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National Museum of Play at The Strong, Rochester

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National Museum of Play at The Strong

One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607
585-263-2700
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84 visitor photos
Ranked #1 of 54 attractions in Rochester
5.0 of 5 stars 379 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®):2 and older $13, Children under age 2 are free, Museum members free.Admission to Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden: General Admission fee plus $3 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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379 reviews from our community

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Webster, New York
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“the best”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

always a great place to bring kids the best! Exhibits are interesting & fun. We always find something new to see or do.

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Rochester, New York
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Fun for all ages!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 June 2013

nothing to dislike. Butterfly exhibit is a must! :) Every exhibit takes you back in time both near and far. Jogging my childhood was wonderful and seeing my two nephews excitement just adds to the fun. Great place to entertain and educate children and wear them out completely! Even a carousel at the entrance!

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See 3 more reviews by DrMarkers for Rochester
1 review
“Lots to see and do”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 May 2013

Have visited twice now, once in 2012 and once in 2013. First time I will say was better because it was less crowded and there were more exhibits open. Our second trip fell in a several week period where two exhibits were closed. Overall there is a lot to see and do for kids and adults. I would also recommend... More

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New York
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
“Very neat. Expensive”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 May 2013

Worth going if your in town. Lots for all ages to enjoy. Out of the way in a sketchy area. Parking is safe. Staff are warm and attentive.

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See 4 more reviews by khm1968 for Rochester
niagara falls
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
“nice for kids...”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

we spent the entire day with our daughter playing at the museum,,,, a nice and clean place with lots of activities.

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See 2 more reviews by marco f for Rochester
Toronto, Canada
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Great Museum for Kids & Adults”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2013

We went there because we wanted to visit the Lego Exhibitions. The Lego exhibition was smaller than what I thought it would be, but the museum has more to see beside that. You have to pay an extra fee if you wanted to visit the butterfly garden, which we didn't do so. The museum is big and has many areas... More

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New Jersey
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“different, educational, fun for adults and kids”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013

Everything from a house that distorts proportions (the 6 foot tall becomes 3' and vice versa) to antique porcelain head dolls to xbox to arcade games--really intergenerational fun. Worked up a sweat playing Fast Track where my table tennis reflexes kicked in, had a great time with three 20-something cousins and three 60-somethings. Only issue is expense, I'm spoiled by... More

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See 4 more reviews by careertutor for Rochester
Canandaigua, New York
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“I was a little kid again!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013

This isn't just for your kids! I had a blast with my daughter and grandson, playing the games, going hands on. The food is very good as well, with lots of options. My daughter remembered many of the exhibits and really enjoyed showing them to her son as well as enjoying playing games on the second floor. Only dissapointment was... More

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See 2 more reviews by staychalet for Rochester
Boston, Massachusetts
1 review
“Better than Disney World”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

We took our son when he was 2, and are making the trip to Roc again this year now that he is 3. I intend to take him as many times as I can as he is growing up. If you are going for the first time, plan to be there at least 2 days. This place seems more magical... More

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Rochester, NY
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Fantastic place”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

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

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National Museum of Play at The Strong
One Manhattan Square
Rochester, NY 14607
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