Top 8 Things To Do In Rochester, New York

things to do in rochester new york
Cherry Mae
Cherry Mae 
Updated
| 4 min read

If you want to see a place of culture, arts, theater, music, sports and festivals, you should go visit Rochester, New York! It is not just one ordinary city on the west of the city that never sleeps, but it offers a lot of breathtaking features in the field of arts, sports and architecture.

1. Fingerlakes Wine Country

things to do in rochester new york | fingerlakes wine country
Source: instagram

For those who love to explore farms, arts and to drink the best-crafted wines in one, this place is perfect for you! Even New York locals go here every now and then for the exemplary experience it provides for every guest. The best things to do, see and try here at Fingerlakes Wine Country include pottery, weaving, painting, woodwork, trails, exhibits, educational programs, and the food!

Fingerlakes Wine Country

Address: 1 West Market Street, Suite 203 Corning, New York 14830

Website: Fingerlakes Wine Country

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2. Highland Park

A post shared by Romy Hosford (@photo_romy) on Feb 8, 2016 at 2:18pm PST


Highland Park is a beautiful park that is host to many fun activities, events and interesting attractions. It is where activities such as games, crafts, food and fun happen during the Lilac Festival in May. The Lamberton Conservatory, which is a beautiful collection of plants from many different places, is open all year around. Many memorials and gardens are located in the park, including The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Workers’ Memorial, Victims’ Rights Memorial, and the AIDS Remembrance Garden. Lily Pond provides a natural skating rink in the winter. A softball diamond is also available for rent.

Highland Park

Address: 171 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY 14620-2728

Website: Highland Park

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3. Seabreeze Amusement Park

Today (9/10) is the final day of the 2017 Seabreeze season! We are open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Ride & Slide passes...

Posted by Seabreeze Amusement Park on Sunday, 10 September 2017

Seabreeze is a theme and water park in one, famous in Rochester for those who are fond of playing in the waters! Seabreeze is clean, safe, and manageable. It’s not too big and not too small - just the right size for your family. The park is close by, easy to get to with highway access, and there’s plenty of free parking. Whether you want to experience all the great rides and slides, or just relax and take in the spectacular views and cool summer breezes off Lake Ontario, you’ll have a wonderful, memorable day with your family. And it’s all yours at a price that will make you smile.

Seabreeze Amusement Park

Address: 4600 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14622-1308

Website: Seabreeze Amusement Park

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4. Eastman Theatre


Eastman Theatre is one of the main venues in Rochester where performances from renowned music artists take place. Their website has the full year schedules for you to choose from. So if you are one of those musically inclined individuals or even if you just want to listen to great music, this place is a must-visit!

Eastman Theatre

Address: 60 Gibbs St, Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY 14604-2505

Website: Eastman Theatre

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5. Frontier Field

Kodak Tower From Frontier Field Summer
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Larry used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you are the sporty kind, then Frontier Field is a must-visit place for you! This place is where famous baseball games are conducted. Frontier Field has already recorded a number of largest crowded games in history, such as July 10, 1997 (13,723) Exhibition game vs. Baltimore (Cal Ripken Jr.), May 6, 2012 (13,584) SWB Yankees vs. Pawtucket (Andy Pettite), June 30, 1997 (13,485) vs. Columbus (Hideki Irabu) and many more!

Frontier Field

Address: 333 Plymouth Ave N, Rochester, NY 14608-1837

Website: Frontier Field

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6. Durand Eastman Park


Durand Eastman Park was formally dedicated on May 22, 1909. The Lake Ontario waterfront at Durand Eastman Park creates a relaxing summer environment, while supporting a winter challenge for cross-country skiers. Its steep wooded slopes, valleys, scenic vistas, small lakes, spring flowering trees and spectacular fall foliage colors add to this park’s exceptional beauty. Durand Eastman Park has eight shelters and one enclosed lodge for rent, a playground and a golf course.

Durand Eastman Park

Address: Lake Shore Blvd & Zoo Rd, Rochester, NY 14602

Website: Durand Eastman Park

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7. Rochester Museum & Science Center

things to do in rochester new york | rochester museum & science center
Source: instagram

Unlike other museums in Rochester, RMSC offers memberships for those who are interested in visiting the place. Although it may sound a bit demanding for someone who is not a local, their membership is worth it as there are a lot of fun-filled activities in-store for every guest therein! RMSC membership offers a fun-filled year of exploration of our world and beyond. Connect with your own curiosity and enjoy the amazed expressions of your friends and family. Tinker with hands-on exhibits, view awe-inspiring films and spectacular explosions, and participate in science experiments. Join today — admission to the RMSC Museum is free to members. You can come as often as you like, whether it’s just for an hour or the whole day.

Rochester Museum & Science Center

Address: 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607-2101

Website: Rochester Museum & Science Center

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8. The Strong National Museum of Play


The Strong National Museum of Play is best for kids and kids at heart. It caters to all ages, with interactive and knowledgeable activities to see and do inside the place. This will widen your knowledge about history and art and is perfect for every family visiting the city.

The Strong houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play. Together, these enable a multifaceted array of research, exhibition, and other interpretive and educational activities that serve a diverse audience of adults, families, children, students, teachers, scholars, collectors, and others around the globe.

The Strong National Museum of Play

Address: One Manhattan Square, Rochester, New York

Website: The Strong National Museum of Play

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More about Rochester, New York

Downtown Rochester, NY HDR by patrickashley
Source: Photo by user Patrick Ashley used under CC BY 2.0

Rochester is also known as the “Festival City” because the people here just love to host and attend such events! Based on experience, there are festivals almost every week. Some of the major festivals are Lilac Festival (May), Xerox International Jazz Festival (June), Corn Hill Arts Festival (July), Park Avenue Festival (August), Clothesline Festival (September), Image Out Film Festival (October), among others.

Whether you are into arts, sports, music, nature or just plain fun, this city has something to offer you!

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Frequently asked questions about best things to do in Rochester, New York


  • What are the top attractions to visit in Rochester?

    If you’re planning a trip to the charming city of Rochester, make sure you visit these top attractions: the Strong National Museum of Play, Seabreeze Amusement Park, and Highland Park.

  • What are the best outdoor activities in Rochester?

    There are plenty of activities to choose from when you visit Rochester, but if you only have a limited time here, then you should try these best outdoor activities: explore Fingerlakes Wine Country, try exciting rides at Seabreeze Amusement Park, and watch a baseball game at Frontier Field.

  • What are the best day trips from Rochester?

    There are plenty of day trips you can do from Rochester, such as Chimney Bluffs, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Cooperstown. Other attractions that must be one of your options include the Abbey of the Genesee, Sodus Point, and Chautauqua Institution.

  • What are the most popular things to do in Rochester with kids?

    One of the most popular kid-friendly activity here is exploring the exciting Seabreeze Amusement Park with its many fun rides and exhilarating slides. Other attractions perfect for children include the Strong National Museum of Play, Highland Park, and George Eastman Museum.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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