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National Museum of Play at The Strong

One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607
585-263-2700
Website
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Ranked #1 of 48 attractions in Rochester
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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370 reviews from our community

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Rochester, NY
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013 NEW

Fun for adults as well as the kids. Plan to spend at least 2 or 3 hours there. You can't see and do everything in one visit.

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See 3 more reviews by Well_Traveled010 for Rochester
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
70 helpful votes 70 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013 via mobile

This is a great place to spend time with the kids. They entire venue is well thought out. However, the staff is rude to children and parents. They really need to find some better help.....

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Rochester, New York
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

Always excellent with the kids! Lots of stuff to do and always changing stuff up. If you have young kids get a membership.

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See 15 more reviews by BobB4730 for Rochester
Oro Station, Canada
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
40 helpful votes 40 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2013

My three year old son had so much fun here, he is still talking about this place four days later. Lots to see and do for all ages. Very hands-on oriented exhibits, and lots of them. Learning and fun all in one place.

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See 2 more reviews by 5a25 for Rochester
WNY
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2013

I thought this attraction was really nice. There was lots to see and do with a built in food court with several choices so lunch can be quick and easy. My favorite part was the retro arcade games- brought back some memories. I also felt the price was fair for what was offered- I have paid not much less for... More

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North Kingstown, RI, United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 22, 2013

Did you ever play Monopoly or Candyland? Have a Barbie Doll? Ride a pedal car? Own a Tonka truck? Have a stuffed animal? All your childhood memories, all your playthings, all your children's playthings, even what they are using now - it's all here and more! And you can still enjoy them. There are many hands on areas where you... More

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See 3 more reviews by Traveler66_13 for Rochester
Lockport, New York
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11 reviews 11 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 22, 2013

This is a great place to spend the day when it's cold or rainy. Tons to occupy your kids and learn. What is great as well is the attention given to adults. You'll see a ton of games your remember as a kid including old arcade games. Highly recommended and the cost of admission is very reasonable.

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Niagara Falls, Canada
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18 reviews 18 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 14, 2013

My son and I were so tired being there all day but still didn't want to leave, There is something here for everyone. We were planning on leaving and having lunch at a restaurant and coming back but we had Subway at the food court because we didn't want to waste any time. The super hero section is awesome, the... More

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Rochester, New York
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2013

I always enjoy visiting this museum and actually playing some of the games and toys. Seeing all the toys I remember from my childhood (I'm in my 50s) is also fun . On my last visit there with a friend, he asked "how old are you?" when I got into playing one of the video games. :)

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charlotte, nc
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 9, 2013

I visited the museum with my 13 month old. He loved the Sesame Street area and the kiddie Wegmans. There is so much to do here for kids (and adults) of all ages. The whole place is fantastic! It definitely gets busy so keep that in mind but what a great place to bring kids! I can't wait to bring... More

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See 3 more reviews by travelbug242 for Rochester

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