4 Must-Visit Rochester Spots When Family Comes to Town

Having your family visit can make for a fun but stressful weekend. Thinking of what to do, where to eat, and what to see can be intimidating. So I've compiled this list of some of my favorite things to do when family visits during my busy school year.

Genesee Brew House

The Genesee Brewing Company is one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the United States. The brewery makes the Genesee line of beers, including the iconic Genesee, the refreshing Genny Light, and the original Genesee Cream Ale. The Brew House is a restaurant on the top floor of the building, with a gift shop and tasting room on the first floor. The restaurant is also accessible by elevator, which is a huge plus! Their Bavarian pretzels are a must-have, and their Mango Peach Kölsch is a summer classic. This is the perfect spot to bring your family for lunch or dinner. Time it right, and you might catch some live music on the patio!

Strong Museum of Play

The Strong Museum houses the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play. Margaret Woodbury Strong, a prolific collector of everyday objects, especially dolls and toys, founded The Strong in 1968 under the name "Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum of Fascination." The museum is highly interactive and built for children and adults alike! Check out exhibits like the National Toy Hall of Fame, World Video Game Hall of Fame, Skyline Climb, Play Lab, and Butterfly Garden. The museum offers a lot to see, so plan for at least a few hours to make your way through! Tickets are $25 per person for general admission.

Lamberton Conservatory

The Lamberton Conservatory was originally built in 1911 as part of Highland Park. The conservatory consists of five connecting greenhouses that house a large variety of plants, flowers, and trees. Keep an eye out for turtles, tortoises, and quails that wander around the floors of the greenhouses! This is the perfect stop for a relaxing walk. I recommend visiting the Lamberton Conservatory at different times of the year since the plants bloom and go dormant seasonally, and the displays change accordingly. There's a little something there to intrigue everyone. They offer guided tours for groups at a discounted rate and volunteer opportunities to care for the outdoor landscape for those looking to get involved.

Admission prices are as follows: Youth (0-5): Free, Adult (19-61): $3.00, Youth (6-18) / Seniors (62+): $2.00

Public Market

The City of Rochester Public Market has served the community at its 280 North Union Street site since 1905! The market is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and features local produce and vendors. In addition, an array of independent local businesses, cafés, food stands, coffee shops, breweries, retail shops, and more can be found on the market grounds. There are lots of options for a quick meal while stocking up on fresh and local produce. Keep an eye out for some of the 40 special events that take place at the market, like Community Garage Sales and Super Fleas, Flower City Days, Bands on the Bricks, and Food Truck Rodeos!