Family Fun This Weekend

September and October are absolutely my favorite two months out of the year. The weather is perfectly comfortable. The in-season apples and squash are delicious. And the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes are addictive (make mine decaf, soy, please). I love picking apples and pumpkins, going on hayrides, and decorating for Halloween; that has all been part of my fall routine, even B.C. Before Children.

Living in the Rochester area has been outstanding in perpetuating my love of the fall. There are so many festivals and pumpkin patches with tons of activities for kids that you could probably visit a different one each fall weekend without repeating any. Now, if the weekend weather would only cooperate, I could make that possibility a reality. Keep your fingers crossed for some sunshine; Friday and Saturday are looking wishy-washy, but Sunday holds some promise. Whew.

Story Time & More

Friday, September 14, 2012

1. The Apple Shed, 3391 Fairville Maple Ridge Road, Newark, NY - story time at 10:30 a.m. in the corn tent followed by related games and crafts; storytime participants will receive a coupon for a cider slushie or $1 off kids' meals.
2. Lift Bridge Book Shop, 45 Main Street, Brockport, NY - story time at 10:30 a.m. for toddlers ages 1-4, with songs and games
3. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY - come for the story at 11 a.m., stay for the farm animal fun!

4. Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY - story time (at 11 a.m.), sandbox, farm animals, and playground are free; jumping pillow, batting cages, and mini golf fees apply. 

WXXI Open House
Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WXXI, 280 State Street, Rochester, NY
Join WXXI for fun, free activities including a visit from the Cat in the Hat, Elmo, Arthur, and Curious George. There will be live music, courtyard performances, and lots of interactive activities. Admission is free, and free parking is available across the street in Kodak's lot.

Greentopia Ecofest
Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 16 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
High Falls District, Rochester, NY
There will be a farmer's market, green vendors, an alternative fuel vehicle show, fashion show, wine & beer tasting, organic food, music, and a FREE kids' zone. In the Kids' Zone: make your own arts and crafts, enjoy family yoga, explore minerals and fossils, build a small wind turbine, see animals from the Seneca Park Zoo, read green picture books, win a prize for completing a scavenger hunt, and dance to some kid-friendly music. There will be a diaper changing area, breastfeeding tent. Admission is free.

Fall Harvest Celebration
Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (weekends through October 28)
Brown's Berry Patch, 14264 Roosevelt Highway, Waterport, NY
Pick your own apples, pumpkins, and raspberries. Face painting, pony rides, hayrides, dinosaur corn maze, lots of pumpkin and apple treats made at Brown's, Barnyard Adventure, Barnyard Express, pedal cars, rope maze, giant slide, playground, and more. Fees apply for activities; please check web site for details.

Trains Weekend
Saturday, September 15 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 16 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
National Museum of Play at Strong, 1Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Model train displays, train crafts, and more included with general admission. All aboard!

You Pick Apples, Raspberries, and More
Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
G and S Orchards, 825 Atlantic Avenue (Route 286), Walworth, NY
From now through the end of October, enjoy an afternoon of family fun while picking apples, berries, pumpkins, and more.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival Weekends
Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16  from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends thru October 31)
Long Acre Farms, 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon, NY
Celebrate autumn with the Maize Maze, Back 40, hayrides, and cow train rides. Check out nursery rhymes made entirely of pumpkins and gourds, fun picture cut-outs, and a funny graveyard. Admission is $10.50/ages 5+ and $6.50/ ages 2-4.

"Pumpkintown" & Pick-Your-Own Apples
Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends thru October 28)
Lagoner Farms, 6985 Lake Avenue, Williamson, NY
Pick your own apples and pumpkins, enjoy wagon rides, ride the Cider Barrel Express, explore the Mini Maze, Ring the Corn Cob, Knock the Apple Off the Tree, Bowl Over the Cider Jugs, play Farmer's Fastball, and more. Activities are 1-2 tickets each (tickets are $1 each) or pay one price: $10 each or $35 for a family of 4. Lunch menu is available.

Trolley Rides

Sunday, September 16 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, West Henrietta, NY

Purchase your tickets, then explore the train cars, antique cars, fire truck, and the model trains in the museum. At your departure time, board the trolley and enjoy the 1-mile ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore the second museum before boarding for a ride back to the Museum of Transportation.

I hope the weather cooperates and that you find some fun things to do with your family this weekend. Enjoy! As always, thanks for reading.