Rochester and Surrounding areas in New York

Rochester A Family Tourists Destination

By
on
January 31, 2019
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Rochester and the surrounding area is a family tourist destination, and why? Because they are plenty of big-city activities minus big city prices and significant city traffic. There are so many things for the kids to do in a safe, country environment from the famous Strong Museum of Play to the Seneca Park Zoo Rochester has a lot to offer to families on vacation.

The distinctiveness of four seasons in Rochester means a variety of fun activities year-round.

Spring

Lilac

Spring is my favorite time of year. Maybe that’s because I was born in the spring and I love seeing flowers bloom. Tulips are one of my favorite spring flowers and are part of nearly every Rochester home’s yard. There is a large and beautiful display at Highland Park, which also has the most extensive collection of lilacs in the world (over 500 different varieties!).  Rochester is the home of Lilac flowers, and you will be amazed by what they can make from it. My favorite one is the soap and lotion made out of Lilac Flowers. It smells fantastic, and it feels so smooth on my skin.

 

Summer
Conesus Lake

Boating in the lakes

Summer can be tricky weather-wise–sometimes hot and dry, sometimes cold and rainy. Usually, the weather stays between 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity, which is much more pleasant than typical New York City weather in the summer. I like summers in Rochester because it is a similar climate to Cebu City, Philippines, where I grew up. Just check the weather forecast and pack a sweater and rain poncho for sudden changes in the weather. If you visit Seneca Park Zoo on a hot day, bring swimsuits for the kids as there is a place for them to cool off in the water.

 

Things to do during the summer in Rochester and the surrounding areas:
  • Swimming
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Picnic
  • Biking
  • Rollerblading and Roller skating
  • Hiking

 

Fall

Fall is my second favorite season. We wouldn’t miss our annual trip to Stokoe Farms, a 25-minute drive from our home. We can’t miss the autumn in upstate NY. The reds, golds, and oranges of the changing leaves are nature’s art gallery. A delight to the senses while visiting the countryside around Canandaigua, Webster, Naples, Conesus, Watkins Glen, and so much more to mention.

Many farm areas open their fields:
  • For Pumpkin Picking
  • Wagon Rides
  • Animal Petting
  • Cornfield Mazes
Winter
Manhattan

Skating in Rochester Manhattan

Winter can be cold and brutal sometimes. However, it’s only in a couple of months, and if your trip brings you to Rochester at the end of March, you may have the exhilarating fun of skiing in shorts as the weather warms, but snow lingers on the slopes!

Things to do during winter:
  • .The local hills provide sledding.
  • Your family can also enjoy outdoor skating at Manhattan Square Park.
  • Bristol Mountain, Swain, and Hunt Hollow ski resorts can provide skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
This city is also known as a “Festival City.” and having these festivals all year round makes it perfect for the family to enjoy during their visit.

Lilac Festival this festival celebrates every mid-May of the year. It begins with a parade and continues for ten days with concerts, food,  vendors galore and many of the local artisans. My family enjoys going to this festival every year to enjoy the beautiful lilacs.

Clothesline Festival is the largest and longest-running fine arts and crafts festival. Enjoy all-day live entertainment and free family art activities, and sample food from some of Rochester’s favorite vendors. Read more about the Clothesline Festival.

Corn Hill Arts Festival always held during the summer to showcase the original work of the artist. We love the Corn Hill Art Festival there are too many arts to choose from house decorations to gardening beautification. Through these, it will make you not missed this event. There are a lot of food vendors and a live band to enjoy after you roam around. Read more about Corn Hill Festival.

The Park Avenue Summer Art Festival renowned for its architecture, culture, and serene urban atmosphere. The neighborhood is transformed for one weekend each year into a one-of-a-kind shopping mecca, filled with original creations from more than 350 artists. Read more about Park Avenue Summer Festival.

International Jazz Festival is one of the longest-running short film festivals in the world! Have voted “Best Local Film Festival,” by readers of CITY magazine. You can read our other article here, Rochester A Family Place To Live.  Please don’t forget to leave a comment below and follow us on social media. More tips to follow.

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18 Comments
  1. Reply

    Ann (travelgirlto)

    July 22, 2019

    Wow, there are quite a few things to do in Rochester. I’ve only driven through it once but I would definitely visit again.

    • Reply

      April

      July 22, 2019

      Hi Ann, glad to hear you’ve been here and convinced you to visit our beautiful city. Thanks for checking it out.

  2. Reply

    Milena

    July 22, 2019

    Very informative post, my daughter is two so I am very interested in finding family friendly destinations. I´ll keep Rochester in mind next time I visit NY.

    • Reply

      April

      July 22, 2019

      I’m glad you find it helpful and thanks for considering Rochester when you head down here.

  3. Reply

    Nitin Singhal

    July 23, 2019

    Rochester seems to be all weather destination. I think Summer and Fall season are the one I would like the most.

    • Reply

      April

      July 23, 2019

      Yes, I love the Springtime here too!

  4. Reply

    Josy

    July 23, 2019

    The festivals all sound really fun! I can totally see why you like living in Rochester – there is so much to do all year ’round!

    p.s. One of my friends also lives in Rochester, but in Kent in the UK. If you ever go there, I think you’d like that too. It is full of Charles Dickens era buildings and book shops. They even have a Dickens festival. 🙂

    • Reply

      April

      July 23, 2019

      My daughter would love to visit UK. I’ll surely keep that in mind when it’s our turn to visit!

  5. Reply

    Louise

    July 23, 2019

    I’d love to go boating on that lake so think I would like to visit in the Summer time!

    • Reply

      April

      July 23, 2019

      Yay, here we go there are so many things to enjoy here.

  6. Reply

    Jeremy

    July 23, 2019

    Never occur to me that you can ski or snowboard near New York City ! Is the snow any good ? Fluffy and powdery ?

    • Reply

      April

      July 23, 2019

      We are further in New York City it will take at least less than 6 hours drive without stops. Yes, the ski mountains here is great for skiing! MY hubby favorite is Bristol Mountains as they have lots of terrains and hard ones! All skiers level would enjoy!

  7. Reply

    Jen

    July 23, 2019

    We live in NY north of nyc and often take weekend trips up into upstate. The Museum of Play is high on my list. I’ve heard so many great things about it! Maybe this fall…or spring (probably not winter!).

    • Reply

      April

      July 26, 2019

      Yay, Spring, and Fall is a great way to come this way! Don’t forget to check out some of my articles, so you know what else to do during your visit here.

  8. Reply

    Mirela | The Travel Bunny

    July 24, 2019

    I like how you added activity ideas for each season. Summer is definitely my pick!

    • Reply

      April

      July 26, 2019

      Thank you, I’m glad you like it! Yes, the summer season here is perfect compared to other places. The weather is perfect to roam around…

  9. Reply

    anshul

    July 27, 2019

    Rochester sounds like a fun place. I have read about it and there are some really nice pubs here. Thanks for sharing.

    • Reply

      April

      July 28, 2019

      You’re welcome! Yes, there are.

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April Key Rode
New York, USA

April Key Rode is a Bachelor graduate of Hospitality and Tourism Management. One of the researchers in Tabuelan "As An Eco-Tourism Destination." She loves to do research, writing, cross-stitching and dancing. Her favorite sports are badminton, biking, soccer, basketball, and bowling. She is a mother of two, and she loves traveling with her own family and friends.

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