Family Fun This Weekend

Given all the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy this week, I feel incredibly lucky here in Rochester to be looking forward to a "normal" weekend. Sure, we lost power briefly and the wind definitely wreaked some havoc...but we were not forced to relocate, our streets are not flooded, our electricity was restored promptly, and we are safe and warm. This weekend, I'll be checking on my family members in downstate NY and in NJ who are still without power, and I hope you and yours are safe as well.

Despite the aftermath of the storm, we still need to enjoy some free time with our kids. Now that Halloween is behind us, the local events are beginning to ebb. But fear not, if your kids like dinosaurs, Dora & Diego, sports, books, or trains then there is something for them to enjoy this weekend.


ONGOING

A T. Rex Named Sue
Daily through January 6, 2013; Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
See the largest, most complete, and best-preserved T. Rex! Touch casts of Sue's bones, complete a 3-D puzzle with bones, move models of Sue's jaws, and more. Included with general admission.

Dora & Diego: Let's Explore
Daily through January 6, 2013: Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sun 12 - 5 p.m.
Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
This fun, interactive exhibit includes a pirate ship, animal rescue center, rainforest maze, flower garden, rocket ship, car, and Purple Planet slide.

FRIDAY

Story Time & More

Friday, November 2, 2012

1. Pittsford Community Library, 24 State Street, Pittsford, NY - drop-in story time at 10 a.m. plus songs and finger play
2. Lift Bridge Book Shop, 45 Main Street, Brockport, NY - drop-in 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 drop-in story at 11 a.m., stay for the farm animal fun!

Fun Fridays
Friday, November 2, 2012 from 6 - 8 p.m.
YMCA-Westside, 920 Elmgrove Road, Rochester, NY
Family gym games, inflatables, obstacle course, crafts, and family swimming. There is no fee for members; $10 per family for the community.

SATURDAY

Try Hockey for Free & Open House
Saturday, November 2, 2012 from 12 - 2 p.m.
Village Sports, 2830 Baird Road, Fairport, NY
Try ice hockey for free, play sports and games on the turf, have fun in the bounce house, and enjoy free pizza and drinks. Kids will receive a free USA hockey jersey and goodie bag. All ages are welcome for this free event.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY* 

Dino Days
Saturday, November 3 - Sunday, November 4 from 12 - 4 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Make paper dinosaurs and fossil rubbings to take home, plus explore the three geological periods of the Mesozoic Era. This family program is specifically designed for younger children. Included with general admission.

SUNDAY*

* Sunday is Daylight Savings! Be sure to "fall back" and get that extra hour. If only kids would recognize that extra hour and stay asleep...

Trolley Rides

Sunday, November 4 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.

Stay warm, stay dry, and have fun this weekend! As always, thanks for reading.