Fun Indoor Places to Take the Grandkids
When it’s cold outside, have fun inside: Rochester has wide variety of options
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
If the cold has you down, round up the grandkids for an adventure indoors. Rochester offers plenty of hotspots for fun for children through teens.
• Central Rock Gym boasts 20,000 square feet of climbing terrain, including a 45-foot lead wall, 80 boulder problems, and 70 top rope and lead stations. The gym offers a guided session for youth aged 4-plus through age 99 for people who are interested in climbing but have never tried and want some help. Day passes start at $15.
• Strong National Museum of Play bills itself as the “ultimate play destination” and for good reason. The massive number of items exhibited and available for play help it live up to that title. Kids and kids-at-heart can explore hands-on exhibits related to toys, board games, video games and more. Maybe you can find your childhood favorites. Tickets start at $25.
• Horizon Fun FX is a blast for children through young teens. The facility offers skating and blading, Jungle Jim’s Playland, laser tag, arcade, bouncing pillow and a café. Check the website for coupons. $15.53 for skating and blading, with
other attractions a la carte.
• Ontario Play and Café features 14,000 square feet of space for younger children with climbing and playground equipment, water table (with raincoats to borrow), sand and stone table and a snack bar. Wear out the little ones with a day of play. Admission starts at $10.
• Clubhouse Fun Center in Greece and Henrietta provides a mini golf course, batting cages and go-kart course for summertime; however, their arcades are open all winter, plus a snack bar — just right for a few hours out. Admission is free; you pay as you play.
• Altitude Trampoline Park in Henrietta offers hours of fun for daredevil bouncers. The facility operates a main bouncing course, basketball court and dodgeball area, plus arcade, massage chairs, obstacle course, parkour area, slick slide, inflatables, and soft play area. Watch the kids or join in the fun. A one-hour pass is $19.99.
www.altitudetrampolinepark.com
• Rochester Museum & Science Center and Strasenburgh Planetarium displays exhibits and offers programming exploring science, history, space, and nature. Check the website for special seasonal events such as craft projects to enjoy together. Admission starts at $20.
• George Eastman Museum chronicles the development of photography and filmography. Take your little cinema buffs to see how movie magic evolved, catch a screening and view film artifacts. Film screenings are listed on the website. Tickets start at $9.
• Eastview Mall in Victor brings back the nostalgia of strolling through a shopping mall and for the kids, the retro experience of not shopping online. Spring for a few rides on the carousel and be sure to eat at the food court for the full ‘80s mall experience.
Check out the offerings at your local library branch. Many provide story time for young children, craft events, and more. Or just get lost among the stacks. Most libraries offer free discard bins which can help children build their personal library.
When taking the grandkids to any of these venues, check the website for any discounts or coupons available. Many points of interest offer senior and veteran discounts or allow infants free admission. Some allow free admission for adults with paid children’s admission.