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.

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.