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

Winter Break, or February Break, including the weekends, runs from February 14–22, 2026.

Winter Break in Rochester doesn’t have to be complicated—or involve a long car ride. Even in a snow-light year, there are plenty of places where kids can burn energy, explore something new, or slow down for a cozy afternoon. Here are ten easy, family-friendly ideas that work for any age, attention span, or weather forecast.

1. Events During the 2026 Winter Break Week

Explore the Kids Out and About Rochester’s calendar for more of this year’s events. Here are a few highlights, with more to come as they are announced.

• Feb 14 & 15: Hello, Dolly! OFC Creations
• Feb 15: Amerks 3:05 pm Sunday Home Game
• Feb 15: Family Glass Fusing Workshop: Doll House, Arc + Flame
• Feb 18–20: Wicked, RBTL
• Feb 20 & 21: How to Get Away with a Murder Mystery, performing at Stages

2. Explore the RMSC & Strasenburgh Planetarium

Hands-on science exhibits, towering dinosaurs, lightning shows, and immersive star programs make the Rochester Museum & Science Center an all-day adventure for curious kids (and adults who love learning just as much). Don’t miss their Astronaut- Where Science Meets Space exhibit!

3. Go Ice Skating Indoors or Under the Sky

Glide under the winter lights at MLK Park’s outdoor rink, or stay warm inside at Tim Horton’s Iceplex, which offers public skating sessions throughout winter break week.

4. Try a Fun, Family-Friendly Restaurant or Café

Let kids play, explore, or enjoy their favorite treats at family-friendly spots around Rochester—from playful cafés to restaurants with built-in activities.

5. Spend a Cozy Afternoon at a Local Library

Many Monroe County Library branches offer Winter Break programs—crafts, LEGO clubs, family movies, scavenger hunts, and story hours perfect for slowing down and warming up.

6. Hit the Best Sledding Hills Around Rochester

If we get a good snowfall, head to Mendon Ponds, Cobbs Hill, Black Creek Park, or your neighborhood hill for simple winter magic: sledding, snowmen, and wide-open snowball-friendly fields.

7. Feed the Birds at Mendon Ponds

At Mendon Ponds Park, the Birdsong Fairy Trail near the nature center is a favorite for families and bird lovers. The broad dirt path and gentle grades make it an easy, multi-generational walk through the woods. Walk counterclockwise along the path to search for more than forty colorful fairy homes and play spaces tucked into the landscape. In winter and early spring, head clockwise with a handful of black oil sunflower seeds and see if chickadees, nuthatches, and tufted titmice will eat directly from your hand.

8. Warm Up at Lamberton Conservatory

Step into tropical warmth, leafy pathways, and sunny corners where turtles and quail roam. Lamberton Conservatory is an easy mid-winter escape that feels magical to little explorers.

9. Play Indoors at an Arcade, Bowling Alley, or Game Space

Try Radio Social, Clubhouse Fun Center, Central Rock Gym, or your favorite neighborhood arcade for an easy, high-energy day that burns off some mid-winter wiggles.

Star with these:

• Rochester Pinball Collective 
• Eric’s Retro Arcade
• Arcade 80’s
• Strong National Museum of Play
• Clubhouse Fun Center
• Bowlero Rochester
• Radio Social
• The Playhouse // Swillburger
• Ontario Play & Café
• Millennium Games
• Central Rock Gym

10. Start Planning Your Summer Adventures Together

Pull out a map, flip through last year’s photos, or browse a few favorite day-trip ideas and let kids help choose what they want to explore when the weather warms up. Whether it’s picking a beach, choosing a waterfall hike, or dreaming up a Finger Lakes ice cream road trip, planning together makes the anticipation almost as fun as the adventure itself.

What are your favorite ways to enjoy the winter school break in Rochester?

I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.