Visiting the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester, NY

Location: Rochester, NY

If you’re planning a trip to Niagara Falls, consider adding a visit to the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. Just a two-hour drive from the falls, it’s an ideal day trip for families with kids. We stopped on our way home to break up the six hour drive.

Known as the ultimate destination for interactive fun, the museum is filled with hands-on exhibits, imaginative play areas, and experiences that will keep children entertained for hours.

We spent a full day exploring, and I can honestly say the museum exceeded all expectations. From climbing obstacle courses to stepping inside Sesame Street, every corner of the Strong Museum of Play invites kids to learn through play—and parents often find themselves joining in the fun.

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What to Expect at the Strong Museum of Play

The Strong Museum of Play is far from your typical museum. Here, kids are encouraged to touch, climb, run, and interact with exhibits. With indoor and outdoor attractions, there’s something to engage every age, especially children 12 and under.

Some of the highlights of our visit included:

The Skyline Climb Obstacle Course & Zipline – Kids (and brave parents) can test their balance and courage high above the museum floor. The zipline added an extra thrill that my kids loved. I think Lizzie did the zipline 15 times.
Imagination Destination– Kids can dive into a world of adventure as they become an astronaut, rescue pilot, construction worker, actor, and more. There are interactive spaces like a rescue helicopter, construction site, rocket ship, and theater, each filled with hands-on activities designed to ignite their imagination.
Miniature Wegmans – A miniature version of the famous grocery store lets kids pretend shop, scan items, and ring up orders. They even get a receipt! It was so fun to explore this hands-on, playful twist on a real-world experience.
Stepping Inside Sesame Street – One of the most popular exhibits, this lets kids walk right into the world of their favorite characters. From Big Bird’s nest to Elmo’s world, it’s pure magic for little ones and nostalgia for parents.
The Outdoor Board Game Park – Life-sized checkers, chess, and Candy Land let kids burn energy while exploring a playful world that feels like they have stepped inside the board game.
The Butterfly Garden – Step into a tropical oasis where butterflies float freely around you. It’s peaceful, magical, and a great way to slow down for a few minutes.
Reading Adventureland– Kids can step inside their favorite story books. There are whimsical structures they can climb, explore and play pretend. My kids spent ages at the pirate ship turned art center. They loved letting their imaginations run wild.
The Retro Diner – Perfect for a lunch break, the diner serves family favorites in a classic setting. It’s a fun way to refuel before continuing the adventure.

With so much to do, you could easily spend an entire day at the museum without running out of activities.

Tips for Visiting the Strong Museum of Play

Here are some practical tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable:

Parking: The museum has an attached parking garage, which is a huge convenience—especially in winter. No need to bundle up to cross a cold lot.
Food Options: Beyond the retro diner, there are snack stands and kid-friendly choices throughout the museum.
Time Needed: Plan to spend at least 4–6 hours here. There’s enough to keep kids entertained for an entire day.
Best Age Range: The museum is ideal for children 12 and under, but even older kids will find exhibits that capture their attention.
Membership: If you’re local, a membership is worth it—you’ll have access to rotating exhibits and special events throughout the year.

Why the Strong Museum of Play Belongs on Your Itinerary

The Strong National Museum of Play is more than a children’s museum—it’s an immersive experience where learning and imagination meet. From climbing ropes courses to strolling through a miniature Wegmans or stepping inside Sesame Street, the museum encourages creativity, curiosity, and, most importantly, play.

For families visiting Niagara Falls, it’s a perfect day trip that adds variety and excitement. For locals, it’s a place you could visit again and again without ever running out of things to do. Whether you’re a parent reliving childhood favorites or a child discovering new adventures, the Strong Museum of Play is an unforgettable experience.