Rochester · Monroe County, NY

Family things to do in Rochester

Scout analyzed 113 Rochester places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

113

Matches

Typical spend

$25

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Complete outings

Family Fun at The Strong Museum

Dive into an afternoon of imaginative play at The Strong National Museum of Play, where kids (and adults!) can explore hands-on exhibits dedicated to toys and games. Afterwards, refuel with some tasty New American fare perfect for the whole family, and finish with a sweet treat.

Scout-verified spots

Outdoors

Channing H. Philbrick Park

This park is suitable for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, such as a walk or picnic. It can be a pleasant solo adventure or family outing for about an hour, best enjoyed during good weather.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Sea Breeze

Seabreeze Amusement Park

Seabreeze Amusement Park is ideal for a full-day family outing, offering rides and water attractions. Expect to spend half a day to a full day here, with costs around $50-100 per person for entry and food.

OutdoorsFoodSports

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Lucien Morin Park

Lucien Morin Park is a good spot for a few hours of outdoor activity like kayaking, hiking, or birdwatching, costing nothing for entry. It pairs well with a picnic or a visit to a nearby casual eatery.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Cobbs Hill

Cobbs Hill Park

Cobbs Hill Park is excellent for a free outdoor excursion, offering walking trails, city views, and open spaces for families or solo adventurers. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the park, perhaps paired with a picnic.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Browncroft

Tryon Park

Tryon Park is good for an active outdoor excursion, like a hike or bike ride, that can fill an hour or two. It's a free activity suitable for families or solo adventures, ideally on a nice day.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Hamlin Beach State Park

Hamlin Beach State Park is ideal for a half-day to full-day outdoor escape, offering trails, a beach, and views. It's a low-cost outing that can be paired with a picnic or camping.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

Java's Cafe

Java's Cafe is a hip, art-filled spot for coffee, pastries, or light bites, suitable for a casual solo outing or a relaxed catch-up. Expect to spend an hour and $10-25 per person.

FoodShoppingArts

$10–$25 typical45 min visithard parking

Swillburg

CRISP Rochester

CRISP Rochester is a good spot for a casual dinner or drinks with friends, typically lasting about 1.5 hours. Expect to spend $20-45 per person on food and beverages.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$45 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Highland Park

The Old Stone Tavern

This is a casual bar and grill suitable for a relaxed evening meal or drinks with friends. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $25-50 per person on food and a few drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Edgerton

Lower Falls Park

This park is suitable for a free, scenic outing, especially good for a morning or afternoon walk with family. Expect to spend an hour enjoying the natural views.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Durand Eastman Park

Durand Eastman Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, offering trails, lakeside views, and a golf course. It can be a free activity or cost up to $50 per person if playing golf.

OutdoorsViewsSports

$0–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Mendon Ponds Park

Mendon Ponds Park is suitable for a multi-hour outdoor excursion, offering trails and scenic ponds. It is a free activity best enjoyed on a clear day, ideal for combining with a picnic.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Whiting Road Nature Preserve

This nature preserve offers multi-use trails for a 1-3 hour outdoor adventure, suitable for families or solo outings. It's a free activity, best enjoyed in good weather for hiking and wildlife viewing.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

Mercantile on Main

Mercantile on Main is a good spot for a casual, affordable lunch or early dinner, offering various food options for a quick solo meal or a relaxed family outing. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $10-25 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Highland Park

Equal Grounds Community Cafe

This cafe is good for a casual solo or small group outing, offering a place to relax, work, or play board games. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $5-15 per person on coffee and a light meal or dessert.

FoodShoppingArts

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Cafe Sasso

Cafe Sasso is good for a casual coffee or cocktail stop, often paired with nearby shopping or a stroll on Park Avenue. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $5-20 per person.

FoodCocktailsShopping

$5–$20 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Holley Canal Falls

Holley Canal Falls is a free outdoor park ideal for a relaxed hour-long stop to enjoy nature and views, potentially pairing with a picnic or other local outdoor activities. Expect minimal to moderate walking to explore the falls.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Tinker Nature Park / Hansen Nature Center

Tinker Nature Park is good for a 1.5 to 2 hour family outing, combining nature walks with educational exhibits at the Hansen Nature Center. Expect to spend little to nothing on admission, though some programs may have a small fee.

OutdoorsArtsAnimals

$0–$10 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Corn Hill

Rabbit Hole Tavern

This bar and grill is suitable for a casual evening meal or drinks with friends, potentially before or after an event downtown. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-$50 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsSports

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Charlotte

Turning Point Park

Turning Point Park is good for an hour or two of walking or biking on paved trails, offering scenic views of the Genesee River and a waterfall. It is a free outdoor activity that can be paired with a local meal.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Neighborhood of the Arts

Melo Coffee & Kitchen

Melo Coffee & Kitchen is a good spot for a casual solo or family outing for coffee, breakfast, or lunch, likely costing $10-$25 per person. It's a relaxed indoor setting for about an hour, pairing well with a walk in the area.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a good spot for a casual meal of Southern-style barbecue, often paired with live music. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $25-50 per person.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Tapas 177

Tapas 177 is good for an evening out, offering small plates and drinks in a dim setting, with salsa dancing on some nights. Expect to spend $35-$75 per person for dinner and drinks over about 1.5 hours.

FoodCocktailsWellness

$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Corbett's Glen Nature Park

Corbett's Glen Nature Park is a free outdoor activity, ideal for a 1.5-hour walk, especially good for families or solo adventurers looking to enjoy nature and wildlife. It pairs well with a picnic or another nearby activity.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking