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All 27 Rochester Attractions »

National Museum of Play at The Strong

One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607
585-263-2700
Ranked #1 of 25 attractions in Rochester
5.0 of 5 stars 207 Reviews
Type: Children’s Museums
Fee: Yes
Owner description: Come over to play at the only museum in the world devoted solely to the importance of play. The museum blends the best features of both history...... more » Owner description: Come over to play at the only museum in the world devoted solely to the importance of play. The museum blends the best features of both history museums (extensive collections and children’s museums (high interactivity). At 282,000 square feet, the National Museum of Play at The Strong is the largest regional year-round family attraction, and the second largest “children’s” museum in the nation. The museum takes play very seriously. Its philosophy—that play is essential to learning and human development—is reflected everywhere you look beginning with its uniquely whimsical architecture (including a butterfly house built to look like the world’s largest butterfly, an undulating two-story caterpillar-shaped atrium, and a structure resembling a pile of gigantic children’s building blocks). Engaging hands-on exhibits invite you to attend Super Powers School, meet the Berenstain Bears, play your way through the history of video games, enter a giant kaleidoscope, board a whaling ship, see the world’s oldest Monopoly games, step into Sesame Street, walk into the pages of a giant pop-up book, and so much more! The museum is home to the region’s only indoor butterfly garden; the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of dolls, toys, and games; and the prestigious National Toy Hall of Fame®. Amenities include a food court, indoor train and carousel, two museum shops, and an outdoor Discovery Garden. Admission Fees: General Admission (does not include admission to Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden®): Adults $13, Seniors $12, Children (2–15) $11, Children younger than two free, Museum members free. Admission to Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden: General Admission fee plus $2 for members, $4 for nonmembers; children under 2 free. Entry is by timed ticket only. Parking: Free parking is available at the museum for all guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that, on high visitation days, the museum lot may reach capacity early in the day. If space is not available on site at the time of your visit, additional parking is available at neighboring municipal garages for a fee. The Strong is not responsible for fees incurred at off-site locations. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children
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207 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Toronto
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Not only will your young kids be thrilled and entertained but so will you for the entire visit. Wonderful hands-on activities in themed areas and a remarkable collection of toys of the past. More

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Niagara Region
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

We've been 5 times now, and are still discovering new areas. The is the absolute best vacation destination for young children. And the years pass is a reasonable rate. More

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Toronto, Canada
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012 NEW

we went to rochester this weekend, specifically to visit the Strong Museum of Play - again. this was our third visit and it did not disappoint! grown ups and children alike love it. the museum celebrates play, childrens literature, early childhood development. it evokes wonderful memories (remember the simon electronic game?). it is beautifully and thoroughly done. our kids (6... More

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Tally FLA
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2012

I went there last summer with my nieces (1,3, and 7 at the time), their parents, and my mom and stepdad. Everyone had a blast, whether it was playing in the different sections of the museum, looking at barbies, shopping at the kids sized Wegmans, or (in my case) drooling at the video arcade that had all the games I... More

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Las Vegas, Nevada
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

This is the best children's museum in US. Huge places full of magical things every where, great for kids and the adults as well. Very clean too. Whoever designed this museum, they are absolute GENIUS! This place is so huge with so many options, you don't feel too crowded even on the busiest days! If there're lot of people on... More

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Brooklyn, NY
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

This museum is quite large. Many activities for children. However, it can get quite crowded during days when school is out. It even go the adults interested in their childhood toys. Great day to spend the day. More

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Toronto
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012

We went with our 4.5 and 1.5 year old. It was great for the 4.5 year old. We loved the Sesame Street, the kid's supermarket, the Berenstein Bears, and the super heros exhibits. My husband and son loved the arcade area - they spent a couple of hours playing arcade games from the 1980s. We drove there from Toronto and... More

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Rochester, NY
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2012

There is so much to do at this museum that your kids could not get bored if they tried. From the kid sized Wegmans where they can shop for groceries then checkout on a lifesize register to the fabulous StoryBook Adventureland where little princesses and princes can dress up or create their own crowns and magic wands, this museum has... More

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Le Roy, New York, United States
2 reviews
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2012

I have not been to museum since I was 12 or so and took my 2 year old daughter who had a great time. The place was clean, and everyone was beyond friendly, and went out of there way to help you. In my opinion the price was a bit high, for the entire trip i spent about 100.00. (I... More

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Webster, New York
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2012

Not just for kids...but if your kids (or grandkids) go - you have more excuses to tell them all about the toys in there that YOU used to own! Well thought out and dynamic displays...always changing and very family friendly. Also very popular place so bring your patience as the crowds just might be hectic! More

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