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.

Family Fun This Weekend

Happy National Scrabble Day! Today is a great opportunity to play the 75-year-old game with the family, or just the two of you after the little ones are in bed.

Tomorrow, April 14, is Look Up at the Sky Day. It's a perfect reason to get your kids to do some bird watching, or even just finding shapes in the clouds.

Need some more excitement in your weekend? Well, there are a few things going on as well. Check them out!


ONGOING
  
Race: Are We So Different?
Daily through Sunday, April 28, 2013
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Explore the stories of race from biological, cultural, and historical points of view. This new exhibit features hands-on activities, 3-D animation, and more. Included with regular museum admission.

LEGO Travel Adventure
Daily through May 12, 2013
National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Hands-on LEGO and DUPLO building stations, racing ramps, tons of LEGO displays by LEGO Master Builders, and even a spot to take a photo of your own creation and email it to yourself or friends and family. Included with regular museum admission. Check out the ROCmomma review here.

SATURDAY

Curious George Swings into Spring
Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
WXXI Studios, 280 State Street, Rochester, NY
PBS Kids presents hands-on activities, a special episode of "Curious George," and giveaways. This event is free and open to the public.

EcoFest
Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Genesee Community College, One College Road, Batavia, NY
Bring your old electronic devices - including unwanted cell phones, laptops, printers, and ink cartridges - to the eighth annual EcoFest for recycling. You may also bring paperback books, eyeglasses, sneakers, and old flags. A raffle ticket is awarded for each item brought in; the grand prize is a new mountain bike. Plus free tire pressure check, "green" games/activities, a wildlife show at 1 p.m., and food to purchase.

The Kingdom of Grimm
Saturday, April 13 at 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
National Museum of Play at The Strong, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
A theatrical performance by students from SUNY Brockport based on the folktale The Brothers Grimm. Included with general admission.

Tiny Science NanoDays
Saturday, April 13 from 12 - 4 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Learn about small-scale science and technology - like the minuscule world of atoms, molecules, and nanoscale forces - in a way that's fun, hands-on, and easy to understand. Included with general admission.

36th Annual RIT Juggle-in-Public Show
Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.
RIT, Clark Gym, One Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY
See jugglers from around the nation at this juggling festival. Doors open at 7:10 p.m. Click here for a map, detailed directions, and parking info (Parking Lot D). Tickets are $14 for general public, $10 for RIT staff, students, and seniors (65+), $8 for children ages 10 and under.

Open Gym & Extreme Sports Practice Night
Saturday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. (repeats Saturdays through May 25)
Sports Academy of Victor, 6385 Route 96, Victor, NY
Have fun with mats, sports equipment, tumble track, foam pit, turf field, batting cages, spring floor, and inflatables. Instructors are available to help. For ages 6 and up; cost is $10.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Game Time! Exhibit Opening

Saturday, April 13 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Sunday, April 14 from 12 - 4 p.m.

National Museum of Play at The Strong, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY

Move like a piece on a giant game board and journey through the history of games in Game Time! Interactive stations include digital party games, racing games, card games, a giant game of bingo, and more. Included with general admission.

SUNDAY

How I Became a Pirate
Sunday, April 14 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (repeats 4/20 at 2 p.m., 4/21 at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.)
Hart Theater at JCC, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester, NY
When Captain Braid Beard and his crew invite Jeremy Jacob to join their voyage, it's the swashbuckling time of his life. Based upon the best-selling book by Melinda Long and David Shannon.  Best enjoyed by children ages 4 and up. Tickets are $15 each; you may order tickets online.

Trolley Rides

Sunday, April 14 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; departures at 12, 12:30, 1, and 1:30 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. No reservations required.

Billy Kelly and The Blahblahblahs in Concert
Sunday, April 14 at 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The Little Theatre, 240 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Join WXXI for a special children's concert with singer/songwriter Billy Kelly and the Blahblahblahs. Doors open at 10 a.m. and the concert starts at 11 a.m. Tickets - available at 10 a.m. - are $25 for a family four-pack, $7 for additional kids tickets, and $10 for additional adult tickets.

Family Fun: Craft
Sunday, April 14 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Rochester Public Library (Central Library), 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY
Families are invited to come to the Children's Center of the Central Library to create a beautiful magnetic handprint for Earth Day. This program is free, so bring the whole family. No registration required.

Have a great weekend! As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

Once again, here is your guide to fun for this weekend. But first, a look at the bizarre things to celebrate over the next few days:

Did you know that today, Friday, March 22, is National Goof Off Day? Be sure to relax and do something fun!

Grab your favorite tortillas and salsa (or kettle chips and onion dip) because Saturday, March 23 is National Chip and Dip Day.

Make a yummy snack mix on Sunday, March 24 for National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day. Throw in some dried fruit, mini pretzels, and of course some chocolate-covered raisins.


ONGOING
  
Race: Are We So Different?
Daily through Sunday, April 28, 2013
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Explore the stories of race from biological, cultural, and historical points of view. This new exhibit features hands-on activities, 3-D animation, and more. Included with regular museum admission.

LEGO Travel Adventure
Daily through May 12, 2013
National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Hands-on LEGO and DUPLO building stations, racing ramps, tons of LEGO displays by LEGO Master Builders, and even a spot to take a photo of your own creation and email it to yourself or friends and family. Included with regular museum admission. Check out the ROCmomma review here.

FRIDAY

Game Night
Friday, March 22 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (repeats on Fridays through June 14, 2013)
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, tons of LEGOs, and a pizza party for $25 at ArtsROC. Call (585) 218-9125 or email info@artsroc.net for more information. Or click here to register.

Free Family Night: Family Kickball
Friday, March 22 from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open until 9 p.m. (remember your socks!), enjoy pizza in the Lobby at 5:45 p.m until it runs out ($1/slice), join in a Family Kickball Game at 6:15 p.m., and swim in the pool until 9 p.m. Free and open to the community.

SATURDAY

Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast 
Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
YMCA Camp Arrowhead, 20 Arrowhead Road, Pittsford, NY
Enjoy a yummy pancake breakfast, meet the Easter bunny, play games, make arts & crafts, and more. There will be two separate egg hunts - one for ages 5 and under, and one for ages 6 - 12. Register online or at the Southeast YMCA (111 E. Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY) up until March 22nd; $7.50 per person or $32 per family (up to six people). Registration at the event is $12 per person or $45 per family (up to six people). Children under age two are free and should be included in the family count. This event is open to the community; you do not have to be a member of the YMCA.

Easter Party

Saturday, March 23 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Created by Us Ceramic Studio, 3 Railroad Street, Fairport, NY

Join the Easter Party for an Easter Egg Hunt, pottery painting, and cookie decorating. Open to ages 5 and up for $20 per child. Younger children welcome with an adult. Reservations required: (585) 223-8210.

5th Annual HUGE Easter Egg Hunt Benefit

Saturday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m.

Bloomfield Elementary School, 45 Maple Avenue, Bloomfield, NY

Three indoor Easter Egg Hunts for ages 0-3, 4-8, and 9 & up, with over 4000 eggs and 3 prize baskets per age group. All participants win a prize bag filled with goodies. Take pictures with the Easter Bunny,  play in the bounce house, or stop by the bake sale, carnival games, crafts, and face painting.  Admission is a $3 donation per child; donations benefit the Patrick Parrish Memorial Scholarship Fun in memory of a local student.

Meet LEGO Easter Bunny

Saturday, March 23 from 12 - 3 p.m.

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

Bring your 5-cent recyclables to ArtsROC to help support Catherine's Peace Team with your donation. You'll have a chance to get your picture taken with LEGO Easter Bunny, take home a free LEGO chocolate, and help build a LEGO Easter scene. 

Open Gym & Extreme Sports Practice Night
Saturday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. (repeats Saturdays through May 25)
Sports Academy of Victor, 6385 Route 96, Victor, NY
Have fun with mats, sports equipment, tumble track, foam pit, turf field, batting cages, spring floor, and inflatables. Instructors are available to help. For ages 6 and up; cost is $10.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Maple Weekend

Saturday, March 23 - Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Various Locations Throughout New York State (use the zip code search to find a location near you)

Enjoy a pancake breakfast, or just find out how maple syrup gets from a tree to your table, at one of the many Maple Weekend celebrations in New York. Several locations also have activities for kids, such as  Genesee Country Village & Museum. Check out ROCmomma's review of Maple Weekend 2012 here.

Meet Martha at Literature Live

Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 24 from 1 - 5 p.m.

National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY

Meet Martha the Talking Dog, and enjoy story time featuring Martha books. Don't forget your camera! Included with regular museum admission.

SUNDAY

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Castle Creek Farm, 3760 Rush Mendon Road, Mendon, NY

Sunday, March 24 from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Easter Egg Hunt from 12 - 12:30 p.m. is held in the indoor ring and outdoor facilities (rain or shine). Get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny, go on a pony ride, make arts and crafts, enjoy face painting, and check out the farm and petting zoo. Homemade baked goods and snacks will be available.  Admission is $8 per child, or $5 per child for families with 2 or more children.

Salseros
Sunday, March 24 from 12 - 3 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Experience Hispanic culture through dance with the University of Rochester's Spanish and Latino American Student Association. Included with general admission.

Family Movie Day: Wreck-It Ralph
Sunday, March 24 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Rochester Public Library (Central Library), 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY
Families are invited to come to the Children's Center of the Central Library to watch Wreck-It Ralph (rated PG). This program is free, so bring the whole family. No registration required.

Have a great weekend! As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

After a brief winter dry spell, the Rochester area is once again brimming with fun activities for the family. Here is your guide to fun for this weekend.

First, "beware the Ides of March," on Friday, March 15. A fortune teller gave this warning to Julius Caesar, but he was not cautious enough. Caesar was stabbed by Marcus Brutus on the Ides of March - March 15 - in 44 B.C. So maybe this story isn't one for the kiddos, but you can go on a Shakespeare-related tangent and watch "Gnomeo & Juliet" together for a Family Movie Night instead. Yes, it's a stretch.

Saturday, March 16 is Everything You Do Is Right Day. You get the picture - it's going to be a perfect day because everything you do is right. Need some reassurance? Then just listen to a pep talk from Kid President; you'll soon be on the right track.

Of course, Sunday, March 17 is Saint Patrick's Day. Bake Irish Soda Bread, make St. Patty's Day crafts, and cook something with Guiness for dinner (I think I'm going to try The Beeroness' Mushroom, Stout, & Goat Cheese Pot Pie or Oh My Veggies' Vegetarian Irish Stew, or maybe both).


ONGOING
  
Race: Are We So Different?
Daily through Sunday, April 28, 2013
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Explore the stories of race from biological, cultural, and historical points of view. This new exhibit features hands-on activities, 3-D animation, and more. Included with regular museum admission.

LEGO Travel Adventure
Daily through May 12, 2013
National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Hands-on LEGO and DUPLO building stations, racing ramps, tons of LEGO displays by LEGO Master Builders, and even a spot to take a photo of your own creation and email it to yourself or friends and family. Included with regular museum admission. Check out the ROCmomma review here.

FRIDAY
Kango St. Patrick's Day Party
Friday, March 15 from 4 - 8:00 p.m.
Kango Play Center, 1565 Jefferson Road, #180, Rochester, NY
Enjoy a Leprechaun Hunt, St. Patrick's Day projects, win gold coins, roller skate, play in the bounce house and climbing structure, and more. The Kango St. Patrick's Day Party is $1 in addition to regular admission ($10 total); there is never a charge for adults. Be sure to wear socks.

Game Night
Friday, March 15 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (repeats on Fridays through June 14, 2013)
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, tons of LEGOs, and a pizza party for $25 at ArtsROC. Call (585) 218-9125 or email info@artsroc.net for more information. Or click here to register.

Free Family Night
Friday, March 15 from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open until 9 p.m. (remember your socks!), enjoy pizza in the Lobby at 5:45 p.m until it runs out ($1/slice), play in the Gym from 6-8 p.m. and enjoy an Ice Cream Social, and swim in the pool until 9 p.m. Free and open to the community. If you are interested in enrolling your child in nursery school at the Y, the Nursery School Staff will be available at the Ice Cream Social to share about the program.

SATURDAY

Critter Challenge
Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY
Try some fun activities that will provide a better understanding of what some species do in order to survive. Find out how your senses compare to an animal's at stations located throughout the zoo's buildings. Included with zoo admission.

Cool Kids! at GCC presents: The Magic Guy
Saturday, March 16 at 10 a.m.
Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia, NY
Don't miss The Magic Guy, Chris Wilkinson, and his unique blend of slapstick fun, silliness, aduience interaction, and magic. Open to all ages; admission is free.

Rochester's St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celtic Family Faire
Saturday, March 16: Parade at 12:30 p.m.; Faire from 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Main Street, Rochester, NY
The parade runs down East Avenue, beginning at Alexander Street, and continues down Main Street, ending at Plymouth Avenue. Check out the parade web site for parking information and other details, and be sure to check out ROCmomma's parade review with tips for attending with kids.
The Celtic Family Faire is held on the second floor of the Radisson Hotel at 120 East Main Street, Rochester. Enjoy Celtic music and dance, games, storytelling, and more.


Family Features: Bolt
Saturday, March 16 from 2 - 4:00 p.m.
Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY
Enjoy a free fun family flick! Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and a brief humane education lesson will begin at 2 p.m. to kick off the movie. ("Bolt" is rated PG) No registration necessary. Admission is free, however donation to help homeless animals are greatly appreciated. Some food and beverages will be available for purchase.


Open Gym & Extreme Sports Practice Night
Saturday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. (repeats Saturdays through May 25)
Sports Academy of Victor, 6385 Route 96, Victor, NY
Have fun with mats, sports equipment, tumble track, foam pit, turf field, batting cages, spring floor, and inflatables. Instructors are available to help. For ages 6 and up; cost is $10.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Maple Weekend

Saturday, March 16 - Sunday, March 17 and Saturday, March 23 - Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Various Locations Throughout New York State (use the zip code search to find a location near you)

Enjoy a pancake breakfast, or just find out how maple syrup gets from a tree to your table, at one of the many Maple Weekend celebrations in New York. Several locations also have activities for kids, such as  Genesee Country Village & Museum. Check out ROCmomma's review of Maple Weekend 2012 here.

Meet Mouse at Literature Live

Saturday, March 16 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 17 from 1 - 5 p.m.

National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY

Meet Mouse from Laura Numeroff's If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Don't forget your camera! Included with regular museum admission.

SUNDAY

Free Youth Admission Day
Sunday, March 17 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY
Receive one free youth admission with the purchase of one adult admission at the Seneca Park Zoo.


Family Fun Craft Day
Sunday, March 17 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Rochester Public Library (Central Library), 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY
Families are invited to come to the Children's Center of the Central Library to create a shamrock wreath for St. Patrick's Day. This program is free, so bring the whole family.

Have a great weekend! As always, thanks for reading.

May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. 

May your heart be as light as a song. 

May each day bring you bright, happy hours. 

That stay with you all the year long.

Maple Weekend Festivities in New York State

Do you like maple syrup? Real maple syrup? Then you may want to check out a Maple Weekend. Over the next two weekends - March 16-17 and 23-24 - the New York State Maple Producers Association invites families to learn about maple syrup production and to taste real maple syrup. Find out how maple syrup goes from tree to table, and taste some maple sweetness along the way.

More than 110 maple producers across New York State will host open houses for visitors of all ages. Search your zip code to find a sugarhouse near you.

Last year, we visited the Genesee Country Village & Museum for their Maple Sugar Festival. We started with a self-guided walk to the nature center's sugar bush. Along the way, we saw demonstrations of sap-managing and syrup-making techniques from the good ol' days through today. Maple-leaf markers on the trees helped us stay on track, and the kids had fun spotting those leaves to lead us through.

We even had a chance to drill into a tree stump and push in the tap.

Then we continued our walk through the woods to the maple sugar camp. Village volunteers were on hand in period costumes demonstrating the process of making maple syrup as well as maple sugar candy.

The kids had fun making a maple leaf craft - and warming up - in the nature center building.

Once we had our fill of the nature center and maple walk, we headed toward the Toll House and into the village. Many of the homesteads and buildings were open for us to explore and to watch demonstrations. 

We also had the opportunity to complete a scavenger hunt. There were yarn dolls hidden throughout the village; we had to record the color of the doll we found at each of the locations. The scavenger hunt itself was fun for the kids. However, they were promised a prize for turning in their completed cards. The prize was a single Tootsie Roll. Yep: one. My recommendation is to enjoy the scavenger hunt; don't even let the kids know about the prize.

During our village exploration, we stopped at the Romulus Female Seminary building where the tinsmith had set up shop. The kids could complete a craft there for $1 each (not included with admission). We were given a tin ornament, a template for a maple-leaf design, a hammer, and a nail. We placed the template on the ornament, and used the hammer and nail to punch the design. Parental assistance is pretty much required on this one. Watch those fingers!

Samples were available at a few stops in the village - a chocolate here, some maple-based cough syrup there. The one place my ROCpoppa and I were really hoping would be offering samples was the Hop House (below).

We learned all about maple beer, but sadly, we were not able to taste it. Below is part of the machinery used in the brewing process. Such a tease.

If you are looking for some maple-related fun, I recommend the Genesee Country Village & Museum for their Maple Sugar Festival. Admission is $8.50 per adult, $6.50 per child (4-16), and free for children 3 and under. They also offer a pancake breakfast during the festival for an additional $8 per adult, $6 per child (4-16), and free for children 3 and under. We passed on the breakfast during our visit since my children are extremely picky eaters, and decided to eat before we left home.

What else should you know before you go? Genesee Country Village & Museum is located at 1410 Flint Hill Road in Mumford, NY. Parking is free. The village is stroller-friendly, however the nature center trails are not. The nature center building has restrooms, and there are restrooms throughout the village. I would recommend bringing your own snacks since the dining options in the village were closed. 

No matter where you are in the New York State area, be sure to check out a Maple Weekend near you. As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

What's going on in Rochester, NY this weekend? Before we get to that, today is National Freedom Day to commemorate when Abraham Lincoln signed the resolution that became the 13th Amendment, outlawing slavery. In unrelated news, it is also National Serpent Day, making it a good day to visit the python, rattlesnake, or one of the boas at the Seneca Park Zoo.

Saturday is Groundhog Day, of course! Make a fun groundhog craft with the kids, or whip up a groundhog-inspired treat.

Sunday is the Super Bowl, and it is also National Cordova Ice Worm Day! On Ice Worm Day, the people of Cordova, Alaska celebrate the glacier-dwelling worm. Perhaps an ice-cream-spin on Worms in Dirt would be appropriate?

ONGOING
  
Race: Are We So Different?
Friday, February 1 - Sunday, April 28 during regular museum hours
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Explore the stories of race from biological, cultural, and historical points of view. This new exhibit features hands-on activities, 3-D animation, and more. Included with regular museum admission.

LEGO Travel Adventure
Daily through May 12, 2013
National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Hands-on LEGO and DUPLO building stations, racing ramps, tons of LEGO displays by LEGO Master Builders, and even a spot to take a photo of your own creation and email it to yourself or friends and family. Included with regular museum admission. Check out the ROCmomma review here.

FRIDAY

Game Night
Friday, February 1 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (repeats on Fridays through June 14, 2013)
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, tons of LEGOs, and a pizza party for $25 at ArtsROC. Call (585) 218-9125 or email info@artsroc.net for more information. Or click here to register.

Free Family Night
Friday, February 1 from 4:30 - 10:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open from 4:30-9 p.m. (remember your socks!), enjoy pizza in the Lobby at 5:45 p.m until it runs out ($1/slice), play in the Gym from 6-8 p.m., and swim in the pool from 7-10 p.m. Free and open to the community.

Fun Fridays
Friday, February 1 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


Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Sunday, February 3 from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Moonlight Creamery, 36 West Avenue (on the canal), Fairport, NY
Top a sundae with your favorite breakfast cereal, order Belgian waffles a la mode, or try an ice cream-filled donut sandwich. Breakfast-themed ice cream flavors include Sow My Wild Oats, Sticky Bunz, and Maple Bacon. Door prizes will be awarded. Proceeds benefit the Make A Wish Foundation.


Bookfair, Concert, and Children's Activities
Saturday, February 2 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Barnes & Noble, 3349 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY
Enjoy performances from the students of Hochstein School of Music & Dance. Visit the children's area at 11 a.m. for Story Hour with Clifford the Big Red Dog; at 12 p.m. make a shaker at the Hochstein craft table; at 1:30 p.m. enjoy Story Hour with Peter & the Wolf. Purchases made in store or online can help support Hochstein.


Family Rhythm/Drumming Event
Saturday, February 2 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Rhythm Connect, 84 High Street, Fairport, NY
Each participant will choose from various drum and percussion instruments from around the world, as well as explore the "Percussion Paradise" room. Cost is $5 per family and includes one free shaker per family. Get a second free shaker per family when you bring canned goods for Perinton Food Shelf (items needed: canned chili, fruit cocktail, vegetables). Space is limited; register and make payment online (note: scroll to the bottom of the page to find this event and click on the green "Book" button).

Science Saturdays
Saturday, February 2, various demonstration times from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
At 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. visit the Wildlife Defenders for an up-close look at live native and exotic species. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. join Professor Len Ortenzi for "The Science of Sound" (cool demonstrations of sound waves). From 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. enjoy "Medicines & Achoo! I Mean You" to learn about our immune system and how doctors and scientists make this important part of our body work for us. Free with regular museum admission.


Crafty Kids Valentines
Saturday, February 2 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Walworth-Seely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Drive, Walworth, NY
Stop in any time between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. They supply the materials, you bring the creativity. Ages 4 and up; no registration required.


Open Gym & Extreme Sports Practice Night
Saturday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m. (repeats Saturdays through May 25)
Sports Academy of Victor, 6385 Route 96, Victor, NY
Have fun with mats, sports equipment, tumble track, foam pit, turf field, batting cages, spring floor, and inflatables. Instructors are available to help. For ages 6 and up; cost is $10.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Ski, Snowshoe, or Walk the Village & Nature Center

Saturday, February 2 - Sunday, February 3 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Saturdays & Sundays through Februrary 24, 2013)

Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY

Ski, snowshoe, or hike through the snow-covered village and nature center trails. The Nature Center trails are open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., while the Historic Village trails are open noon - 4 p.m. only. Call (585) 294-8262 to check trail conditions. Free for members, $5.50 for non-members. Ski rental is $10, snowshoe rental is $5; equipment available on first come, first served basis. Equipment rental is available at the Nature Center.

Clifford the Big Red Dog's 50th Birthday

Saturday, February 2 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 3 from 1 - 5 p.m.

National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY

Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog and enjoy special readings in honor of his 50th birthday. Don't forget your camera! Included with regular museum admission.

SUNDAY

Family Fun Game Day
Sunday, February 3 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Rochester Public Library (Central Library), 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY
Families are invited to come to the Children's Center of the Central Library to enjoy a variety of games for ages 3-11. This program is free, so bring the whole family.

Have a great weekend, I hope your Super Bowl team wins, and as always, thanks for reading.

LEGO Travel Adventure at the National Museum of Play

Do your kids like to play with LEGOs? My boys love to build them, take them apart, and rebuild them. They enjoy setting up LEGO chase scenes with good guys and bad guys. This Christmas, we put together over a dozen LEGO sets. One of my sons decided seven months ago that his sixth birthday party, in June, will be a LEGO party.

They. Love. LEGOs.

This past Sunday we were excited to check out the new LEGO Travel Adventure exhibit at the National Museum of Play at The Strong.

LEGO Travel Adventure has some great photo opps, so be sure to bring your camera. There are minifigures as well as scenic backdrops that are perfect for your little LEGO enthusiast.

Building stations encourage kids over 3 to create their own vehicle that can soar above the clouds, traverse the dessert, or dive into the sea.

Once their masterpiece is finished, kids can take a photo of their creation and choose a virtual backdrop, add their own photo, and then email it to themselves or a family member.

Preschoolers and big kids will enjoy the LEGO DUPLO area where they can build a vehicle and race it to a Japanese castle. The racing ramp includes a rocky ridge, wild waterfall, and a line of lava. 3...2...1...GO!

This Travel Adventure Vehicle can fly through the clouds, sail the sea, or climb mountain roads. Kids can take the wheel as the display screen takes them traveling all over the world, through a variety of terrains. Afterward, my five-year-old told me this was his favorite part.

Display cases around the exhibit room feature LEGO scenes by Master Builders. Check out the Wright Brothers and their plane, Henry Ford's Model T, and the first continental railroad...all built from LEGOs. There are tons of other LEGO vehicles and scenes to admire. My personal favorite is the breakdancing scene. I'm pretty sure they are kickin' some old school Beastie Boys on that boombox.

Just outside the exhibit room, there are more display cases and a race car made from LEGO DUPLO bricks. Kids can even take a turn "driving" the car!

 This minifigure looks familiar...

The National Museum of Play is located at One Manhattan Square in Rochester, NY. It is stroller-friendly, the restrooms are equipped with diaper changing tables, and there are even family restrooms where the main door can be locked. There are two Guest Rest rooms with rocking chairs, books, and some toys; these rooms are perfect for nursing moms or for young kids who need a little break from the excitement. The food court includes several fast food options, as well as some fresh fruit-and-veggie packs from Wegman's in the vending machines. Coolers are not permitted (but truth be told, we usually purchase items for the grown-ups and bring food for our picky kids in an insulated tote bag). Feel free to hang your coats in the new coat room, just behind the library circulation desk; just don't leave behind any valuables.

Have fun at the new LEGO Travel Adventure exhibit! As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

The days are starting to get longer (yay!), but it's still pretty sloshy outside (boo!). The happenings this weekend are few and far between, but they sound like fun. At least we always have Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester Museum & Science Center, and the Seneca Park Zoo to keep us busy. Check out the other events going on...

FRIDAY

Game Night
Friday, January 11 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (repeats on Fridays through June 14, 2013)
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, tons of LEGOs, and a pizza party for $25 at ArtsROC. Call (585) 218-9125 or email info@artsroc.net for more information. Or click here to register.

Family Fun Night to Benefit West Webster Fire Department
Friday, January 11 from 6 - 8:30 p.m.
YMCA - Bay View, 1209 Bay Road, Webster, NY
Enjoy swimming, inflatables, crafts, snacks, games, and more. Cost is $20 per family.

Family Night: Ice Cream Social
Friday, January 11 from 4:30 - 10:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open from 4:30-9 p.m. (remember your socks!), enjoy pizza in the Lobby at 5:45 p.m until it runs out ($1/slice) plus ice cream, make a craft, play in the Gym from 6-8 p.m., and swim in the pool from 7-10 p.m. Free and open to the community.

Fun Fridays
Friday, January 11 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

Toddler Dance Party
Saturday, January 12 from 10:30 - 11 a.m.
Henrietta Public Library, 455 Calkins Road, Rochester, NY
Dance your sillies out! Kids ages 18 months - 4 years old can have a blast dancing with their caregivers. No registration required.

Open Gym & Extreme Sports Practice Night
Saturday, January 12 at 6:30 p.m. (repeats Saturdays through May 25)
Sports Academy of Victor, 6385 Route 96, Victor, NY
Have fun with mats, sports equipment, tumble track, foam pit, turf field, batting cages, spring floor, and inflatables. Instructors are available to help. For ages 6 and up; cost is $10.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Ski, Snowshoe, or Walk the Village & Nature Center

Saturday, January 12 - Sunday, January 13 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Saturdays & Sundays through Februrary 24, 2013)

Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY

Ski, snowshoe, or hike through the snow-covered village and nature center trails. The Nature Center trails are open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., while the Historic Village trails are open noon - 4 p.m. only. Call (585) 294-8262 to check trail conditions. Free for members, $5.50 for non-members. Ski rental is $10, snowshoe rental is $5; equipment available on first come, first served basis. Equipment rental is available at the Nature Center.

SUNDAY

Family Fun Game Day
Sunday, January 13 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Rochester Public Library (Central Library), 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY
Families are invited to come to the Children's Center of the Central Library to enjoy a variety of games for ages 3-11. This program is free, so bring the whole family.


Have a great weekend, and as always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

The countdown continues to the holly jolly festivities! 'Tis the season to bundle up and celebrate winter. Take the kids for a night drive to see holiday lights, check out some holiday trains, or get your picture taken with LEGO Santa. It's gonna be a fun weekend...


ONGOING

Colony Lane Circle of Lights
Friday, December 7 - Saturday, December 22 from 5-10:00 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only)
Colony Lane Circle of Lights, 239 Colony Lane, Henrietta, NY
Enjoy over 50,000 lights and 30 inflatables! Tune in to 91.9 FM in your car to hear the music for the computerized light show. Visit on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-8 p.m. to visit with Santa Claus, The Grinch, and Elmo (bring your camera)! This event is free; visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable goods for a food drive to support Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal. Non-periashable food items, paper items, and pet supplies are needed this year. Please do not park on the circle; parking is permitted in the driveways or on Cape Cod Way.

Yuletide in the Country
Friday, December 7 - Sunday, December 16 from 1:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only)
Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY
Enjoy festively decorated homes, reenactments of Yuletides past, joyful songs, merry instrumental music, and more Christmas customs of the 19th Century. Tours last approximately 1 1/2 hours and depart every 15 minutes; tours are $22 per person. A dinner buffet is available from 4-8:30 p.m. for $30 per adult, $16 per child (ages 4-10); children 3 and under are free. Dinner reservations are required: (585) 294-8218.

Christmas Fun
Friday, December 7 - Sunday December 16, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only)
Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
Take a wagon ride into the fields, stroll through the trees and choose just the right one. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and tree baling, a bonfire, live manger scene, straw fort for the kids, and you may even see Santa Claus. The gift shop, indoor restaurant, and restrooms are all open.

Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display
Now through Wednesday, December 12 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tues-Sun and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Mondays and Christmas Day)
George Eastman House, 900 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
See more than 60 cleverly designed gingerbread houses from professional bakers, families, and community groups. Included with museum admission: adults, $12; children 12 and under are free.

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


Pictures with Santa
Saturday, December 7 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
The Apple Shed, 3391 Fairville Maple Ridge Road, Newark, NY
Have your picture taken with Santa, plus enjoy fun activities for the kids including crafts, cookie decorating, and games.


Game Night
Friday, December 7 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (repeats on Fridays through December 21, 2012)
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, tons of LEGOs, and a pizza party for $25 at ArtsROC. Call (585) 218-9125 or email info@artsroc.net for more information. Or click here to register.

Family Night
Friday, December 7 from 4:30 - 10:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open from 4:30-9 p.m. (remember your socks!), make a holiday craft in the Lobby at 5:30 p.m., enjoy pizza in the Lobby at 5:45 p.m until it runs out ($1/slice), roller skate in the Gym from 6-8 p.m. ($4/person for skate rental), and swim in the pool from 7-10 p.m. Open to the community.

Fun Fridays
Friday, December 7 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

Pittsford CAN Day
Saturday, December 8 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY
Support arts in education by participating in Pittsford's CAN Day. Drop off your 5-cent cans and bottles and get your picture taken with LEGO Santa. LEGO Batman and LEGO Robin will also be there.

Edgerton Model Railroad Club Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 8 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Edgerton Recreation Center, 41 Backus Street, Rochester, NY
Visit four historic model railroad layouts depicting the Rochester area during each of the four seasons. Be on the lookout for the Polar Express train and Thomas the Tank Engine & his friends. Plus be sure to press the operating buttons along the edge of the layout (fun for young visitors). Parking and admission are free, but donations are welcome.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Dino Days
Saturday, December 8 - Sunday, December 9 from 12 - 4:00 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Explore three geologic periods of the Mesozoic Era with programs designed for younger children. Check out A T. rex Named Sue, and make paper dinosaurs and fossil rubbings to take home.


Holiday Family Fun
Saturday, December 8 - Sunday, December 9 (weekends only, continues through December 23)
The Garden Factory, 2126 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY
Enjoy an indoor winter carnival in the greenhouse! The model train display opens at 10 a.m. along with the Hilton Sno-Flyers Snow Show. Rides, crafts, games, and the light show will run from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., and photos with Santa will be available from 12 - 4 p.m. Admission is free and includes the model trains; rides are $0.50-1.50 each, crafts are $1-2.50, games are $2.50, and the light show is $2 per person (ages 3 and under are free for the light show). While the activities are indoors, it is still chilly in the greenhouse - coats and hats are a good idea.

Holly Trolley Rides
Weekends only; Saturday, December 8 - Sunday, December 16 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, Rochester, NY
Catch the holiday spirit with an old-fashioned trolley ride. Plus, visit the train cars, model trains, and antique car and trucks inside the museum. Admission plus trolley ride is $5 per adult and $4 per child under 12; children under 3 are free.

I hope you find some fun things to do this weekend! As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

Ah, the holiday season is upon us. Shopping lines are ridiculously long...you want to make a dozen types of cookies because they all look so good on Pinterest...the pressure is on because your neighbors already have their lights up... On the other hand, driving at night is sort of magical as you pass by glimmering lights...you get a warm and fuzzy feeling each time you drop some change into a Salvation Army bucket or (better yet) a new toy in a Toys for Tots box...there are holiday festivities going on all over the Rochester area to keep the little ones entertained... So pick your favorites and get out for some holiday fun this weekend.


ONGOING

Colony Lane Circle of Lights
Friday, November 30 - Saturday, December 22 from 5-10:00 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only)
Colony Lane Circle of Lights, 239 Colony Lane, Henrietta, NY
Enjoy over 50,000 lights and 30 inflatables! Tune in to 91.9 FM in your car to hear the music for the computerized light show. Visit on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-8 p.m. to visit with Santa Claus, The Grinch, and Elmo (bring your camera)! This event is free; visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable goods for a food drive to support Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal. Non-periashable food items, paper items, and pet supplies are needed this year. Please do not park on the circle; parking is permitted in the driveways or on Cape Cod Way.

Yuletide in the Country
Friday, November 30 - Sunday, December 16 from 1:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only)
Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY
Enjoy festively decorated homes, reenactments of Yuletides past, joyful songs, merry instrumental music, and more Christmas customs of the 19th Century. Tours last approximately 1 1/2 hours and depart every 15 minutes; tours are $22 per person. A dinner buffet is available from 4-8:30 p.m. for $30 per adult, $16 per child (ages 4-10); children 3 and under are free. Dinner reservations are required: (585) 294-8218.

Christmas Fun
Friday, November 30 - Sunday December 16, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only)
Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
Take a wagon ride into the fields, stroll through the trees and choose just the right one. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and tree baling, a bonfire, live manger scene, straw fort for the kids, and you may even see Santa Claus. The gift shop, indoor restaurant, and restrooms are all open.

Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display
Now through Wednesday, December 12 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tues-Sun and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Mondays and Christmas Day)
George Eastman House, 900 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
See more than 60 cleverly designed gingerbread houses from professional bakers, families, and community groups. Included with museum admission: adults, $12; children 12 and under are free.

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

Meet Clifford
Friday, November 30 at 5 p.m.
Kango Play Center, 1565 Jefferson Road #180, Rochester, NY
Meet the Big Red Dog. Admission is $11 per child and includes a visit and autograph with Clifford, 200 game points, 1 slice of pizza, and 1 small fountain drink.

Game Night
Friday, November 30 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (repeats on Fridays through December 21, 2012)
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, tons of LEGOs, and a pizza party for $25 at ArtsROC. Call (585) 218-9125 or email info@artsroc.net for more information. Or click here to register.

Family Night
Friday, November 30 from 4:30 - 10:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open from 4:30-9 p.m. (remember your socks!), make a craft in the Lobby at 5:30 p.m., enjoy pizza in the Lobby at 5:45 p.m until it runs out ($1/slice), play in the Gym from 6-8 p.m., and play with inflatables in the pool from 7-10 p.m. Open to the community.

Fun Fridays
Friday, November 30 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

Breakfast with Santa (to Support Military Personnel)
Saturday, December 1 at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.
Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don't forget your camera. Breakfast is $10 per person, with a portion of proceeds going to support our military.

Pictures with Santa
Saturday, December 1 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Apple Shed, 3391 Fairville Maple Ridge Road, Newark, NY
Have your picture taken with Santa, plus enjoy fun activities for the kids including crafts, cookie decorating, and games.

Edgerton Model Railroad Club Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 1 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Edgerton Recreation Center, 41 Backus Street, Rochester, NY
Visit four historic model railroad layouts depicting the Rochester area during each of the four seasons. Be on the lookout for the Polar Express train and Thomas the Tank Engine & his friends. Plus be sure to press the operating buttons along the edge of the layout (fun for young visitors). Parking and admission are free, but donations are welcome.

Liberty Pole Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, December 1 at 4:30 p.m.
The Liberty Pole, at the corner of East Main Street and Franklin Street in downtown Rochester, NY
Join Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and other pals for some holiday songs by the Liberty Pole at 4:30 o.m. At 5 p.m., Mayor Richards will light the Liberty Pole. Then join the family parade to Manhattan Square Park for fireworks at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a free open skate and family-friendly DJ from 5:30 -8:30 p.m. (Limited skate rentals available for $3) There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides around the park. At the end of the night, take the old-time trolley back to area parking garages.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Dino Days
Saturday, December 1 - Sunday, December 2 from 12 - 4:00 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Explore three geologic periods of the Mesozoic Era with programs designed for younger children. Check out A T. rex Named Sue, and make paper dinosaurs and fossil rubbings to take home.


Holiday Family Fun
Saturday, November 30 - Sunday, December 1 (weekends only, continues through December 23)
The Garden Factory, 2126 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY
Enjoy an indoor winter carnival in the greenhouse! The model train display opens at 10 a.m. along with the Hilton Sno-Flyers Snow Show. Rides, crafts, games, and the light show will run from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., and photos with Santa will be available from 12 - 4 p.m. Admission is free and includes the model trains; rides are $0.50-1.50 each, crafts are $1-2.50, games are $2.50, and the light show is $2 per person (ages 3 and under are free for the light show). While the activities are indoors, it is still chilly in the greenhouse - coats and hats are a good idea.

Holly Trolley Rides
Weekends only; Saturday, December 1 - Sunday, December 16 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, Rochester, NY
Catch the holiday spirit with an old-fashioned trolley ride. Plus, visit the train cars, model trains, and antique car and trucks inside the museum. Admission plus trolley ride is $5 per adult and $4 per child under 12; children under 3 are free.

I hope you find some fun things to do this weekend! As always, thanks for reading.