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Summer Break: Ideas for Fun, Educational Rochester Day Trips

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:

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Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara served as a strategic stronghold for 300 years during the French & Indian Wars, War of 1812, Revolutionary War, and Civil War.

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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.

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Rochester: The Image City

Rochester evolved from the Flower City to the Image City when Eastman invented a way for the masses to capture everyday moments on film.

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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.

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Rochester-Area Boat Tours

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Great Lakes, Genesee River, Erie Canal, and Finger Lakes on one of these Rochester-area boat tours.

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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.

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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!

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Social Studies: Culture & Society

Visit Key Sites: Learn about various human traditions, customs, and social structures.

Activities:

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Rochester’s Cultural Heritage

Rochester’s theaters, museums, and events offer opportunities to celebrate the region’s unique identity and cultural heritage.

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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.

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Explore Auburn

Auburn offers a full day of immersive experiences. Follow this guide to make the most of your time exploring the city’s rich culture.

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Explore Seneca Falls

Seneca Falls, on historic Route 5 and 20, is the birthplace of the Women’s Rights movement and is the inspiration for It’s a Wonderful Life.

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Social Studies: Geography

Plan Your Trip: Use our Google Maps to help the kids plan their summer break day trip route.

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Day Trip Maps

Use our curated Google Maps to help you locate the best waterfalls, ice cream shops, farm markets, sledding hills, Christmas lights and more.

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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:

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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.

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Grimes Glen in Naples

Grimes Glen is public, free, and you are encouraged to wade up the creek to the first and second waterfalls, both 60-foot cascades.

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Gorge Trails Near Rochester

Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, start checking these spectacular trails off your list.

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Chimney Bluffs State Park

The bluffs in Chimney Bluffs State Park are fragile drumlins, like all of the truncated drumlins along this section of shoreline.

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Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Reserve

Penn Dixie Fossil Park is a hidden gem just 10 miles south of Buffalo. Visitors can find and collect 380 million-year-old fossils.

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Museum of the Earth

The Museum of the Earth focuses on life beginning in the Cambrian Period, but it covers Earth’s history spanning 4.5 billion years.

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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.

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Maplewood Park & Rose Garden

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.

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Exploring The Genesee River

At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester before reaching Lake Ontario.

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Explore Lewiston

Ranked as one of the “Top Ten Small Towns,” spend a day in Lewiston, with its excellent shops, restaurants, and Niagara River views.

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Explore Niagara Falls, USA

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.

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Science: Agriculture

Visit Farms and Markets: Explore local farms and markets to understand agriculture and taste fresh produce.

Activities:

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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.

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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.

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Rochester Public Market

The Rochester Public Market is the best place to find the freshest locally grown produce, seafood, beef, cheese, bread, and beverages.

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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:

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Seneca Park and Zoo

The 20-acre Seneca Park Zoo is a small portion of the 300-acre county park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1893.

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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.

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Lamberton Conservatory: 2024 Holiday Show

The Lamberton Conservatory 2024 Holiday Show runs from Friday, Dec. 6, through Sunday, Jan. 12. Enjoy it on Friday and Sunday nights!

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Gardens & Arboretums

These carefully designed gardens, often cultivated for decades or even centuries, display exceptional collections of flowers and trees.

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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.

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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!

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Language Arts

Reading and Writing: Research and read about your field trip destinations, journal about your experiences, or practice creative writing.

Activities:

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31 Monroe County Libraries

A free library card allows you to access 31 Monroe County libraries, including Central Library and Libby, the digital library.

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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.

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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.

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Performing Arts

Live Performances: Enjoy concerts, theater, and movie experiences.

Activities:

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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.

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Theaters Around Rochester

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, from Broadway productions to classic movies.

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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.

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Visual Arts

Art Exploration: Find opportunities to create using different mediums and techniques, from painting to pottery to glassblowing and metalwork.

Activities:

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Museums Around Rochester

Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Swimming Holes

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

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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.

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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.

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H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources

Rochesterians are fortunate to be surrounded by abundant freshwater resources that present us with unique stewardship opportunities.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Full-Day Field Trips

summer break at the corning museum of glass
Corning Museum of Glass

Plan Mini-Adventures: Explore our outstanding regional museums and organize an adventurous day of discovery in the neighboring area.

Museums:

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Explore Corning

Corning’s Gaffer District features nearly one hundred boutiques, specialty and antique shops, art galleries, glass studios, and restaurants.

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Explore Ithaca

Spend a day in the City of Ithaca, exploring the waterfalls, restaurants, shops, and festivals that make this Ivy League college town unique.

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Explore Niagara Falls, USA

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.

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Explore Buffalo’s Waterfront

From Canalside to Outer Harbor and RiverWorks to Silo City, there are a dozen excellent day trips from Rochester along Buffalo’s waterfront.

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Explore Syracuse

A day trip to Syracuse should include a walk through its squares, exploring renowned museums, and indulging in delicious local food.

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Summer Break Refreshments

summer break picnic at Olcott Krull Park
Picnicking at Olcott’s Krull Park

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!

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Food & Beverage Guide

Whether savoring a gourmet meal, enjoying local delicacies, or embarking on a culinary adventure, you’ll love Rochester’s dining scene.

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🍦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.

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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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summer break at Fair Haven Beach State Park
Cover Photo: Fair Haven Beach State Park

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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.

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Citizen Science in the Rochester Area

Citizen science involves individuals from all backgrounds, including students, professionals, and the general public, in conducting research.

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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.

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104 Day Trips From Rochester

I have compiled a quick reference list of 104 natural attractions, parks, museums, and tours to inspire your day trips from Rochester.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Transformative Travel Destinations

Instead of being an escape, I see these places as opportunities that encourage us to transcend space, time, and our state of mind.

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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.

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Escaping Extreme Heat

When temperatures rise above ninety degrees for several days, we all need to find a place to cool down. Water and shade are critical.

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🎡 2024 New York State & County Fairs

State and county fairs, featuring agricultural-themed competitions, amusement, and entertainment, have been popular since the early 1800s.

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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.

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book Day Trips Around Rochester, New York.

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.

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