School’s out for summer break, but the learning never ends! Find the perfect balance between fun and education with day-trip ideas that extend learning outside the classroom.
Whether your child is interested in science, history, arts, or nature, you’ll find plenty of options to spark their curiosity and keep their minds active. This summer, turn every day into an opportunity for discovery and growth by fostering a genuine curiosity and understanding of the world.
Social Studies: History
Explore Rochester’s Rich History: History explores the events, people, and societies that have shaped our world, fostering critical thinking and understanding of historical context.
Activities:
- Take a ride on the Colonial Belle, Sam Patch, and Riverie to get different perspectives on the Erie Canal system.
- Visit the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse.
- Experience heritage railroad museums and the Edgerton Model Railroad Room.
- Visit the Genesee Country Village & Museum.
- Drive around the Image City to observe Rochester’s historic places and iconic buildings.
- Learn about our military history at Fort Niagara, Fort Ontario, and Fort Stanwix.
- Keep an eye out for the historical markers that indicate significant historical locations.
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Old Fort Niagara served as a strategic stronghold for 300 years during the French & Indian Wars, War of 1812, Revolutionary War, and Civil War.
Genesee Country Village & Museum
The Genesee Country Village is a living history museum with 68 structures on 700 acres, making it the largest museum of its kind in New York.
Rochester evolved from the Flower City to the Image City when Eastman invented a way for the masses to capture everyday moments on film.
All Aboard! Ride the Rails at These 4 Heritage Train Museums
Listen to the rhythmic chugga-chuggas and whistling choo-choos while enjoying the scenic landscape passing by on a Rochester-area train ride.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Great Lakes, Genesee River, Erie Canal, and Finger Lakes on one of these Rochester-area boat tours.
Unlock the Wonder: 12 Ways to Fully Experience the Erie Canal
Experience the beauty, history, and community of the Erie Canal through activities that offer a unique perspective of life along the canal.
9 Lake Ontario Lighthouses in New York
These lighthouses along Lake Ontario in New York are within a two-hour drive of Rochester. And where there’s a light there’s a sweeping view!
Social Studies: Culture & Society
Visit Key Sites: Learn about various human traditions, customs, and social structures.
Activities:
- Visit the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House.
- Explore museums in Auburn and Seneca Falls.
- Discover the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan and attend their annual Indigenous Music & Arts Festival, held on July 27 and 28, 2024
- Look for Heritage Month celebrations throughout the year at the Memorial Art Gallery.
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Rochester’s theaters, museums, and events offer opportunities to celebrate the region’s unique identity and cultural heritage.
Ganondagan State Historic Site
Ganondagan is the original site of a 17th-century Seneca town, which at its peak had 150 longhouses where one replica stands today.
Auburn offers a full day of immersive experiences. Follow this guide to make the most of your time exploring the city’s rich culture.
Social Studies: Geography
Plan Your Trip: Use our Google Maps to help the kids plan their summer break day trip route.
Science: Geology
Discover Geological Wonders: Visit places that provide historical evidence of the Earth’s changes over time and its inner workings affecting the people who live here.
Activities:
- Take a creek walk at Grimes Glen or the Eternal Flame Trail.
- Explore the Watkins Glen, Letchworth, Niagara Falls, and Stony Brook State Park gorges.
- Wander amongst house-sized boulders at a rock city, such as Rock City Park or Panama Rocks Scenic Park.
- Observe Chimney Bluffs from above and below and walk on the smooth, flat rocks on Lake Ontario’s shoreline.
- Green Lakes State Park features striking blue-green lakes created by unique geological processes.
- Try fossil hunting at Penn Dixie in Blasdell.
- Find sparkling Herkimer “Diamonds” at Herkimer Diamond Mines.
- Marvel at the glowing calcite heart in the mystical depths of Howe Caverns.
- Learn about Earth’s history at Ithac’s Museum of the Earth.
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Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history will remind you just how amazing our corner of the Earth is.
Grimes Glen is public, free, and you are encouraged to wade up the creek to the first and second waterfalls, both 60-foot cascades.
Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, start checking these spectacular trails off your list.
The bluffs in Chimney Bluffs State Park are fragile drumlins, like all of the truncated drumlins along this section of shoreline.
Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Reserve
At Penn Dixie, you keep every fossil you find, though it takes a keen eye and persistence to find the fossils, many of which are smaller than pebbles.
Science: Energy
Witness Renewable Energy in Action: Rochester has a rich history of using hydropower from the Genesee River for mills and manufacturing. Here are some places where you can learn about hydropower around Rochester:
Activities:
- Wander through the High Falls Historic District to read about Rochester’s early hydropower history.
- Visit the Middle Falls Hydroelectric Plant, where RG&E continues to harness the power of the Genesee River to generate electricity. Please note that RG&E closes the walkway periodically.
- At the Niagara Power Vista in Lewiston (no admission fee), learn about the immense power of water to shape the Earth and humanity’s ability to harness that power to provide energy for our homes.
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High Falls on the Genesee River
High Falls is the name of the waterfall, the neighboring historic district, and the future Rochester High Falls State Park.
Maplewood Park is a linear park that follows the river from Driving Park and the Lower Falls to just north of Route 104, ending at the pedestrian bridge over the Genesee.
At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester before reaching Lake Ontario.
Ranked as one of the “Top Ten Small Towns,” spend a day in Lewiston, with its excellent shops, restaurants, and Niagara River views.
Science: Agriculture
Visit Farms and Markets: Explore local farms and markets to understand agriculture and taste fresh produce.
Activities:
- Play all day at Wickham Farms, which is open from mid-July through October.
- Visit Springdale Farms in Spencerport to observe a small-scale, fully operational farm, including a robotic milking system.
- At Cracker Box Palace at Alasa Farms in Alton and Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, visitors can hear the stories of animals rescued from dangerous farming practices.
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Farms & Farmers’ Markets: Your Guide to Locally Grown Produce
Exploring local markets and roadside produce stands is a great way to immerse yourself in the community and support family farms.
Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen
Farm Sanctuary sits on 175 acres in Watkins Glen, just west of Sugar Hill State Forest, and is home to more than 500 rescued farm animals.
Science: Biology & Zoology
Explore Nature and Animal Centers: Spend time observing wildlife and searching for clues about their environment. Participate in citizen science activities to document your observations.
Activities:
- Visit local nature centers like Tinker Nature Park, Cumming Nature Center, and Wild Wings Bird of Pray Facility at Mendon Ponds Park.
- At the Seneca Park Zoo, you can observe birds and animals from around the world and learn about their care and efforts to protect them in the wild. For a different experience, take a road trip to the Buffalo Zoo and Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse.
- Look for unique fruits, leaves, and flowers in local gardens and arboretums, such as the Lamberton Conservatory—a perfect rainy-day activity.
- You can take a self-guided tour of Lollypop Farm‘s property, including the farm walk, education alley, adoption center, and gift shop.
- Try birdwatching at the Iroquois and Montezuma National Wildlife Refuges or Braddock Bay.
- Bring quarters to feed the fish at the Powder Mills Park Fish Hatchery.
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The 20-acre Seneca Park Zoo is a small portion of the 300-acre county park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1893.
Nature Centers and Preserves Around Rochester
The various nature centers, preserves, and management areas all work to protect and maintain natural spaces for the benefit of all.
The Lamberton Conservatory, located in Highland Park, is a serene and colorful tropical glasshouse displaying a diverse collection of plants.
Science: Astronomy & Meteorology
Star Gazing and Weather Watching: Visit the Strassenburg Planetarium, observe the Perseid Meteor Shower, and explore weather patterns.
Activities:
- Attend a showing of “The Sky Tonight” at the Strassenburg Planetarium, then spend the night looking for the constellations and planets you learned about.
- The Astronomy Section of the Rochester Academy of Science (ASRAS) hosts public open houses and stargazing events at the Farash Center in Ionia. Read or listen to the current edition of “The Sky This Month.”
- ASRAS volunteers coordinate the planetarium’s free telescope viewings on Saturday night to observe the universe through powerful telescopes atop its observation tower.
- Reference the Clear Sky Chart when planning your trips, especially when night-sky viewing is on the itinerary.
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The Darkest Skies Near Rochester
Locations northeast of Rochester close to Lake Ontario, or south of US-20 in the Finger Lakes will offer the darkest sky near Rochester.
Rochester Museum & Science Center
Between the star shows, laser shows, interactive exhibits, and Singing Tesla Coils, the Rochester Museum and Science Center will entertain you for hours!
Language Arts
Reading and Writing: Research and read about your field trip destinations, journal about your experiences, or practice creative writing.
Activities:
- Explore all 31 Monroe County libraries to discover books related to your upcoming field trips or those that pique your interest. In addition to books, libraries allow patrons to borrow games, musical instruments, art, and various other items.
- Pop into the local bookstore in whatever place your expedition takes you to.
- Participate in a reading or writing course or summer camp at Writers & Books.
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A free library card allows you to access 31 Monroe County libraries, including Central Library and Libby, the digital library.
New & Used Bookstores Around Rochester
Books take us on a journey through time and space. If you’re looking for a new adventure, check out these bookstores around Rochester.
My Favorite Books About the Rochester Area
I’ve provided links to borrow these Rochester-themed books from a Monroe County Library or to purchase them online via Amazon or Bookshop.
Performing Arts
Live Performances: Enjoy concerts, theater, and movie experiences.
Activities:
- Look for free concerts held throughout the region, including the RPO Outdoors and Concerts by the Shore. The city and surrounding towns host summer music series and weekend arts festivals.
- Attend a live performance at a local theater, like RBTL West Herr Auditorium Theatre, Blackfriars Theatre, or Geva Theatre Center.
- Check out an outdoor Shakespearean performance by the Rochester Community Players at the Highland Park Bowl in July.
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🎶 Inexpensive & Free Outdoor Concerts Around Rochester
Free outdoor concerts around Rochester start ramping up in June when local venues kick off their summer music series and festivals.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, from Broadway productions to classic movies.
7 Significant City of Rochester Festivals in 2024
This guide aims to showcase Rochester’s most popular festivals, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to our beautiful city.
Visual Arts
Art Exploration: Find opportunities to create using different mediums and techniques, from painting to pottery to glassblowing and metalwork.
Activities:
- At places like Splatters and Color Me Mine, you can choose from various pottery items and express your creativity with unique glazes and designs.
- Participate in art activities at the Flower City Arts Center, Memorial Art Gallery, and maker spaces.
- Grab your paint supplies and easel to paint outdoors, en plein air.
- Studio 34 Creative Arts Center offers various workshops in stained and fused glass.
- In addition to its hands-on Discovery Room, where kids can learn about the science of photography, the George Eastman Museum periodically offers photography workshops and camps.
Summer Break Recreation
Make Time for Recess: Rochester has no shortage of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the entire family active throughout the summer break.
- Outdoor Activities: Walk, bike, kayak, boat, fish, swim, and play. Consider taking a guided walking tour of a museum or neighborhood to hear stories and insights from local experts.
- Sports Events: Attend Rochester Red Wings baseball games or Flour City Union soccer matches.
- Amusement Parks: Spend the day at Seabreeze, Roseland Water Park, or Six Flags Darien Lake.
- Indoor Gaming: The Strong National Museum of Play, Playhouse // Swillburger, Rochester Pinball Collective, Flower City Amusements, POP ROC, and Nerdvana offer a variety of board and arcade games.
- Problem-Solving: Challenge yourself to solve puzzles and reveal hidden clues to unravel the mysteries within a ticking clock at the Great Escape Room and Locked.
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Seabreeze, Darien Lake, and Other Amusement Parks Near Rochester
When May comes around, you find the amusement parks with the dry rides opening on the weekends and water parks opening in mid-June.
Guided Walks and Tours Around Rochester, NY
Local experts who highlight the rich history, geology, ecology, and community of the greater Rochester region lead these guided walks.
On a hot day, you can stand under a waterfall, swim in a lake, or wade through a creek at one of these refreshing natural swimming holes
Paddle, Pedal, and Trek Along Rochester’s Waterways
With parks, preserved wetlands, historic neighborhoods, and miles of trails, Rochester has no shortage of adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
Land That I Love: Your Guide to Roaming the Earth Around Rochester
Enjoy the beauty and wonders of the world by making the most of the varied memorable experiences offered by our parks, gardens, and farms.
H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources
Rochesterians are fortunate to be surrounded by abundant freshwater resources that present us with unique stewardship opportunities.
80+ Hiking Trails Around Rochester
Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature.
Paved, Boardwalk, and Gravel Pathways for Easy Strolls
These paved pathways and boardwalks are ideal for folks using strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, or managing other mobility challenges.
Our Favorite Places to Take a Walk
The best thing you can do for your body and mind is simply take a walk. Enjoy our favorite places to meander, mosey, saunter or stroll.
Full-Day Field Trips
Plan Mini-Adventures: Explore our outstanding regional museums and organize an adventurous day of discovery in the neighboring area.
Museums:
- Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo
- Buffalo AKG, Buffalo
- Corning Museum of Glass, Corning
- Explore & More Children’s Museum, Buffalo
- Museum of Science & Technology, Syracuse
- Sciencenter in Ithaca
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Corning’s Gaffer District features nearly one hundred boutiques, specialty and antique shops, art galleries, glass studios, and restaurants.
Spend a day in the City of Ithaca, exploring the waterfalls, restaurants, shops, and festivals that make this Ivy League college town unique.
Visitors travel far and wide to see Niagara Falls State Park, America’s first state park, and we are fortunate to drive there in 90 minutes.
From Canalside to Outer Harbor and RiverWorks to Silo City, there are a dozen excellent day trips from Rochester along Buffalo’s waterfront.
Summer Break Refreshments
Fun with Food: Challenge your family to explore new regional and global cuisines, using unfamiliar ingredients for prepared dishes.
Activities:
- Visit an international food market and try a variety of ethnic cuisines.
- Pick a fruit or vegetable you’ve never tried from a farm market or grocery store.
- Choose a different ice cream wherever you go, or taste a variety with an ice cream flight.
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Fun, Family-Friendly Restaurants, Cafes, and Breweries
I asked our day-trip community: “Do you know of any Rochester-area restaurants that are great for date night and kid-friendly but not kid-centric?” Here’s what you said!
Whether savoring a gourmet meal, enjoying local delicacies, or embarking on a culinary adventure, you’ll love Rochester’s dining scene.
🍦The Best Ice Cream Shops Around Rochester
These top ice cream and frozen dessert shops in charming villages and city neighborhoods turn a simple scoop into an artisanal delight.
30 Perfect Picnic Spots Around Rochester
When searching for the perfect picnic spots, I look for a picnic table, scenery and proximity to water, shade, and relative privacy.
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Grand Adventures: 10 Rochester Skip-Gen Day Trip Ideas
This guide offers ten skip-gen day trip ideas for grandparents and grandchildren to spend quality time exploring the Rochester area together.
Citizen Science in the Rochester Area
Citizen science involves individuals from all backgrounds, including students, professionals, and the general public, in conducting research.
132 Things to Do Around Rochester
We’ve pulled together a list of fun and unique things to do around Rochester, NY, within two hours of home—perfect for quick getaways.
I have compiled a quick reference list of 104 natural attractions, parks, museums, and tours to inspire your day trips from Rochester.
50 New York State Parks Within a Two-Hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them unique.
24 Hidden Places Around Rochester
From secret gardens to enchanting waterfalls, exploring hidden places around the Rochester area is the ultimate way to add some spice to your travel experiences.
60 Day Trips within 30 Minutes of Rochester
Sometimes you just need a fun, spontaneous adventure or quick getaway to refresh your day. Try one of these day trips within 30 minutes of Rochester.
Instead of being an escape, I see these places as opportunities that encourage us to transcend space, time, and our state of mind.
Rochester’s Fun Facts: Oldest, Original, Only, & More!
For years, I’ve been collecting fun facts about Rochester from books, websites, historical markers, and casual conversations.
When temperatures rise above ninety degrees for several days, we all need to find a place to cool down. Water and shade are critical.
🎡 2024 New York State & County Fairs
State and county fairs, featuring agricultural-themed competitions, amusement, and entertainment, have been popular since the early 1800s.
What are your favorite summer break activities that help foster continuous learning and create memorable moments?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.