Rochester is a genuinely great family town in the summer, with a world-class play museum, a lakeside amusement park, and county fairs just outside the city. Here are three ways to spend a Saturday.
1. Spend the day at a county fair
County fair season is in full swing just outside Rochester. The Wayne County Fair in Palmyra (August 10 to 16) is the big one, marking its 169th year in 2026 with harness racing, figure-8 racing, a bull-riding rodeo, and a Floral Hall that's been standing since 1856. If you've got younger kids, the Orleans County 4-H Fair in Albion (July 27 to August 1) is a gentler, youth-focused option with lots of animals and a family-friendly price.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
2. Play all day at The Strong Museum of Play
Rochester is home to The Strong National Museum of Play, the only museum in the world devoted entirely to play, and it's every bit as fun as that sounds. There's an indoor butterfly garden, a working carousel, the National Toy Hall of Fame, and hands-on exhibits everywhere you turn. It's the perfect rainy-day (or any-day) outing for kids of all ages.
3. Ride the classics at Seabreeze
For old-fashioned amusement-park fun, head to Seabreeze on the shore of Lake Ontario. Open since 1879, it's one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, with a wooden coaster, a vintage carousel, and a water park to cool off in. It's smaller and friendlier than the mega-parks, which makes it just right for families.
One great Rochester weekend
Three stops, one memorable Saturday. Start with a fair while they're still running, then let the kids play. Find the fair nearest you at FindYourFair.com.