational and entertaining stop for families.

Each of the four season-themed layouts tells a different story of life on the move in the 1950s, with operating model trains touring throughout each scene. Explore the details of each display during the open house layout tours, which take place on the last Saturday of each month from 11 am to 2 pm. The March open house is Saturday, March 30, 2024.

2. ARTISANworks

I have heard ARTISANworks described as a walk-through kaleidoscope and a space that transcends boundaries, displaying art across a 360° canvas. It is a place that cannot be fully captured in words and must be seen to be believed. It’s surprising, inspiring, and sometimes even shocking. It’s an experience that bombards your senses and defies all expectations.

Immerse yourselves in a blend of art, creativity, and imagination at ARTISANworks. This dynamic art space features diverse artworks, sculptures, and installations from local and international artists.

3. Lamberton Conservatory

Escape into a tropical oasis at the Lamberton Conservatory, where lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and exotic plants await. Stroll through different botanical environments, from desert landscapes to rainforest settings, and discover a variety of plant species from around the world. You can also spot turtles basking by indoor ponds while tiny button quail and tortoises roam around the area. It’s an educational and peaceful experience that nature enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy.

The theme of the Seasonal Display Room changes five times throughout the year. The 2024 Lamberton Conservatory Spring Show features hyacinths, daffodils, tulips, and other aromatic flowering bulbs.

4. Nature Centers

Embark on outdoor adventures through Rochester-area nature centers, where families can hike scenic trails, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and learn about environmental conservation. With activities like bird watching, nature crafts, and guided tours, these centers offer a perfect blend of fun and learning for a memorable spring break getaway.

5. Rochester Museum & Science Center

Explore the fascinating world of science and history at the Rochester Museum & Science Center. With interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, hands-on experiments, and educational programs, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Discover ancient civilizations, dive into space exploration, and engage in STEM activities for an enriching and fun experience.

Don’t miss the two singing Tesla coils in the Electricity Theater. Audience members can volunteer to stand inside a Faraday cage while the coils sing a duet with lightning.

In the planetarium, you’ll experience a state-of-the-art view of our solar system and the visible universe using near-real-time data. The lounge chairs in the planetarium are not fixed to the floor, making the space accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

6. The Strong National Museum of Play

Discover a world of fun and imagination at The Strong National Museum of Play, where visitors of all ages can experience the joy of gaming, toys, and childhood memories. With classic arcade games, interactive exhibits, outdoor play areas, and storytelling sessions, this museum celebrates the importance of play in creating memories and inspiring creativity.

The Strong boasts the world’s most extensive collection of play-related historical materials. It all began with Margaret Woodbury Strong, a little girl who shared her parents’ passion for collecting, and they happily supported her.

The Strong National Museum of Play completed a multi-year expansion project in 2023 with the opening of the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Toward the back of the museum is a new cafe and outdoor Hasbro Game Park, themed around classic board games like Candy Land, Monopoly, Simon, and Scrabble.

The Neighborhood of Play is also new, introducing several bars and restaurants, including Nerdvana, which offers an upscale food and cocktail menu paired with video and board games.

7. Family-Friendly Restaurants, Cafes, and Breweries

Rochester offers an exciting selection of restaurants, cafes, and breweries that serve delicious culinary treats in a kid-friendly environment. Whether you are in the mood for comfort food, gourmet cuisine, or local specialties, there is a diverse range of dining options to satisfy every taste bud. You can enjoy farm-to-table meals, sample craft beer, or relax and have a great dining experience with your family.

Or head to the Avon Vintage Drive-In to enjoy dinner and a movie!

8. Monroe County Libraries

Fuel your love for reading and learning at Monroe County Libraries, offering a treasure trove of books, resources, and engaging activities for families. From storytime sessions and book clubs to educational workshops and computer labs, these libraries provide a welcoming space for exploration, discovery, and community engagement during spring break.

Explore the unique characteristics of the thirty-one Monroe County libraries and their surrounding communities.

9. Spend Time with Animals

Connect with nature’s furry, feathered, and fishy friends by visiting animal sanctuaries, farms, and petting zoos around Rochester. Kids can interact with farm animals, observe wildlife up close, and learn about animal care and conservation. It’s a heartwarming and educational experience that fosters empathy and appreciation for the natural world.

Take the kids to Rochester’s Seneca Park Zoo, Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, or the Buffalo Zoo. Farms such as Powers Farm Market, Lollypop Farm, and Springdale Farm offer the opportunity to observe animals and hands-on experiences like feeding and petting. Dive into aquatic wonders at the Aquarium of Niagara or the avian world at WildWings at Mendon Ponds.

10. Take a Short Spring Break Road Trip

Plan a short road trip to a nearby children’s museum for a fun spring break mini-adventure.

• Corning Museum of Glass in Corning
• Museum of the Earth in Ithaca
• Sciencenter in Ithaca
• Explore & More Children’s Museum in Buffalo
• Museum of Science & Technology in Syracuse
• Buffalo Museum of Science in Buffalo
• Medina Railroad Museum in Medina
• Niagara Power Vista in Lewiston

What are your favorite spring break activities?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.

Enjoy the Journey Together!