Family Halloween Fest

If you have kids and live in the Rochester area, you must check out the Family Halloween Fest on Sunday, October 27.

The festivities take place from 2 - 5:00 p.m. in the St. John Fisher College Field House, 3690 East Avenue, Rochester, NY. Admission is free; simply bring one canned good per person to benefit the Pittsford Food Cupboard. There are hay rides outside, but the other activities are all indoors.

After turning in your canned goods, trick-or-treat down the corridor and into the gym for one amazing, spooktacular Halloween party.

Trick-or-treating down Sesame Street
(2012 theme)

There are carnival games to play,

 

sugar cookies to decorate,

                              
 




a coloring contest,

refreshments, entertainment, and a costume parade.

There's a giant spider in the gym!

Kids can even have their picture taken with local heroes.

This event has become one of my favorite ways to celebrate the Halloween season with my family. Each year, I am awe-struck by the talent and dedication of all the volunteers who work so hard to pull this event together. So, grab your costumes and your canned goods, and we'll see you at Family Halloween Fest on October 27th.

Be sure to Post a Comment and tell us the part your kids liked best. As always, thanks for reading.

And on This Farm They Had Some Pumpkins

You know how those Bloggy Moms seem to have it all together? They make the best crafts, yummiest treats, and post about holidays way in advance to help their readers? They post beautiful pictures of their joyful cherubs immediately after finishing seasonally appropriate activities with them.

Yeah, well, I am NOT one of those moms. Sure, I post about the good stuff. Behind the scenes? Chaos.  Finding time to write during the day is on par with a Zelda-level treasure hunt. Then, actually writing during the day merely reminds my boys that they were just about to ask to play a computer game. Writing at night interferes with my ROCpoppa paying the bills online... Wait. Who am I kidding? Writing at night interferes with cleaning up the kitchen, folding laundry, getting ready for the next day's chaos, and falling onto the couch to watch shows that have been on the DVR since August.

This is my long explanation for the fact that this article should have been written and posted two weeks ago. Many apologies, and here we go anyway...


It's that glorious time of year. We bundle up for the morning bus stop, and change into shorts when the bus returns the kids home. The leaves are gorgeous, bold colors, and perfect for piling up and jumping into the crunch. Pumpkin spice lattes flow like water. Yes, it's fall.

So it's time to pick your pumpkins.

If you live in the Rochester, NY area, you are lucky. Pumpkin patches are aplenty around here, and these farms have so much more than pumpkins:

Brown's Berry Patch, 14264 Roosevelt Highway (Route 18), Waterport, NY

October weekends 10 a.m - 5 p.m.; hay ride ($2 each) or walk to the pumpkin patch to pick your own.

Barnyard Buster Pass is $10/kids $8/adults includes Barnyard Adventure activities (reg. $5/$4 each), Corn Maze (reg. $5 each), and Barnyard Express (reg. $3 each). Additional fees for hay ride ($2 each), pony rides ($3 each), face painting ($3 each).

Giant slide in the Barnyard Adventure

Cobble Creek Farm, 5161 Ridge Road West, Spencerport, NY

October weekends 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; hayride to pick your own pumpkin.

Admission is $7 per person (children under 2 are free) and includes hayride, cider, donut, train ride, corn maze, pumpkin hollow, straw crawl, duck races, and more. 

Garden Factory, 2126 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY

October weekends 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; technically this is not a pumpkin patch but it is a great option in inclement weather since the fun is indoors.

Admission is free; tickets ($0.50 each) are required for rides, games, arts & crafts, and the Singing Pumpkin Light Show.

This is from their Winter Holiday Festival,
but gives an idea of the fun inside.

Gro-Moore Farms, 2811 E. Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY

October weekends 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; weekdays 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Free daily activities include mazes, haunted house, fun house, and pumpkin slide. Additional weekend activities are pay-as-you-go or a $10 pass per child for: train ride, super slide, mini golf, wagon rides, duck races, trike track, straw crawl, spider web, one tattoo, and one pumpkin to paint.

Boo! (scaring the golf ball
into the hole)

Long Acre Farms, 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon, NY

October weekends 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; October weekdays 9 a.m. - dark

Free activities include giant tractor tires, wooden pirate ship and train, grass mazes, picnic table checkers, giant sudoku, Pumpkin Nursery Rhyme Land, and seasonal displays. The Back 40 activities are $5 per child and $2 per adult to join in (weekday prices): jumping pillow, hoop shoot, climbing wall, swings, giant slide, giant spiderweb, and more. Barnbuster tickets available on weekends include The Back 40, the Amazing Maize Maze, hay rides and cow train rides: $11 ages 5+, $7 ages 2-4, under 2 free.

Power's Farm Market, 161 Marsh Road, Pittsford, NY

October weekends 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; October weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Free daily activities include the giant teepees with amazing jack-o-lanterns displayed inside, a small petting zoo, and lots of photo opportunities. Purchase your tickets inside the market for the spooky hayride. 

               

Enter the teepee, if you dare...

...and check out amazing jack-o-lanterns!

Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
October weekends 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
General admission is $9.75 per person; children under 2 are free; includes all activities except pumpkin launcher ($1 for 3 pumpkins) and pumpkins (priced per pound). Activities include corn maze, bounce pillows, straw fort, giant slides, hayrides, train ride, farm animals, pedal cars, nature trail, duck races, trike track, and more. Lunch and snacks are available for purchase. 

Pumpkin launch!

Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road, Penfield, NY
Open daily 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Daily activities include play set, farm animals, and jack-o-lantern display; fees apply for corn maze, jumping pillow, train ride, mini golf, and batting cages. Weekend activities include hayrides (fees apply). 

Photo opp at Wickham

With two more weekends to pick your pumpkins and enjoy the Halloween and fall festivities at these farms, now is the time to make plans to take advantage of all these activities. Be sure to Post a Comment and let us know which farm is your favorite for fall family fun! As always, thanks for reading.

Trick-or-Treat at ZooBoo

Do your kids like animals? Do they like trick-or-treating? Then you need to check out ZooBoo at the Seneca Park Zoo.

Grab your costumes and get ready for some fun at the zoo on October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, or 27. They'll provide a ZooBoo trick-or-treating bag, as well as a "passport" for each trick-or-treater.

Costume? Check. Zoo Boo bag? Check.

Stop by the trick-or-treat stations to get your passport stamped and pick up your treats. The fifteen trick-or-treat stations are located in the zoo buildings, which makes it easy to enjoy the day even if the weather doesn't cooperate. The nice part about the treats here is that about half are trinkets, so it's not all candy. Plus, each trick-or-treater receives a gift as they exit the zoo. This can be an invaluable incentive to leave for those kids who are reluctant to do so. (Translation: If your kid pulls a tantrum and doesn't want to go home, bribe them with the gift at the end. Not that I've ever done that. No.)

Be on the lookout for some zoo mascots, too!

The animals get to enjoy some treats throughout the day, too. Be sure to check out the schedule that day to visit the animal exhibits and watch them have some fun.

ZooBoo is family friendly and appropriate for all ages. There is nothing scary here! Plus Seneca Park Zoo is stroller-friendly, features several restrooms each with diaper-changing tables. The concession stands will be open for lunch or snacks.

Non-members need to pay admission, but ZooBoo tickets are only needed for trick-or-treaters (both members and non-members need to purchase ZooBoo tickets for $8 for each trick-or-treating child). Pre-sale tickets for zoo members are $6 each and are not date-specific so they may be used on any ZooBoo day this month.

ZooBoo is a great way to extend the Halloween festivities beyond October 31st, have some family fun, and to get at least one extra use out of your kids' Halloween costumes! After you visit, be sure to Post a Comment to tell us your child(ren)'s favorite ZooBoo treat. As always, thanks for reading.

Holiday Hollow Halloween & Pirate Festival

Hooray for Fall! It's time for pumpkins, apple picking, and...pirates! Yes, pirates.

If you're looking for a fun new way to celebrate autumn with your family, look no further than Corfu, NY.

Captain Hook & Mr. Smee Show

Holiday Hollow is a Renaissance Fair-type of setting and is home to some truly entertaining performance art. When you enter this little village, you may be greeted by some of the actors, in character. Walk around the Halloween Shire at your own pace and stop by the shows, play some games, and take in the scenery. There are seven shows that rotate continuously throughout the day, and move to the heated indoor theater in case of inclement weather. From pirates to witches to ditzy gypsies, they have it all.

Wacky Witch Show

The shows are family-friendly and might leave your kids laughing themselves silly. Plus there are some jokes just for you that will go right over their heads. The one show that may not be suitable for younger children is the Hunt for Jekyll and Hyde. The Mr. Hyde costume might be a little overwhelming for wee ones; our five-year-old loved it, but our three-year-old opted to skip out and get a cookie instead.

Holiday Hollow is located at 1410 Main Road (Route 5) in Corfu, NY. It is open during October weekends from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. although it's best to arrive by noon to see all the shows. Admission is $13 for ages 11 and up, $12 for ages 3-10, and free for children 2 and younger. Be sure to check out their web site and print the Show Times and Prices page to receive one dollar off each admission. There are additional charges for food, pumpkins, and games.

What else do you need to know? Most of the Halloween Shire at Holiday Hollow is stroller-friendly (The Hunt for Jekyll and Hyde is probably the only area that is not stroller-friendly). There are port-o-potties on site, however there are no diaper changing facilities.

There certainly are lots of Halloween and Fall festivities in the Rochester area this month, but the Holiday Hollow Halloween and Pirate Festival is one you don't want to miss. Be sure to Post a Comment after your visit and tell us your favorite show. As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

Looks like Saturday is our sunny day this weekend...unfortunately Sunday is supposed to be warm (71!) but with thunderstorms. Be sure to take advantage of tomorrow's sunshine, then stay in to make apple pie or pumpkin cookies on Sunday.


ONGOING

Mary Poppins
Friday, October 12 at 8 p.m., Sat. Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sun. Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Auditorium Theatre, 885 East Main Street, Rochester, NY
This stage musical features the story and songs from the Disney film, plus new dance numbers .  Best for ages 6+ due to length: 160 minutes. Tickets may be purchased online.


15th Annual Apple Tasting Tour
Daily through Wednesday, October 31
Various Locations in Wayne County, NY
Visit fourteen markets to taste the different varieties of apples and collect stamps at each market you visit. Take the Apple Taste Test, enjoy other food samples, enter door prize drawings, and more.



Exhibit Opening: 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.


FRIDAY

Story Time & More

Friday, October 12, 2012

1. 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
2. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY - come for the story at 11 a.m., stay for the farm animal fun!

Free Family Night
Friday, October 12, 2012 from 5:30 - 9 p.m.
YMCA-Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
Enjoy swimming, crafts, the Adventure Center, pizza ($1/slice), and roller skating ($4/person) for a fun family night. Bring socks for the Adventure Center, plus your swim suit and towel for the pool.

Fun Fridays
Friday, October 12, 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

Scarecrow Festival 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 11 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Kennelley Park Gazebo, North Main Street, and the Box Factory Parking Lot, Fairport, NY
Live music, kid's crafts, food vendors, face painting, kids activity tent, guess-the-pumpkin's-weight contest, pony rides, bounce house, flea market, farmers market, side walk sale, Fairport tours, and a scarecrow contest.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

ZooBoo
Saturday, October 13 - Sunday, October 14 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends through October 28)
Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY
Enjoy 15 trick-or-treat stations with a mixture of candy, healthy snacks, and trinkets. Every participating child receives a gift and take-home craft as they exit. There will be live performers and costumed characters, plus the zoo animals will be enjoying their own treats. General admission applies (zoo members enter for free); additional $7 per trick-or-treater.

Corn Maze & Fall Festival
Saturday, October 13 - Sunday, October 14 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (weekends throughout October)
Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY
Check out the awesome corn maze, plus enjoy a barrel race, bean bag tic-tac-toe, horseshoes, and hay bale maze ($7/person for maze and activities). There is an additional fee for the bounce house/slide ($1), wagon rides ($4), plus food and beverages. Please see web site for additional information.

Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Fest
Saturday, October 13 - Sunday, October 14 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (weekends through October 28)
Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
Pick your own pumpkins and enjoy over 30 fun activities, including animal attractions. General admission is $9.

Holiday Hollow Halloween & Pirate Festival
Saturday, October 13 - Monday, October 14 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (continues Saturdays and Sundays through October 28)
Holiday Hollow, 1410 Main Road, Corfu, NY
Happy, family-friendly Renaissance Fair-like entertainment including 8 live stage shows, a Haunted Parlor, Hook's Hideout Maze, teacup search, caricature artist, face painting, games, and food. In case of inclement weather, shows move indoors. Admission is $11 for ages 11 and up; $10 for ages 3-10; ages 2 and under are free. Discount coupon available on web site.

Pumpkin Hollow
Saturday, October 13 - Sunday, October 14; Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m./Sat-Sun: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Gro-Moore Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY
A wide variety of games, crafts and other activities. Daily activities for up-to-3rd-graders are free; some weekend activities have an extra fee (pay for individual activities or pay One Price Ticket for $10 per person). Mazes, slides, haunted house, fun house, pumpkins, apples, homemade candy and caramel apples, pies, fry cakes, cider, apples, and more await!

Fall Harvest Celebration
Saturday, October 13 - Sunday, October 14 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.

You Pick Apples, Raspberries, and More
Saturday, October 13 - Sunday, October 14 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, October 13 - Sunday, October 14 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, October 13 - Sunday, October 14 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.

SUNDAY

Trolley Rides

Sunday, October 14 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.

Family Fun This Weekend

All right, so who is in charge of this weather, anyway? Why are all of these beautiful fall weekends filled with rain? I know we need the rain, but this is putting a severe damper in my plan to visit a different pumpkin farm each weekend day in October. Thankfully, Monday should be dry...and most of the pumpkin patches are open in full fall-festival glory for Columbus Day. In the soggy interim, there are pirates, dinosaurs, and trains to entertain us!

FRIDAY

Story Time & More

Friday, October 5, 2012

1. 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
2. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY - come for the story at 11 a.m., stay for the farm animal fun!

Fall Harvest Festival
Friday, October 5 from 5 - 8 p.m.
Strike It Up Artistic Center, 2045 Route 104, Ontario, NY
Bounce house, face painting, games, pumpkin painting, raffles, and more. There will be a prize for the best costume. Admission is $5 per child (includes all attractions; raffle tickets and baked goods sold separately); parents pay $1 per attraction they wish to individually participate in.

FRIDAY - MONDAY


Lego Education Masterclass or Fashion Day-Camp
Friday, October 5 OR Monday, October 8 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
ArtsROC School of Art, Music & Language, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Lego Masterclass: Build a major Lego set, participate in building challenges and games, and make a Lego stop-motion video to post on YouTube. Also includes a custom mini-set to take home.
Fashion Day-Camp: Participate in workshops and team challenges, and end the day with a fashion shoot down the runway. The camp focuses on basic sewing skills and fashion illustration.
Registration for each class is $50 and includes a morning snack and a pizza party lunch; click here to register online.


15th Annual Apple Tasting Tour
Friday, October 5 - Wednesday, October 31
Various Locations in Wayne County, NY
Visit fourteen markets to taste the different varieties of apples and collect stamps at each market you visit. Take the Apple Taste Test, enjoy other food samples, enter door prize drawings, and more.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY (& MORE)


Exhibit Opening: A T. Rex Named Sue
Saturday, October 6, 2012 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.

Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Fest
Saturday, October 6 - Sunday, October 7 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (weekends through October 28, plus Columbus Day)
Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
Pick your own pumpkins and enjoy over 30 fun activities, including animal attractions. General admission is $9.

Holiday Hollow Halloween & Pirate Festival
Saturday, October 6 - Monday, October 8 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (continues Saturdays and Sundays through October 28)
Holiday Hollow, 1410 Main Road, Corfu, NY
Happy, family-friendly Renaissance Fair-like entertainment including 8 live stage shows, a Haunted Parlor, Hook's Hideout Maze, teacup search, caricature artist, face painting, games, and food. In case of inclement weather, shows move indoors. Admission is $11 for ages 11 and up; $10 for ages 3-10; ages 2 and under are free. Discount coupon available on web site.

Pumpkin Hollow
Saturday, October 6 - Sunday, October 28; Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m./Sat-Sun: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Gro-Moore Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY
A wide variety of games, crafts and other activities. Daily activities for up-to-3rd-graders are free; some weekend activities have an extra fee (pay for individual activities or pay One Price Ticket for $10 per person). Mazes, slides, haunted house, fun house, pumpkins, apples, homemade candy and caramel apples, pies, fry cakes, cider, apples, and more await!

Fall Harvest Celebration
Saturday, October 6 - Sunday, October 7 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (weekends through October 28 plus Columbus Day)
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.

You Pick Apples, Raspberries, and More
Saturday, October 6 - Sunday, October 7 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, October 6 - Sunday, October 7 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, October 6 - Sunday, October 7 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.

SUNDAY

Trolley Rides

Sunday, October 7 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 holiday weekend! As always, thanks for reading.

Spooky Hayrides, Giant Teepees, and Colorful Chickens...oh my!

A few days ago, when my Kindergartener got home from school, we decided to head out for a little Halloween-inspired fun. We had driven by Powers Farm Market the day before, and the boys were excited to go see the giant teepees. Since I've reviewed Powers Farm Market already, let's just take a look at the fall festivities.

First, the boys had fun looking at all of the pumpkins. They walked up and down the rows, pointing out the exceptionally large ones, the deformed ones, and especially the smashed ones with the insides spilling out. The white pumpkins are also fun to look at; we call them ghost pumpkins!

Next stop: the giant teepees.

 I mean, these things are huge.

Inside, it's dark and a little spooky...but not too scary. The first teepee has a bajillion jack-o-lanterns. They are hand-carved and absolutely spectacular. Walk in and absorb the creativity and diligence and glow of a room full of jack-o-lanterns.

Then follow the string of lights through the tunnel and into the second teepee. Look up as glowing eyes eerily peer down at you. Clap your hands, and see what happens next! When you've had enough of the spookiness, just make your way out of the teepee.

After the teepees, we highly recommend the haunted hayride. You can purchase tickets inside the farm market. Be sure to sit on an angle so you can face forward; the sights are on either side of the path. The tractor will pull you into Witches' Hollow for a ghoulishly fun ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Okay, it's not that crazy but I was impressed with the mechanical figures, the moving trees, and all the scarecrows and witches. And the sounds, too. They really did a fantastic job decorating the woods and bringing in a tremendous amount of detail. It's not really a scary ride, but it is definitely entertaining for the pre-schoolers, Kindergarteners, and (I would guess...) even kids a few years older.

Just beware of giant creepy crawlies that might jump out at you!

After the hayride, we used up some quarters to feed the animals. Be sure to see the new rescue chickens there! They look like walking fluffs of cotton candy, and were rescued from the New York State Fair.

If you need a snack after your Halloweenish adventures, stop inside for some apples, doughnuts, or cookies. We are big fans of the giant Powers Farm Market cookies. My Kindergartener loves the snickerdoodles, my two-year-old is partial to chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin - depending on his mood,  and my personal fave is the Heath bar cookie. Mmmm...now I want one.

I hope your family is having fun celebrating fall! There are certainly tons of farms in the Rochester area with activities just for the kids. As long as the weather cooperates, we'll be visiting as many of those farms as we can.

As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

The weather is pretty dreary this Friday - perfect for a family movie night. Blankets, tea or hot chocolate, some popcorn...sounds like just the thing to me! Thankfully, it should be sunny and a bit warmer this weekend. What a great opportunity to pick some apples and pumpkins, and welcome the fall.


Game Night at ArtsROC
Friday, September 28 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

ArtsROC School of Art, Music, & Language, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY

Enjoy pizza, movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, and all the LEGOs you can imagine. Cost is $25; register online.

Family Zumba Party
Friday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m.
YMCA Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
Bring the whole family for Zumba, a cardio dance class with a multicultural beat. No experience necessary. Enjoy refreshments, raffles, and fun for adults and kids of all ages. Proceeds benefit families in our community through the YMCA Invest in Youth Campaign. The cost is $10 for individuals and $15 for a family up to 6 people. 

Smithsonian Museum Day
Saturday, September 29 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY
Museums across the country are opening their doors to Smithsonian Pass Holders, including the Genesee Country Village & Museum. To download your free ticket (max. two per download), click here to complete the form on the Smithsonian site.

Edgerton Model Railroad Room Open House
Saturday, September 29 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Edgerton Community Center, 41 Backus Street, Rochester, NY
The historic, 60-year-old model railroad layout features Rochester in all four seasons. The exhibit is only open to the public on the last Saturday of each month, so be sure to stop by.

Wildlife Defenders
Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, September 30; Farm is open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Wildlife Defenders from 12 - 3 p.m.
Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
Learn about porcupines, kookaburra, and even see a rare silver fox. General admission is $9; Wildlife Defenders included with admission. Be sure to check out the Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Fest, too (open Saturdays and Sundays through October 28).

Hilton Apple Fest
Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, September 30 from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Located in Hilton, NY between Heinz Street, Grove Street, Henry Street, and West Avenue (Route 18)
Enjoy live music and entertainment, food, crafters, and tons of apples. Check the event schedule and get ready for some fun. And apples. Parking is available at Hilton High School, Firemen's Field, West Ave. School, and Hilton Elementary School.

Pumpkin Hollow
Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, October 28; Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m./Sat-Sun: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Gro-Moore Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY
A wide variety of games, crafts and other activities. Daily activities for up-to-3rd-graders are free; some weekend activities have an extra fee (pay for individual activities or pay One Price Ticket for $10 per person). Mazes, slides, haunted house, fun house, pumpkins, apples, homemade candy and caramel apples, pies, fry cakes, cider, apples, and more await!

Fall Harvest Celebration
Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, September 30 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.

You Pick Apples, Raspberries, and More
Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, September 30 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 29 - Sunday, September 30  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 29 - Sunday, September 30 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 30 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.

Enjoy the foliage, the pumpkins, and, of course, some apples this weekend! In addition to the fall festivities listed above, Wickham Farms has a hayride and train ride [below], and Powers Farm Market has a haunted hayride and Halloween teepees among other fun fall activities. They both have pumpkins, and are both ROCmomma- (& ROCkiddos-) approved. As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

The other day I overheard a woman in the locker room at the Y telling another woman how Rochester has one day of autumn between summer and winter. This is not the first time I've heard that in the five years I've lived here, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Now, I know the fall seems to fly by, but I think it lasts a bit longer than twenty-four hours. However, I think it's funny that every organization seems to cram all of their events into the eight or nine weekends in September and October. So, here we are with a plethora of fall festivals, plus some LEGOs and trains. Get outside and get ready for some Fall Fun!

Story Time & More

Friday, September 21, 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. 

Barktober Fest
Saturday, September 22 from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY
Support Lollypop Farm by joining the 5-mile race ($20 registration), 1.5 mile nature walk ($30 registration), or the Pet Festival (free!). The Pet Festival includes a Kids Zone with pet-related crafts and activities. Highlights also include a Costume Contest for dogs, vendor booths, dog competitions and demonstrations, food, and music.

Trees for Troops
Saturday, September 22 at 8 a.m.
Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
Funds raised through the 5K run and 2 mile walk will provide real Christmas trees to active duty military personnel at home and abroad. There is also a 1 mile scavenger hunt for kids. All registered runners and walkers will receive one free entrance to Stokoe Farms Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Fest.

LEGO Block Party
Saturday, September 22 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Pittsford Community Library, 24 State Street, Pittsford, NY
They supply the LEGO and DUPLO blocks, you supply the imagination. For all ages; no registration required.

Pumpkin Hollow
Saturday, September 22 - Sunday, October 28; Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m./Sat-Sun: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Gro-Moore Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY
A wide variety of games, crafts and other activities. Daily activities for up-to-3rd-graders are free; some weekend activities have an extra fee (pay for individual activities or pay One Price Ticket for $10 per person). Mazes, slides, haunted house, fun house, pumpkins, apples, homemade candy and caramel apples, pies, fry cakes, cider, apples, and more await!

Fall Harvest Celebration
Saturday, September 22 - Sunday, September 23 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.

Exhibit Opening: Dora & Diego - Let's Explore
Saturday, September 22 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 23 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
National Museum of Play at Strong, 1Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Explore, learn, and play in this new exhibit featuring Dora, Diego, Boots, and more. During opening weekend, meet Dora and pose for pictures. Included with general admission.

You Pick Apples, Raspberries, and More
Saturday, September 22 - Sunday, September 23 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 22 - Sunday, September 23  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 22 - Sunday, September 23 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 23 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.

Enjoy your weekend, and lots of luck to all walkers and runners participating in the Rochester Marathon, Barktober Fest, Trees for Troops, and any other events. As always, thanks for reading.

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.

Family Fun This Weekend

The first week of school is coming to an end; it's time to celebrate! Give your kids a break from the books and get out to a farm to pick some apples or pumpkins - there are plenty of places where you can pick your own. Or teach your kids about the Irish culture at the Irish Festival. Or enjoy a look at the past with a trolley ride. As usual, there are lots of family-friendly options for fun, fun, fun in the Rochester area.

Story Time & Animal Friends

Friday, September 7 at 11 a.m.

1. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY - come for the story, stay for the farm animal fun!

2. Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY - story time, sandbox, farm animals, and playground are free; jumping pillow, batting cages, and mini golf fees apply.

Kids' Weekend
Friday, September 7 - Sunday, September 9
The Apple Shed, 3391 Fairville Maple Ridge Road, Newark, NY
Friday at 10:30 a.m.: Stop by the corn tent for stories and related games and crafts. Stay for lunch; storytime participants will receive a coupon for a cider slushie or $1 off kids' meals. Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Free activities include balloon creatures, face painting, crafts, games in the picnic tent. Paid activities include hayrides ($1/child; $2/adult). Sunday from 1-4 p.m.: Free actives include a family-friendly concert with music, storytelling, and juggling; crafts; face painting; and games. Paid activities include hayrides ($1/child; $2/adult).

Rochester Irish Festival
Friday, Sept. 7 (3-11 p.m.), Saturday, Sept. 8 (noon-11 p.m.) & Sunday, Sept. 9 (12-6 p.m.)
Camp Eastman, Lake Shore Boulevard, Irondequoit, NY
Enjoy Irish crafts, dancers, traditional Irish food and music to keep Ireland's spirit and culture alive in Rochester. Be sure to check the schedule before attending. Don't miss the children's activities including free crafts, family photos, tattoos, scavenger hunt, kiss the Blarney Stone, learn to Irish dance, and more. Adult tickets are $10 for one day or $20 for the weekend.

You Pick Apples, Raspberries, and More
Saturday, September 8 - Sunday, September 9 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 8 - October 31 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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 8 - Sunday, October 28 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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 9 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.


Have fun welcoming the fall, and enjoy the weekend! As always, thanks for reading.