Playgrounds
25 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park0.4 mi from downtown
- Ralph Avery Park0.6 mi from downtown
- Goodwin Park0.8 mi from downtown
Family
Things to do in Rochester with kids
6 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Rochester, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Indoor fun
Places to go when it’s too hot, cold or wet outside.
- Benedums Antiques and GiftsVintage & antiques
- Greenwood BooksBooks
- Hipocampo Children's BooksBooks
Libraries
Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.
- Rochester Public Library115 South Avenue
- Wheatley Branch33 Dr Samuel Mccree Way
- Frederick Douglass Community Library971 South Avenue
Books
5 local books in Rochester.
- The Unreliable NarratorNeighborhood of the Arts
- Hipocampo Children's BooksSouth Wedge
- Small World BooksRochester
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area35 mi southwest
- Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge46 mi east
- Harriet Tubman National Historical Park55 mi east
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge40 mi west
- Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge46 mi east
- Almond Lake56 mi south
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
There’s so much to do in Rochester, NY!
An activity Short shared by Jen Ruiz.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Did you know about this cultural hot spot in Rochester, NY? The International Plaza is a must-visit!
An activity Short shared by Visit Rochester.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What is there to do in Rochester with kids?
Playgrounds (25), Indoor fun (13), Libraries (10), Books (5), Picnic spots (13), Wildlife and nature (15). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Rochester for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Rochester when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.