Things To Do in Rochester, New York State

Rochester Things to Do

Rochester, New York lies on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, the state’s contribution to the Great Lakes. It lies in what is called the Finger Lakes region, a popular location for vacationers in New England who like the outdoors. It has a sizable population, giving visitors to the city plenty of things to do when they visit.

Take a Hike in Mendon Ponds Park

One of the most important parks in the area, Mendon Ponds provides a lot of hiking options. The park also provides outdoors activities in both the summer and winter. In the summer, people love to hike around the park and go swimming in the pond. In the winter, it is a popular spot for cross-country skiing and other cold weather activities.

Experience Summer Great City Festivals

Rochester is the home to some great summer festivals. One of the most popular is the Rochester Harbor Fest, a festival held each year during the first weekend of June on the Genesee River. The festival has it all from food tents to activities and live entertainment. The highlight of the festival is the fireworks show at the end.

Another popular festival is the Maplewood Rose Garden Festival, a rose lover’s dream. There are over 300 different varieties of roses in the garden. This festival takes place at the peak of blooming season, providing visitors with an exquisite aesthetical experience.

Strong National Museum of Play

The museum of play is an ideal experience for someone who is interested in the history of toys. One of the best aspects of the museum is that groups of just 20 go through on the tour at the same time, providing a more intimate experience than some other museums. The classic Barbie dolls are worth the trip alone.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Rochester.