Event
Fridays & Saturdays, 6–9 pm, through Dec 31
Glow nights
Weekend evening trampoline sessions with the lights down and glow lighting on.
189 picks · Updated October 26, 2026
Things to Do with Teens in Rochester
What is there for teenagers to do in Rochester? Start with Glow nights, Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester or T(w)een Halloween Night. Teens want it to feel like their plan, not a family outing. These are the places and events 13-and-up actually go to: trampoline glow nights, climbing gyms, escape rooms, arcades, ice rinks and late museum nights.
Written by the ROC Kids Activities team. Listings checked weekly.
Events coming up
Event
Oct 26 – Oct 30
Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester
A big-production haunted hayride east of Rochester for teens who want a real scare. Peak nights sell out.
Event
Wed, Oct 28 · 6:00 pm
T(w)een Halloween Night
An evening Halloween party at the library just for tweens and teens.
Event
Fri, Oct 30 · Game night (see site)
Amerks Sweets in the Suites Night
A Rochester Americans home game where kids trick-or-treat through the arena suites.
Event
Select days, midday shows
Moon Joy: To the Moon with Artemis II
A family-friendly 45-minute dome show that follows the Artemis II crew around the Moon and ends with a tour of tonight's Rochester sky. Showings listed through Dec 5.
Event
Fri, Oct 30 · Evening (see site)
Moonlight Maze
The corn maze after dark with flashlights, a favorite with tweens and teens.
Event
Oct 30 – Nov 1
Pumpkin Destruction Weekend
The farm closes its season by smashing, launching and crushing leftover pumpkins.
Event
Select nights; most games 7:05 pm, some weekend 3:05/5:05 pm
Rochester Americans Home Games
AHL hockey downtown. Home dates in the window: Oct 30, Nov 4 (ASL Night), 6, 13, 14, 27, Dec 5, 16, 18, 19, 21, 27 and Jan 2. Sensory kits are available at every game.
Event
Fri, Oct 30 · Evening tours (see site)
Spirits of the Past: A Walk in the Dark
A guided after-dark theatrical walk through the historic village with spooky stories. Best for older kids and teens.
Event
Fri, Oct 30 · Gates open about 6:30 pm
VerHulst Haunted Hayride
A full-scare haunted hayride, walk-through and corn maze. Under-14s must ride with a paying adult.
Event
Limited run: Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 11, Nov 21, through Nov 21
Laser Stranger Things
A 57-minute laser show set to music from the Stranger Things soundtrack, a hit with tweens and teens. Contains flashing lights; late shows are for ages 5+.
Event
Sat, Oct 31 · Evening (see site)
Mischief, Murder & Mayhem Tour
A walking tour of Rochester’s darker history in its famous Victorian cemetery. Best for older kids and teens.
Event
School-year club; contact Central Library for practice times, through Dec 31
Central Library Esports Club
The Central Library runs a scholastic esports team for middle and high schoolers, with team spots open during the school year. Teen Central on the 2nd floor also has a gaming area.
Event
First Wednesday of the month, noon–5 pm, through Dec 2
Amazon Free Afternoons at RMSC
Free museum admission on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month (Nov 4, Dec 2). Free planetarium seats can be reserved the same day, first come, first served.
Event
Wednesdays 6:00 pm, through Dec 16
Wildlife Action Crew: Frogs & Fungus
A six-session conservation program for teens 13–18 focused on amphibians and fungi. The series began Oct 28, so check with the zoo about joining.
Event
Fri, Nov 6 · 7:05 pm
Amerks Youth Hockey Night
A home game against the Hartford Wolf Pack that celebrates local youth hockey players and teams.
Event
Nov 7 – Nov 8 · Sat–Sun Nov 7–8
Holiday Market & Preparing for Winter
Shop handmade gifts at the museum's holiday market, then wander the historic village to see how 19th-century families got ready for winter.
Event
Sat, Nov 7 · 10:30 am–12:00 pm & 1:00–2:30 pm
LEGO Building Workshop: Mini Arcade
Local LEGO club builders walk participants step by step through a miniature arcade cabinet to take home. Tickets required.
Event
Monthly, through Nov 7
Stars with Carl
A monthly live sky show run on the planetarium's original 1968 Carl Zeiss star projector. A nice pick for space-curious kids and teens.
Event
Nov 7 – Jan 3 · Museum open days
Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display
Dozens of gingerbread creations, plus wreath and tabletop-tree displays, fill the Eastman mansion for the holidays.
Event
Sun, Nov 8 · 10:30 am
Wild Walk: Rockin' Rocks
A guided hike of up to 3 miles looking at unusual rocks on the property and the ice-age story they tell. Best for kids 7 and up.
Event
Nov 13 – Dec 5 · Wed–Sun (closed Nov 19 & Thanksgiving)
Granger Homestead Festival of Trees
More than a hundred decorated trees and wreaths, some made by student groups and families, fill the historic homestead.
Event
Nov 14 – Jan 3
Holiday Laser Show
The planetarium's family holiday spectacular pairs seasonal music with lasers and full-dome visuals; evening shows after 6 pm are for ages 5 and up.
Event
Sat, Nov 14 · 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Native American Heritage Month Celebration
A day of activities at The Strong marking Native American Heritage Month.
Event
Third Thursdays 6:30 pm, through Dec 17
Teen Game Night: Fall Edition
Monthly hangout for ages 13–18 with party games and snacks. No registration needed; remaining dates Nov 19 and Dec 17.
Event
Nov 21 – Nov 22 · Sat–Sun
In Another Galaxy
A sci-fi weekend with costumed 501st Legion characters, drawing lessons, a scavenger hunt and a Saturday talk by the author of Mickey7.
Event
Nov 25 – Dec 27 · Multiple performances weekly
A Christmas Carol at Geva
Geva's annual staging of the Dickens story about Scrooge's change of heart; the theater recommends it for ages 10 and up.
Event
Nov 25 – Dec 12 · Wed–Sun performances
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
A stage version of the Jim Henson holiday tale about Emmet and his Ma, each secretly entering a talent contest to buy the other a gift.
Event
Nov 25 – Nov 29
The Nutcracker with Rochester City Ballet & RPO
Rochester City Ballet dances the classic holiday ballet with the Rochester Philharmonic playing live, a Thanksgiving-week tradition at the Eastman Theatre.
Event
Fri, Nov 27 · 7:05 pm
Amerks Wands & Wizards Night
A wizard-themed home game against Syracuse the day after Thanksgiving, paired with a food drive.
Event
Nov 27 – Jan 3
Holiday Magic Tours
A 90-minute naturalist-led cart tour of the zoo during the holidays; carts hold just 10 guests per slot, so book early and bring a blanket and warm drink.
Event
Nov 27 – Dec 20
Roc Holiday Village
Downtown's outdoor holiday village returns for its eighth year, opening on Black Friday with free ice skating, a shopping village, food, Santa's Workshop and free kids' crafts in the Gingerbread House.
Event
Sat, Nov 28 · 7:00 pm
Rochester Knighthawks vs. Halifax Thunderbirds
Pro box lacrosse at Blue Cross Arena, a fast, loud night out for sports-loving kids and teens.
Event
Nov 29 – Dec 10
Holidays at the Market
The Public Market's special holiday shopping days with extra vendors; the Thursday evening market on Dec 10 is a festive after-dark outing. More dates may be added.
Event
Sun, Nov 29 · 11 am–6 pm
Kwanzaa Celebration at Roc Holiday Village
A free cultural celebration in the Gingerbread House presented by the Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition.
Event
Tue–Sun, 7:30 pm plus weekend matinees, through Dec 6
The Sound of Music (Broadway tour)
The classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical on tour, recommended for ages 5+ (about 2 hr 40 min). Audio-described, ASL-interpreted and open-captioned performances are offered.
Event
Dec 3 – Dec 4 · Thu–Fri Dec 3–4
Lake House Holiday Market
Local makers and seasonal treats fill the resort's Event Barn for two evenings of holiday shopping.
Event
Fri, Dec 4 · 6–9 pm
Lake House Tree Lighting
The lakeside resort lights its tree with carolers, live reindeer and visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Event
Dec 4 – Dec 6
The Nutcracker (Rochester City Ballet) in Canandaigua
Rochester City Ballet brings its Nutcracker to Canandaigua for five performances, a closer-to-home option for Ontario County families.
Event
Dec 4 – Dec 19
Yuletide in the Country
Candlelit 90-minute walking tours of the historic village with holiday scenes from the past; this year marks the museum's 50th anniversary. Tickets are not sold at the door.
Event
Sat, Dec 5 · Afternoon (1–5 pm per Visit Finger Lakes)
Victor's Jingle Mingle
Victor's village holiday party has kids' activities, an artisan market, horse-drawn wagon rides, a parade and photos with Santa.
Event
Dec 6 – Dec 13 · Sun Dec 6, Sat Dec 12, Sun Dec 13
Holly Trolley Rides
Ride a vintage trolley at the transportation museum during its holiday weekends; reserve ahead because time slots fill.
Event
Sun, Dec 6 · 11 am–6 pm
Three Kings' Day Celebration at Roc Holiday Village
A free family celebration of Three Kings' Day traditions presented by the Puerto Rican Festival.
Event
Sat, Dec 12 · 11 am–2 pm
Winterfest at Cobblestone Arts Center
A free indoor winter festival with live music and dance, hands-on crafts, an artisan market and a visit from Santa.
Event
Sun, Dec 13 · 11 am–6 pm
Hanukkah Celebration at Roc Holiday Village
A free Hanukkah celebration for families hosted with the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester's PJ Library.
Event
Wed, Dec 16 · 7:05 pm
Amerks Sensory-Friendly Night
The season's first sensory night: quieter music, no goal horn or flashing lights, dimmer bowl lighting and a calm-down area with sensory tools.
Event
Dec 18 – Dec 20
Jeff Tyzik's Gala Holiday Pops
The RPO's 33rd holiday pops show mixes Christmas and Hanukkah favorites, a high school chorale and audience sing-alongs.
Event
Sat, Dec 19 · 3:05 pm
Amerks Teddy Bear Toss
A Saturday matinee vs. Hamilton. Fans throw new stuffed animals onto the ice after the first Amerks goal, and the toys are donated.
Event
Sun, Dec 20 · 11 am–6 pm
Christmas Celebration at Roc Holiday Village
The village's closing-day Christmas celebration, presented by First Bible Baptist Church and free to attend.
Event
Sun, Dec 20 · 10 am–3 pm
Holiday Open House at Genesee Country Village
The historic homes open with crackling fires, period decorations, music and dance, so families can see how holidays were celebrated long ago.
Event
Sun, Dec 20 · 1:00 pm
Shortest Day Short Hike
An easy, slow-paced walk the day before the winter solstice, explaining why it's the shortest day and how to enjoy nature in winter.
Event
Sat, Dec 26 · 2 pm
A Christmas Story at OFC Creations
Ralphie's quest for a Red Ryder BB gun comes to the stage over school break; check the theater for the full run.
Event
Sun, Jan 3 · 5:00 pm
Rochester Knighthawks vs. Vancouver Warriors
A Sunday-evening NLL lacrosse game that closes out winter break.
Indoor play
Indoor play
Open regularly · Rochester
Dice Versa
Rochester's board game lounge, where one cover charge buys unlimited time with a big library of games. Good for families with school-age kids and teen hangouts.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Rochester
Dynamic Movement Gym (formerly Rochester Parkour)
A parkour and movement gym on University Avenue offering kids' and teen parkour/ninja sessions.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Henrietta
Rochester Sports Garden
An indoor sports complex with rentable batting cages, turf fields, basketball courts and a table tennis club.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Henrietta
The Warrior Factory
A ninja-warrior obstacle gym with courses for adults and a dedicated kids' area used for classes and parties.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Gates
Rochester Regional Health Total Sports Experience
A big indoor sports complex in Gates with turf and courts that hosts youth leagues and sports-themed birthday parties.
Indoor play
Open regularly · East Rochester
USA Ninja Challenge East Rochester
A ninja-warrior training gym with obstacle classes for kids as young as 4 and teen programs. Mainly class-based, so check for open-gym or party times.
Indoor play
Open regularly · Webster
Northern Hemisphere Gymnastics
A Webster gymnastics school that runs weekly drop-in open gymnastics and open ninja sessions during the school year.
Trampolines & active
Trampolines & active
Open regularly · Victor
Funtastic Adventure Park
Trampolines, a Gel Blaster arena and a separate KidZone for younger kids, attached to Eastview Mall.
Trampolines & active
Open regularly · Henrietta
Altitude Trampoline Park Rochester
A big Henrietta trampoline park with dodgeball courts, an airbag drop zone and a battle beam, popular with tweens and teens. It also runs a little-kid area and sensory-friendly jump times.
Trampolines & active
Open regularly · Greece
Nova Trampoline Park
A 45,000-square-foot park that goes well beyond trampolines, with a zip line, ninja course, parkour zone and arcade. Separate toddler courts keep little ones apart from older jumpers.
Climbing
Climbing
Open regularly · Rochester
Central Rock Gym Rochester
A large climbing gym with tall roped walls and a big bouldering area, plus youth climbing clubs and teams. Teens often come here with friends.
Climbing
Open regularly · Rochester
RocVentures Climbing Gym
A climbing gym off University Avenue offering roped routes and bouldering for all levels, with youth programs and group events. A solid weekend option for active tweens and teens.
Climbing
Open regularly · Victor
DICK'S House of Sport (Eastview Mall)
A large sporting-goods store at Eastview Mall with an in-store climbing wall and batting cages that families can use.
Museums & attractions
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
The Strong National Museum of Play
A huge museum devoted to play, with hands-on zones for little kids plus classic and modern video game exhibits that keep tweens and teens busy. Fridays and Saturdays it stays open until 8pm.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
ESL Ballpark (Rochester Red Wings)
Home of the Rochester Red Wings Triple-A baseball team, formerly Innovative Field, with family-friendly game nights.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
Guided tours of the home where Susan B. Anthony lived and was arrested for voting. Best for tweens and teens studying history; the first floor is wheelchair accessible.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Memorial Art Gallery
The University of Rochester's art museum mixes famous paintings with armor, a sculpture park and family storytelling walks. Its Creative Workshop runs art classes for kids and teens.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Rochester Museum & Science Center
Three floors of interactive science and regional history, with a water-play area that toddlers love and engineering exhibits for older kids. Sensory Sundays offer fidgets and adaptive gear.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Strasenburgh Planetarium
RMSC's domed theater runs live star shows for families and music-driven laser shows that draw teens. Exhibit space is open Wednesday to Friday afternoons.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
George Eastman Museum
George Eastman's mansion and gardens plus galleries on photography and film. Best for school-age kids and teens with an interest in cameras, movies or history.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Lamberton Conservatory
A glass conservatory beside Highland Park filled with tropical plants plus turtles and fish, making it a warm escape on a winter day.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Genesee Waterways Center
A community paddling center by Genesee Valley Park that rents canoes and kayaks and runs youth programs.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
ARTISANworks
A sprawling former factory packed with regional art, antiques, cars and oddities, best for older kids and teens.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Penfield
BayCreek Paddling Center
A paddling outfitter on Irondequoit Creek renting kayaks and canoes for trips toward Irondequoit Bay.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Pittsford
Sam Patch Packet Boat
A replica canal packet boat that offers narrated Erie Canal cruises from Schoen Place, including a trip through a lock.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Rochester
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse
The oldest surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario, open for climbs and tours on warm-season weekends near Ontario Beach.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Perinton
Colonial Belle
A canal tour boat from Fairport offering sightseeing and themed cruises on the Erie Canal.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Pittsford
Powder Mills Park Fish Hatchery
A small fish hatchery inside Powder Mills Park where kids can see trout from fingerlings to adults, open year-round.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Le Roy
Jell-O Gallery Museum
A small museum in Le Roy, the birthplace of Jell-O, covering the dessert's history and advertising.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion
A state historic park with a Victorian mansion and themed formal gardens, open spring through fall.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures
A treetop ropes-and-zipline park at Bristol Mountain with courses of varying difficulty, open warm-weather months.
Museums & attractions
Open regularly · Geneseo
National Warplane Museum
A museum at Geneseo's airfield with restored WWII-era planes, some of which still fly.
Farms & animals
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Webster
Herman's Farm Market
A Webster farm market with a big fall pumpkin and mum selection.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Penfield
Raspberry Hill Farm
A Penfield farm for picking raspberries and blueberries in summer.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Chili
Whittier Fruit Farm
A North Chili farm with u-pick cherries, blueberries, apples and pumpkins.
Farms & animals
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Webster
Schutt's Apple Mill
A Webster cider mill and market known for fall apples and donuts, with u-pick fruit in summer.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Hilton
West Wind Fruit Farm / Blue Barn Cidery
A Hilton orchard with u-pick berries, stone fruit, apples and pumpkins, plus a kids' corn maze and a cidery.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Webster
Bauman's Farm Market
A Webster farm market with u-pick strawberries and peas in June, then raspberries, tomatoes and apples.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Spencerport
Robb Farms
A Spencerport farm market with u-pick blueberries and other berries in summer and apples in fall.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Mendon
Mendon Acres Fruit Farm
A Mendon-area farm with u-pick berries in June and July.
Farms & animals
Open regularly · Hilton
Kelly's Farm Market
A small Hilton farm market with a pumpkin patch and fresh cider in fall.
Games & activities
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
Great Lakes Gaming
A downtown esports and PC gaming lounge in Innovation Square that hosts tournaments and rents private rooms for parties; evening hours.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
Bad Axe Throwing Rochester
Coached axe-throwing lanes downtown, a novel outing for older teens with a parent. Check the minimum-age policy before booking.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
GTFO Escape Rooms
A downtown escape room company known for puzzle-heavy rooms, including a 1990s-themed game that's fun for parents and teens together.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
The Playhouse // Swillburger
A South Wedge arcade bar with burgers, pinball and video games. Families are welcome until 10pm, making it a fun casual dinner-and-games spot.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
The Great Escape Room Rochester
A chain escape room with several puzzle rooms that families can book privately. Works best with kids around 10 and up.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
L&M Lanes
A classic neighborhood bowling alley on Rochester's east side, good for a low-key family game night.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
Omega Escape Room
A Rochester escape room company with themed rooms for families and groups.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
Radio Social
Boutique bowling, a small arcade and games in the restored Stromberg-Carlson radio factory, which replaced Clover Lanes. Check the age policy before visiting with kids in the evening.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Brighton
Color Me Mine Rochester
A paint-your-own-pottery studio that takes walk-ins, so kids can pick a piece and paint it any day. Pieces are glazed and fired for pickup a few days later.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Gates
Locked: A Rochester Escape Room
An escape room venue off Buell Road with several themed puzzle rooms for groups.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Rochester
The Nut House Escape Rooms
Highly rated escape rooms, some of them scary. Better suited to teens than young kids, so check each room's theme before booking.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Gates
ABC Gates Bowl
A family bowling center in Gates with bumpers for little bowlers and birthday packages.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Henrietta
Lasertron
A long-running laser tag arena near the Marketplace Mall with an arcade on site. It's a favorite for tween and teen birthday groups.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Henrietta
Bowl-A-Roll Lanes
A long-running Henrietta bowling center on Jefferson Road with kid-friendly lanes and summer youth specials.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Penfield
Arcade 80's (Flower City Arcade)
A retro arcade packed with 1980s cabinets and pinball, where one admission covers unlimited play. Parents can share the games they grew up with.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Henrietta
Dave & Buster's Rochester
A big arcade and restaurant at the Marketplace Mall that was remodeled with new games. Best for tweens and teens; check the chain's minor escort policy for evenings.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Greece
Domm's Bowling Center
A local bowling center in Greece with leagues and open bowling.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Henrietta
iSmash Rochester
The original iSmash rage room, where groups smash dishes and electronics, splatter black-light paint or throw axes. Mostly for teens; check age rules for younger kids.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Irondequoit
SeaBreeze Bowl
A bowling alley in Irondequoit near the Seabreeze area with leagues and open bowling.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Greece
Clubhouse Fun Center (Greece)
The Greece location in the former Adventure Landing has an indoor ropes course and an arcade, plus batting cages and mini golf.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Webster
Lucky Strike Rochester
A huge 64-lane bowling center (formerly Bowlero) with automatic bumpers for kids and an arcade. It runs separate kids' and teen party options.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Irondequoit
Parkside Whispering Pines Miniature Golf
A historic miniature golf course beside the Parkside Diner near Seabreeze, open seasonally when weather allows.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Henrietta
IndyKart Raceway
Henrietta's indoor go-kart track, with timed races and group bookings. Older kids and teens who meet the height minimum get the most out of it.
Games & activities
Open regularly · East Rochester
Rochester Pinball Collective
One of the region's best pinball spots, with a flat fee that buys unlimited play on select days. Pinball-curious tweens and teens love it.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Greece
Dark Matter Escape Rooms
Escape rooms in Greece offering both traditional puzzle rooms and VR escape games.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Greece
AMF Dewey Garden Lanes
A Bowlero-run bowling center in Greece with weekend unlimited-bowling family deals and kids' party packages.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Chili
Sunset Lanes
A local bowling alley in Chili; league play limits open bowling during the fall-spring season, so check hours.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Perinton
AMF Fairview Lanes
A Bowlero-run bowling center on Fairport Road with weekend family unlimited-bowling deals and party packages.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Pittsford
Mythical Escapes
Fantasy-themed escape rooms on the Pittsford-Victor line. Teens and puzzle-loving tweens do well here.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Webster
Color Me Mine Webster
A paint-your-own-pottery studio on Ridge Road where families pick a ceramic piece, paint it and pick it up after firing.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Perinton
Created by Us Pottery
A paint-your-own-pottery studio in Fairport village, open Tuesday through Sunday for walk-in painting.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Spencerport
Spencerport Bowl
A small-town bowling center in Spencerport that welcomes young bowlers and hosts kids' parties.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Spencerport
ERA - Eric's Retro Arcade
A retro arcade in the village of Spencerport where a single admission gets you free play on classic video games and pinball.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Hilton
Pleasure Lanes
A neighborhood bowling alley in Hilton with leagues and open play.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Honeoye Falls
West Main Lanes (Okay Beer Company)
A small-town bowling alley in Honeoye Falls paired with a family-run brewery.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Macedon
Champions Mini Golf
An outdoor mini golf spot in Macedon with two courses and ice cream, open daily in season when weather allows.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Brockport
Brockport Bowl
A league-focused bowling center in Brockport that also offers open bowling.
Games & activities
Open regularly · Lakeville
Minnehan's Fun Center
A family fun center at the north end of Conesus Lake with go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, an arcade and a restaurant, about 35 minutes south of Rochester.
Amusement & water parks
Amusement & water parks
Open regularly · Irondequoit
Seabreeze Amusement Park
A classic lakeside amusement park on Irondequoit Bay with roller coasters, family rides and an attached water park, open late spring through summer.
Amusement & water parks
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Roseland Waterpark
An outdoor water park in Canandaigua with slides, a wave pool and kids' splash zones, open during the summer season.
Amusement & water parks
Open regularly · Batavia
Palm Island Indoor Waterpark
A hotel indoor water park off the Thruway in Batavia, with slides and pools that work year-round. Call ahead about non-guest day passes.
Amusement & water parks
Open regularly · Darien Center
Six Flags Darien Lake
A large theme park about an hour west of Rochester with thrill coasters, family rides and a water park included with admission.
Skating & snow
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Rochester
MLK Jr. Memorial Park Ice Rink
Downtown's outdoor rink at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park (Manhattan Square), with skate rentals and themed skate nights through the winter.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Rochester
Breaking Free Skatepark
An indoor skate park in the same building as RocVentures, giving skaters and scooter riders a year-round place to ride.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Rochester
Genesee Valley Park Sports Complex
The City of Rochester's indoor rink, one of the cheapest public skates around, with weekday and weekend sessions.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Rochester
Cobbs Hill Park
One of the city's go-to sledding hills in winter; the rest of the year families walk the loop around the hilltop reservoir for skyline views.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Rochester
Skate Luvers Roller Palace
An indoor roller-skating rink on Rochester's west side with public skate sessions and themed skate nights.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Rochester
Tim Hortons Iceplex (formerly Bill Gray's Iceplex)
A busy two-rink ice complex with public skate sessions when hockey isn't booked, plus learn-to-skate programs.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Greece
Horizon Fun F/X
The area's go-to indoor roller rink, with a light show and sound system plus laser tag. Weekend sessions draw lots of tweens and teens.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Greece
Lakeshore Hockey Arena
An indoor hockey arena in Greece that also schedules public skating. It's next to the roller rink, so you can pair the two.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Henrietta
Gene Polisseni Center (RIT)
RIT's modern hockey arena opens for low-cost public skates when the ice is free, and teens can also catch a college hockey game here.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Webster
Webster Ice Arena
Webster's indoor rink, which schedules public skating around its hockey programs and charges less for young kids.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Perinton
Rochester Ice Center
The Fairport rink formerly known as Thomas Creek, with weekend public skates and skating lessons.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Riga
Churchville Park
A sprawling western park with a well-used sledding hill in winter and, in summer, an accessible kayak launch onto Black Creek plus big picnic areas.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Greater Canandaigua Civic Center
An ice arena in Canandaigua with public skate sessions alongside hockey and figure skating programs.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Sodus
Brantling Ski Slopes
A small, low-key ski and tubing hill in Wayne County that's an affordable place for kids to learn without big-mountain crowds.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Bristol Mountain
The region's biggest ski area, with learn-to-ski programs for kids in winter, scenic chairlift rides in fall foliage season and a treetop aerial adventure park in summer.
Skating & snow
Open regularly · Swain
Swain Resort
A family-scale ski area in Allegany County, about 90 minutes south, with beginner terrain and lessons that suit kids learning to ski or ride.
Shows & movies
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
Eastman Theatre (Kodak Hall)
The Eastman School's main concert hall and home of the Rochester Philharmonic, which runs family concerts; many student recitals are free.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
Hochstein Performance Hall
A historic downtown concert hall that hosts the RPO's kid-focused concert series with pre-show activities.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
Geva Theatre
Rochester's professional regional theater, with some productions suitable for kids 5 and up.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
The Little Theatre
A beloved nonprofit art-house cinema that shows independent films and some special family screenings, with a cafe next door. A good first step into indie movies for teens.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
RBTL's Auditorium Theatre
Rochester's main stage for touring Broadway productions, which regularly hosts family-friendly shows.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
West Herr Auditorium Theatre
The large downtown hall where touring Broadway shows and concerts play; best for kids about 6 and up.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
Roc Cinema
A 1914 neighborhood movie house in the South Wedge area with dine-in seating and free Monday movies.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
Dryden Theatre
The George Eastman Museum's historic cinema, which has run kid-friendly matinees of classic family films with free admission for children. Check the current calendar for family titles.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Brighton
JCC CenterStage Theatre
A community theater at the Jewish Community Center that stages shows for young audiences.
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Rochester
Kodak Center
A performance venue hosting concerts, comedy and touring kids' shows.
Shows & movies
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Gates
Cinemark Tinseltown Rochester
A multiplex for new releases that has run a discounted summer kids' movie series in past years. Check each spring for the lineup.
Shows & movies
Shows & movies
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Pittsford
Nazareth University Arts Center
A campus performing arts center with many free or low-cost performances.
Shows & movies
Shows & movies
Open regularly · Brockport
Brockport Strand Theatre
A historic village movie theater dating to 1916 with an Art Moderne facade.
Parks & playgrounds
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Greece
Greece Canal Park
Home to Monroe County's newest ADA-accessible playground, fully fenced with rubber surfacing, a communication board, some of the county's biggest slides and a giant tower; canal-side trails sit right next door.
Parks & playgrounds
Open regularly · Canandaigua
Motion Junction (Outhouse Park)
A railroad-themed playground designed so kids and grown-ups of every ability can play side by side, with soft surfacing, family restrooms, a timber-frame pavilion and a calm mindfulness path.
Nature & hikes
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Rochester
Rochester Heritage Trail
A self-guided downtown walking route marked with plaques at historic sites, a free way to explore the city with school-age kids.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Rochester
High Falls & Pont de Rennes Bridge
Stroll out onto a pedestrian bridge high above the Genesee for a close look at a 96-foot waterfall right downtown; it's flat and easy with a stroller.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Rochester
Lower Falls Park
Overlooks and a footbridge give dramatic views of the Lower Falls and the deep Genesee gorge right inside the city; a short walk with a big payoff.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Rochester
Tryon Park
A mostly undeveloped wooded park with steep, rooty trails down to Irondequoit Creek marshes; a good first 'real hike' for school-age kids.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Brighton
Corbett's Glen Nature Park
Walk through an old stone tunnel under the railroad tracks to find a small waterfall on Allen Creek, where kids love to wade and skip stones.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Rochester
Turning Point Park
A long boardwalk floats along the Genesee River past wetlands and boats; flat and paved for bikes and strollers, with herons and turtles to spot.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Webster
Gosnell Big Woods Preserve
A 165-acre Webster preserve with old-growth woods, wetlands and dirt trails; no restrooms.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Mendon
Birdsong Trail & Wild Wings (Mendon Ponds)
Bring birdseed: chickadees will land right on kids' hands along this short trail, which also has fairy houses tucked among the trees, and the rescued raptors at Wild Wings are next to the trailhead.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Penfield
Thousand Acre Swamp Sanctuary
A big wetland sanctuary in Penfield with boardwalks and dirt paths; muddy in spring and fall.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Henrietta
Lehigh Valley Trail
A flat former railroad bed through woods and farmland in southern Monroe County; good for bikes in warm months and cross-country skis or snowshoes in winter.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Greece
Braddock Bay Park & Hawk Lookout
In spring thousands of hawks funnel along the lakeshore here; kids can watch from the hawk lookout platform and walk marsh boardwalks to look for owls and herons.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Webster
Four Mile Creek Preserve
A hilly Webster preserve with a creek, an overlook and old abandoned cars along the trail.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Victor
Ganondagan State Historic Site
Walk trails across the site of a 17th-century Seneca town and step inside a full-size replica bark longhouse, then learn more at the Seneca Art & Culture Center.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Holley
Holley Canal Falls
A small waterfall in a village park in Holley, about 35 minutes west of the city, popular for photos and picnics.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Naples
Cumming Nature Center (RMSC)
The Rochester Museum & Science Center's forest preserve, with themed trails, a beaver pond and a pioneer homestead; in winter families rent snowshoes or skis right on site.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Dansville
Stony Brook State Park
About an hour south: a gorge trail with stone steps climbs past three waterfalls, and in summer kids swim in a dammed stream pool at the bottom.
Nature & hikes
Open regularly · Castile
Letchworth State Park
The 'Grand Canyon of the East' is a classic day trip: drive between overlooks to see three big waterfalls, hike gorge-rim trails, and come back in winter for snow tubing and snowshoeing.
Quick answers
Where can teens hang out at night in Rochester?
Great Lakes Gaming, GTFO Escape Rooms, The Playhouse // Swillburger, The Great Escape Room Rochester, L&M Lanes, Omega Escape Room
Your weekend plans, sorted.
A free email every other Thursday with the best things to do around Rochester, picked for your kids’ ages and your part of town.