The Strong National Museum of Play

Children's museum · Rochester ·

The Strong National Museum of Play

Children's museum · Rochester ·

World Video Game Hall of Fame, Hasbro Game Park, and interactive play

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1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607 Get directions

@travelleisure

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What's Happening in Rochester, New York, for the Total Solar Eclipse in April 2024

"A large, recently expanded museum devoted to the art of play that will host an April 1–8 celebration examining space through play, featuring space-themed toys, paper-rocket-making, and hands-on crafts and activities designed for families and children." - Wendy O'Dea Wendy O'Dea Wendy O'Dea has worked as a travel journalist and content strategist for two decades. Her work has appeared in USA Today, Travel + Leisure, 10best.com, Robb Report, and many other outlets. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/rochester-new-york-total-solar-eclipse-guide-8575466

The Strong National Museum of Play

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8 Places to Experience Video Game History IRL

"The International Center for the History of Electronic Games (ICHEG) is located at The Strong National Museum of Play, the only museum in the world solely dedicated to exploring the history of play and its broader impact on society. As the electronic gaming division, ICHEG explores the ways in which electronic games have changed throughout history, and how they have shaped players’ interactions with one another. The permanent collection includes an extensive range of over 30,000 games and consoles, from the early years of the Atari models to today’s Nintendo Wii. Included in the collection are over 20,000 individual video game titles, 5,000 children’s educational games, 100 different handheld models, and a large collection of electronic toys, such as Tamagotchi and Webkinz. The collection also includes more than 30,000 artifacts and papers related to the history of video games. Many of the consoles on display are available to play, such as the first coin-operated arcade game, Computer Space, which became popular in the 1970s. Other rare collector’s items on display include a Nintendo World Championships 1990 gray cartridge, and the original papers and prototypes of the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home video game system." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/video-game-history

Strong Museum of Play (Strong Museum of Play)

The Strong National Museum of Play

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A playful powerhouse after its 2023 expansion, with the World Video Game Hall of Fame and the Hasbro Game Park. Frequently highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler as a top U.S. children’s museum.

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-childrens-museums-in-the-us

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The Strong National Museum of Play

Mikey

Google

The Strong National Museum of Play was impressive for interactive play with so many fun exhibits. We were able to immerse in the toy Grocery Store and Reading Adventureland exhibits on the 1st floor. There were neat areas including the Pinball Playfield and outdoor Field of Play with a D&D dragon statue and Monopoly for photo-ops on a nice day. The superhero strength and city climb exhibits in the Comic Book Hero area were also fun. On the 2nd floor, the Digital Worlds and Video Game Hall of Fame featured many classic and independent video games that kept us entertained on various consoles. We also had plenty of fun in the Level Up area, especially with the interactive stealth zone and wall toss games. These were all included in the admission price but my personal favorite was the arcades with many games from the past four decades. We visited three days in a row here to experience the many parts of the museum. With added admission, we also worked up a sweat on the Skyline Climb rope course and zipline above the atrium. It was well-designed with a safety rail & traffic light system that made it suitable for young kids. The site has a rainbow parking garage with 6 parking entries included in each annual family membership.

Tabitha R.

Google

I highly recommend. I was surprised how large it was and how interactive it was. There were so many games (board games ann video games) you could play and so many other interactive things. Great for kids of all ages and adults as well. It had so many nostalgia items from toys dating back to the 1800's to more recent. We went on a Monday and it was not busy, we were there almost 5 hours and probably still didn't see everything. We ate at the food court and got pizza and a chicken salad wrap and both were really good.

Keln H.

Google

Incredible toy museum. It's a must visit for kids. Love the retro arcade and pinball area + the toy hall of fame. New area with interactive games called level up for the older kids. I've travelled across the boarder multiple times just to visit this museum with my kid.

Marina S.

Google

The Strong National Museum of Play completely lives up to its name — it’s pure fun, learning, and nostalgia rolled into one. We went as a family with both adults and kids, and every one of us had different favorites — which says everything about how much there is to do here. The exhibits are hands-on, creative, and thoughtfully designed, from the classic toys and video games to the pretend play areas and immersive displays. You could easily spend the whole day here and still find new things to explore. The only downside was that the bathrooms could have been cleaner — no soap first thing in the morning and a few stalls looked like they hadn’t been checked since the night before. Hopefully just a timing issue, because everything else was fantastic. The staff were friendly, the layout was well-organized, and the entire experience was memorable from start to finish. We can’t wait to come back — we’re planning for another full day!

Bunny O.

Google

This is the best place for kids (and me!)😁 It has the largest areas of play for kids at different ages. It entertains, teaches and inspires my kids. It's such a cool place and I would love to come here a few times a week! I wished the membership was cheaper though.

Amber V.

Google

Wow wow wow! This was absolutely incredible! I was initially hesitant about what seemed like the high price of tickets- but they were absolutely worth every single penny! We did two-day tickets without adding on the ropes course or butterfly garden (you can pay for these experiences once you’re inside) and it was the best decision. This museum was unlike any other children’s museum I’ve been to- every single exhibit was curated to captivate children’s interests and imaginations. Every single place we stopped we could’ve stayed for at least an hour. We spent about 5 hours in the museum both days and we didn’t see all the indoors exhibits and we didn’t ever get to the butterfly garden or the ropes course. We’ll definitely be coming back and telling everyone we know who’s going to the area to plan a visit!

박애정

Google

This is the best place to recall the memories of children and adults. You can experience, learn, and enjoy many things. The playground, skyline, art, Lego, merry-go-round, butterfly experience, arcade, adventure, various story-themed entertainment, and books everywhere were great to bring children's emotions and learning. Unfortunately, I didn't have much time, so I couldn't enjoy it anymore. Next time, I would like to come in the morning and stay until it's over. ^^

mrsrhm1

Google

We had a party of 15 attend the Happy Hour and we all had a grand time!!! The doll house exhibit was a huge hit. The arcade is my favorite. It transformed me back to the mid 80s...the good ol' days.

Jody S.

Yelp

WOW! This is an amazing place for kids and adults. An action packed adventure that continues to wow at every turn and every corner. But plan to stay for a long time because there is tons of fun and I don't think I saw a single person get bored and was ready to leave. My favorite part were probably the games and pin ball room. I was with my teenage son, who also really enjoyed his visit, and we spent hours playing pinball and other video games. There are multiple rooms with different styles of games (recent years, pin balls, interactive games, etc.) as well as a museum so there wasn't the bottle neck of people waiting to play. We were able to get alot of play time in with minimal to no waiting. These games were also great for smaller kids but there are alot of other exhibits targeted for smaller kids (mini Wegmans store, Sesame Street area, tons of climbing and hands on exhibits). Parking for the museum was $7 and can be paid at the entrance desk or one of the machines just outside the museum entrance. Museum entrance fees are $25 (they do offer military and senior discounts) for the basic entry fee. There are 1/2 day prices ($12.50) on Fridays. There are several add on options for additional fees for the butterfly garden and skyline climb. Tickets can be bought online or at the museum entrance. There are a couple of cafe's for meals that are pretty decent, overall. They do the job. I ordered the black bean burger and onion rings from the Pup Cafe and I would give the food a 3-4 stars. As an insider tip the Pup cafe offers 1/2 priced milkshakes at 3pm and they are really, really good. Overall we spent 4.5 hours but I can easily see spending more. Bring a bottle for water as they are allowed and they save you $2.65 per bottle of water for purchase. Also, the video games take tokens but the token machines take both case and card.

Marissa C.

Yelp

Absolutely amazing! We ended up spending the whole day here, although that wasn't necessarily what we had expected. No problem; it was well worth it! This place is packed with exhibits and plenty of opportunities for hands-on play. There is also an add-on for the Skyline Climb, a ropes course and zipline. This was a huge draw, and we easily spent two hours just in this section alone. Other great exhibits included the cute Sesame Street section, an actual replica Wegman's where the kids can act out being both customers and staff, a mini branch of the local library where locals can actually check out books, and more. Video games get their own section, complete with the classics to current games, many of which you can actually try out. There is a 20 foot Donkey Kong arcade game that is a blast to see. There is a nice seating area where you can eat, as well as places to order food, such as the diner located beneath the Skyline Climb. Really neat place to visit!

Jon C.

Yelp

Been here many times and its always fun. The Wegmans store, the Bernstein bears play kitchen, the Sesame street area, the craft room, the pirate ship, the kings lair, and that's all on 1st floor. We got the annual pass and it was definitely worth it for lots if fun with the kids But I'd day the museum has a good blend of fun for kids and adults. There is a digital area, arcade area, and tons of history to read. Wanna know who invented the teddy bear? How about easy bake oven? It's all in there. As well as toys from thr 90s and 2000s, cause I guess they belong in a museum now..

Peggy C.

Yelp

The biggest children's museum in Rochester. It's absolutely huge. I've brought my kids here at least 6-8 times throughout a 12 month period because we figured it would be much cheaper to get the annual membership than to pay for the one time admission fee or even a two day pass. We would usually spend two days here per trip because we find one day is just too much of a rush. There's a lot of things to do and a lot of toys to play with. My kids never get bored and they always have a good time. This museum has two floors and also an outdoor area. There's a kid's Wegmans supermarket that my kids love - they can stay in there for more than an hour. Everything in there looks so real, so fascinating. They have checkouts for kids to pretend to be a cashier. This got to be the best kid's supermarket I've ever been. They have a carousel and a mini train ride. There's a few arcades. Some require money and some don't. The upper level has video games and games for older kids. There's something for everyone, any age even for adults. They have a cafe which offers sandwiches, pizzas, salads and kids meals. We got food from here the first time we visited but after we decided to bring our own lunch instead. The food is a bit pricey and personally it's not quite worth it. One thing really nice is they allow outside food and drinks so we do bring our own, makes it a lot easier with kids. There's plenty of seating area and tables. I'm certain we will definitely be coming back again.

Allison R.

Yelp

AMAZING! This is the best children's museum we have ever been to. The entire first floor is mostly imaginative play. There is an entire Wegmans where your children can actually scan their own items and get a real receipt afterwards. The areas really encourage children to explore and imagine. This museum isn't just for kids though. The upstairs is devoted to the evolution of board games and video games. It's so immersive and interactive, even my 70 year old father-in-law was thoroughly entertained and having a ball. There is never a dull moment. I thought, "there was no way we would stay from open to close." 8 hours might seem like a long time, but we did indeed stay the whole time. It flew by. There are three different places to eat, and the cafeteria we chose actually had quite yummy food. There is just so much to do and see, including a working train and carousel indoors to ride on! This is our favorite place to take our son whenever we are in town.

Peter D.

Yelp

This is a world-class museum, and one of the best things to do while you're in Rochester. While it is an amazing place to bring your kids, it's not just a children's museum (still worth checking out if you don't have any). It's a place where people of all ages can play, and learn about the history of play. If you do have kids, you probably already know about it. There are plenty of places for your little monsters to climb and slide and dress up and perform and learn and color and much more. But there's also tons of interesting exhibits like the History of Barbie, with all the dolls going back to its inception (probably a bit more popular since the movie). If you play your cards right, you might see a dad angry at his son for wanting to play with Barbie, and get to witness the fight he has with the kid's mom (public arguments are the pinnacle of people-watching). There's a life-sized game of (bear) Operation, the original round Monopoly, Reading Adventureland, a helicopter cockpit, a giant hallway with what must be every video game console ever, and a computer where you can just sit and play the Oregon Trail. I just abandoned my family for 15 minutes so I could discover if I still kick ass at hunting (I do). That said, I did ultimately die of dysentery. Since the best kids' stuff is often pretend parents' stuff, the mini Wegmans grocery store is a giant hit. Our kids love shopping for food, working behind the meat counter, checking out (and ringing up) their choices, and all of the other things. It's the only thing we've done every single time we've come in, and I imagine that won't change next time either. Check it out.

Drew W.

Yelp

Brings back all the good memories as a kid. Fun place for kids and adult's. Highly recommend!!

Sara D.

Yelp

The Strong Museum of Play is a remarkable collection of a woman who collected wonderful toys and memorabilia throughout her life. It's definitely a place for children of all ages. I only saw the first floor on this visit. As you enter the museum three aquariums with live fish greet the visitors. I believe the majority of the exhibits are on this floor. Several food options are available, including the Puppy Café which, at the end of the long visit, was a welcome area for an Iced Coffee and a Muffin. The espresso machine was not working. That was my original choice, an espresso. It has on the back wall a map of the world. The butterfly garden and outside garden are also on this level of the museum. I had a great time.

Eric D.

Yelp

Such a magical place for kids of all ages and adults too. Always have a blast here there's so much to see and do and it's definitely not just for kids. The national toy and video game hall of fame will bring back your inner child and lots of fun memories for everybody! Parking is available in their lot and there are discounts for students and children. They have lots of great rotating exhibitions and optional butterfly conservatory and ropes course! Spend a few hours or a full day there's loads of stuff to see and fun to have! Can't wait to come back again!

Janice Y.

Yelp

This is definitely a must do when in Rochester. If you're looking for small road trip outside of Toronto, this is around ~3hr drive out. We were thinking spending a half day here, but we easily spent the whole day here. I didn't expect to have so much fun. However, I think we spent too much time on the lower floors, which is better for kids. Lots of nostalgia with iconic characters like Snoopy, Sesame Street to Berenstain Bears. Tons of play areas for kids from toddlers to older as well, they even have an arcade, pinball machine and a free DDR machine. All the pinball machines and most arcade machines require paid tokens, which isn't too much, I think $1 for 4 tokens? Each machine uses on average about one token. We purchased our tickets in person, but if you want to save a dollar, buy it online. That kid Wegmans store has my heart. Kids could push a tiny cart and literally scan and check out food through the kid size conveyor belt at the cash register and generate a receipt too! However, if you're going with adults you probably would have the most fun on the top floor, where there are retro gaming and lots of interactive components and learn about the history of gaming. Mario, Sonic and even other unique games to play where I was swatting away hands touching my hair on a virtual game. You'll also get a little wristband to just scan to use these machines for free. There's also a paid butterfly garden but given it was a rainy day and we had so much fun indoors already, we didn't check it out. All-in all a great museum with lots of interactive components.

Kenya M.

Yelp

I attended the Writers and Books Rochester Reads reception and keynote. I love the Strong. Great venue for the event.

Rachel H.

Yelp

The Strong National Museum of Play really recommends this city as an excellent place to vacation with children and shows off the best family-friendly Rochester has to offer. The museum is full of interactive elements that augment exhibits emphasizing the (largely Eurocentric) history of play. A lot of this museum remains as it was in my childhood. My favorite spot, the storybook village, allows for ample opportunity to frolic and play pretend among your kids' favorite storybook backdrops. I especially love this museum because even though it's built with kids in mind, there is plenty to keep adults busy too. Can't wait to take nieces and nephews here.

Audra H.

Yelp

What a great place to go to get out some energy for the kiddos!! I took my 5 1/2 year old here and we came at 1:00 -'s didn't leave until 5!! We nearly scratched the surface of the place. We spent most of our time in the video game area and then went to Wegman's and my son had a blast. I love this museum and I'll be back!

Shannon L.

Yelp

This museum is a fantastic destination for kids! The exhibits are interactive, engaging, and designed to spark creativity and learning. My children had a blast exploring the hands-on activities, and there's something for all ages.

Marissa B.

Yelp

Fun for all ages! The Museum of Play offers so much to guests. It's easy to spend hours at the museum and not see everything. There is just so much to do and see. The addition of the outdoor Hasbro Game park is a must see. The park is colorful and full of references to classic Hasbro games. I love the pinball arcade and how each game is only one coin! This price point makes the games accessible. We went today not knowing it was the grand opening of a new dungeons and dragons exhibit. The grand opening included events throughout the museum. The museum also validates parking, saving us 3 dollars on parking fees. You are also able to bring food to consume in the cafeteria area.

Lynn S.

Yelp

We continue to love the Museum of Play and have had a membership for our family for the past 3 years. When my youngest was not in school yet, we went there weekly and there was always something we didn't see. Every area is such a delight for kids and they really design each area to make it so interactive. I continue to be impressed with the new additions to the Museum like the Hasbro Game-land, rotating exhibits and the 2nd Floor extension area. I also like that they moved the Puppy cafe near the back so there is another eating area for families to eat at and get food at too. As well the great thing is you can take out books at the Museum and return if you live here locally and have a library card. So glad to have this renowned Musuem locally! As well also happy now you can order food online at Bill Gray's and the other food joint in the cafeteria so you don't need to wait in-line anymore. The carousel and train continue to be a hit for my children.

Kate B.

Yelp

This place was amazing. We were two adults who were most interested in the toy hall of fame but admittedly we loved the entire museum. We arrived shortly after opening, had no difficulty parking or buying tickets. You can get just admission, or add on the butterfly garden and/or the high ropes course/zip line. There were so many interactive activities that were just as interesting for adults as they were for kids. So much fun. We were there for about 4 hours which wasn't anywhere near enough time to do and read everything.

Melody N.

Yelp

We loved it here! This was a pit stop on our way to Canada to get the kids' wiggles out for a few hours and we spent almost the whole day there. I was pleasantly surprised of how late the museum was open(the day we went it was opened until 8pm). Most museums I have been to had typically closed around 5. There were so many aspects of play that were explored in the museum for all ages. They had large interactive exhibits and sections as well as informative displays of the history of different toys/games. We paid extra for the ropes course and the butterfly garden. Would highly recommend to anyone who is passing through the area. There was a huge video game section for playing. There was another section that went through the history of video games including highlighting women's contributions to video games. There were parts of the museum that had additional costs to use(ex: pinball section and a small train area) but overall the ticket included a lot and was well worth it!

Sean S.

Yelp

Hands down the most comprehensive, largest, and fun children's museum we've ever been to with our 3-year-old. This place is huge, with various thematic play stations throughout the building, offering endless activities for children of any age. You could easily spend a full day here exploring all the attractions and sections. I recommend dedicating at least half a day to this museum; it's not worth it if you only have a few hours. Depending on your child's age and interests, you can find activities that best suit your situation. Here are a few sections we found particularly fun: the butterfly garden was our favorite, allowing us to walk among beautiful butterflies while being careful not to touch them. My child loved watching them fly close and doing little scavenger hunts. The arcade and pinball games are great for both children and adults, and the Sesame Street area was fun and nostalgic for us. There are many food options within the museum, but don't feel limited to those. There are also some great restaurants within walking distance outside the museum.

Chris S.

Yelp

Wow! If you find yourself in Rochester this is definitely worth checking out. As a huge nerd, I LOVED all the video game exhibits. A lot of cool history and stuff to see, as well as interactive exhibits. Lots of photo ops as well. This place is definitely fun more more than just kids

Kelly O.

Yelp

Awesome museum, lots of bang for your buck. But, it's a lot. I was only half joking when telling my husband that I would need one of the guest rest rooms (small quiet nooks with closing doors to fight the overwhelm, super thoughtful addition). My kids (4&7) had a blast and want to go back. That being said, it was a bit overstimulating for my 4 year old, especially with all of the video game exhibits. My husband was a kid in a candy store, but was also feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to appreciate it and mind the kids. All that being said, staff is great, place is great, just keep in mind it's a lot if anyone in your party has sensory needs and plan accordingly.

Juliet V.

Yelp

Really fun place even without the kids! If you love toys and/or games this is the place for you! Definitely plan to spend a while because it is vast. I wish I had known the layout a little better because by the time we got upstairs we were quite tired and that was some of the best stuff. My favorites included the dollhouse and doll section, the pinball arcade and the board game section. They had a special, temporary exhibit featuring black dolls from early America that was fascinating, touching and informative. It was a break from all the toddlers too. My husband loved the video game section including lots of interactive areas and old school arcade machines too.. The section where you create your own avatar and play multiple games is really awesome! I played my childhood favorite Ms Pac-Man! The food is what you expect inside an attraction: over priced and not that great. We did get some delicious milkshakes from Bill Grays with Abbot's custard in them. Lots of history of games and toys too. It's not cheap but worth the price in my opinion.

Penelope A.

Yelp

We visited the museum on a whim. There were hardly any kids when we got there and let me remind you my kids are adults now and felt out of place in the lower section of the museum because that is where we began to see pre k students exploring and being creative with play. It was fun to be reminded of certain nostalgic memories of my own children's upbringing and what they were into during the 1990 and 2000. We then went upstairs( this is where our interest laid) pinball machines, arcade games, esl and board games. In total we spent a good three hours there reliving our family memories. We added in the butterfly exhibit which was small but that is okay. Saw amazing butterflies, turtles and a koi pond. The overall facility was nice and had places to sit down and eat. Cafeteria for students , restrooms and entertainment for all ages.

Sue L.

Yelp

Strong Museum of play is something I would recommend for everyone. I went when it first opened years ago, and thought it was just ok. I went again in Dec of this year, and lord has it changed! It was amazing and so much fun-for anyone, any age! For us it was a trip back in time. . Most things are interactive, and you can play with them now! We also went in the Butterfly exhibit which is additional $ but really cool and worth the trip while you are there. Highly recommend! esp if you have company and want to see something that is truly different than a "normal" museum

Jennifer R.

Yelp

You can definitely come here without kids and can avoid the main floor, which is primarily geared towards kids under 15 with many interactive displays. The second floor is where all the good stuff is with interactive games, pinball machines, old school games like donkey Kong, and even areas dedicated to play systems (like Nintendo, n64, etc). They have allot of hall of fames and educational areas for adults from PC games to how toys were throughout different decades & cultures.

Angelita G.

Yelp

Really nice kids museum, love it here. I used to bring the kids here all the time. You can keep them busy all day. They have updated and added a few things from the last time I visited. They have a lot of exhibits to enjoy, like Elmos World, Sesame Street, Wegmans grocery store, Avengers exhibit, butterfly exhibit, Barbie, and a lot more exhibits. They even have little quiet areas with books. If you want to take some time and read a cool book during your visit. They have little bookshelves throughout the museum. They have arts and crafts areas too.

Louis C.

Yelp

Great museum. Well worth the visit. Rope course was cool but not for those afraid of heights. Great staff throughout. Shoutout to Brad in the butterfly garden.

Rachel L.

Yelp

I can't begin to say how amazing this museum is. It is a museum for EVERYONE. Even adults will be caught playing, and getting nostalgic thinking of their favorite childhood toys. Some important things to note: the museum has its own parking garage and parking is NOT free. Also, don't lose your ticket! Next, the lockers sell out. It is super annoying to carry around a jacket all day so leave it in the car, bring a backpack, or stroller. There are a couple food courts at the museum but the food is nasty, and the seating gets busy. Bring your own food or eat before and bring your own refillable water bottles. There are some things you have to pay extra for: the butterfly exhibit and the skyline. The skyline looked AWESOME and well worth the money - we will have to do that next time. We were excited to visit this time because my kiddos are on school break and they just opened a temporary Barbie exhibit. My girls loved it! Another stand out is the Wegmans that you can shop in, and the new interactive gaming exhibit where you can create your own avatar. There are plenty of places to rest when you get tired. Our fam enjoys hanging out in Reading Adventureland and curling up with a couple books.

Daniela H.

Yelp

Absolutely amazing! Went for the Happiest hour which allows access to the museum too. Shocked at how big the museum is. So many things to do and see. Zip lining and a rope course in a museum?? Wow. My absolute favorite areas were the arcade games and the interactive play area with the "spy game" and "ball pit game". I don't know the real names lol but you'll know it when you see it. Super fun! I wish I could have seen the outside real life game area but it was dark and cold.

Justin L.

Yelp

Really great! Endless games to play. A great selection. Customer service person LEE was wonderful; helped us with our luggage. Thank you!

Arvid Y.

Yelp

I am a fan of the Strong Museum. Season membership is a must have for Rochester residents with kids. Even if you're visiting Rochester, I think it's a good way to spend a full day with small children. I have friends who visit from Toronto for the weekend. Personally, I am not sure if I would do the same, but it just shows you that the museum is a big draw and punches above its weight for a Rochester museum. I've probably visited 6-7 times and I discover something new each time. They are newly renovated, so there's even more to see. My daughter loves the mini-Wegmans and the Sesame Street exhibits (especially Elmo). My plan is to go during opening at 10 am. Beats the crowd for the most part. We usually stay 2-3 hours each visit, so we are out before lunch and nap time (hopefully not in the car).

Tim N.

Yelp

Fantastic Museum filled with history, nostalgia, and most of all play! Wether you 7, 17, or 47 it's a great experience with interactive elements, video games, toys throughout the years, a set from Sesame Street, a Makerspace, an outdoor play center, and a restaurant complete with a carousel and a high rise climbing adventure above it. Even the gift shop is fun so it's well worth a visit just be aware there are 2 floors and quite an expansive collection so make sure you have plenty of time to play!

Daymis A.

Yelp

This was a delight. We are an adult couple in our 50s. This place was a nostalgic paradise. We were on a trip and thought to stop here. We thought maybe an hour... 4 hours later we were still enjoying the place. There's plenty for tots to do and older kids. But adults can very much enjoy this museum play space. It's 6 hrs from my home but I could see bringing my grown children here. They are all gamers. The history of games was great. Including video game art, original games, pin ball machine room, newer games, board games, D&D, other obscure games that I remember as well, computer games beginnings to know, interactive rooms, and well placed book books, rest quiet areas, etc - we were impressed.

Christine D.

Yelp

This was our first time out to this museum which is over an hour from our house. Admittedly, our 4 year old really did love it! Definitely lots to explore and do which kept her entertained. The sesame street, fairy tale land/pirate ship, and Wegmans shopping area were all amazing. We spent 3 hours here and by that point she was getting hangry (okay, we all were..) so we decided to head over to Dinosaur BBQ which is a less than 5 minute drive away. We didn't opt to do any of the "extra" things such as the aerial course, butterfly house, train ride, arcade games etc... mostly because we had spent enough on the tickets and the place had enough entertainment for the few hours we were there but also because I really dislike when places like this nickel and dime you for every added thing when ticket prices are already significant. You could easily spend open to close here but after 3 hours we had enough and were overstimulated. Would we return? Possibly. But it's not something I feel like we HAVE to return to anytime soon. I think everyone should go at least once though!

Jenny X.

Yelp

I came here for the Women in Gaming Festival and loved this place as a gamer and as a professional in the gaming industry. This place is just a treasure trove of the best of play and it's so fun to walk through and see how much fun the people behind this museum have and the love they have for this museum. I have had a blast getting to see a lot of the in-progress exhibits and to have gotten a super great tour from JP. This place is vast and there are so many things to do inside! My favorite place was the arcade room since I knew how much time I would spend inside. It's just so cool to see characters like Pikachu and Link from Legend of Zelda featured and see all of my childhood video games on display here. The food places here have some growing to do - I ate at the Puppy Cafe and the sandwiches there weren't that great but it's also museum food so maybe I shouldn't have expected much.

Kimberly W.

Yelp

I already can't wait to come back! What a combination of nostalgia and play! I loved learning the history of favorite toys and getting to see the iterations of so many childhood items (looking at you, Barbie!) Great place to spend several hours and you still will be happy to return!

Stacy F.

Yelp

An absolute must for anyone with kids! We drive out to Rochester and this museum based on locals in Buffalo telling us to try it, and they were right! We got a membership after our first visit and love it. There are tons of exhibits and mostly hands on activities to engage all she levels. There's arcade area that's token pay but insanely cheap to play any game. There's plenty of included things too! The tickets and memberships are very reasonable. Passing garage is attached to museum so it's easy access. There's a butterfly garden and rope course for a little extra money if you're interested. Overall: A+ Definitely give this place a try if you have kids of pretty much any age.

Tiffany F.

Yelp

This place is incredible, I took my 3 year old and she played non stop for 4 hours she absolutely loved it! There is SO much to do and see so many interactive activities. Places to eat, outside park. It's perfect for kids!

Erin T.

Yelp

I'm so grateful I had earplugs in my purse to wear. Screaming children everywhere! We were two adults there to see the exhibits. We spent 4 hours just on the second floor since that's where the video game and toy exhibits were. So vast and really cool! The displays really go into detail on the history and evolution of play. It was such an incredible selection. I just really wish the history exhibits weren't incorporated among play areas. It'd be nice to be able to read signs and look at exhibits without worrying about tripping over children or hearing high-pitched shrieking tantrums. Also: parking garage was validated when we bought tickets.

Kristin W.

Yelp

Play! I had fun here. My favorite parts were the history of video games, seeing my original Atari Pong game, and watching little kids in the pretend stuffed animal hospital Go!

B T.

Yelp

great place to bring kids. everyone else in the area also thinks the same way so it gets crowded. it is easy to lose track of your kids as they scatter to the winds. hopefully you return home with a similar number of kids to what. you started with. food court is improved but can be full at lunch time without any place to sit. I wish the price of admission included everything such as butterfly garden. I liked the old parking lot as it was free, now it's not free anymore.

Juan S.

Yelp

Like what other reviews said. Place is large. A lot of space. We didn't make it up to the second floor and ended up just staying around the first floor. They have a good eating area. One recommendation is to pre order food at the diner. Waiting for your food takes a good amount of your lifespan so just keep patient or plan ahead. Overall it's one of the best children's museum we've ever visited. Recommended!

Hannah L.

Yelp

The Strong Museum is a wonderful experience for kids and adults alike. Somehow, I never made it here as a child, but I've gone twice as an adult and loved every second of both trips. The museum has several interactive sections spread throughout its wings, so you could easily spend hours here. There's a pinball arcade, butterfly garden, miniature Wegmans, and even a little Sesame Street section. If you're more of a history buff, you're in luck! There's tons of exhibits dedicated to famous toys and video games, and even a little "history lane" section. There's much to be learned and read about here! Of course, this is a fantastic place for families. I could see any child being completely enthralled by all the different exhibits here. I'd definitely suggest this for adults too, though! I get such a great feeling of nostalgia each time I'm here. The Strong Museum is a true winner!

Richard H.

Yelp

World class children's toy museum, located in Downtown Rochester. Fantastic displays, interactive games, pinball arcade with historical display of the original pinball to digital game. Marvel and DC display area with interactive games for the kids. I would also encourage young and older adults to this museum, as everyone is a kid at heart!

Andrew A.

Yelp

This is an excellent resource to have access to, locally. The place is huge, with lots of things to see and do, and they frequently make changes to keep things fresh. The only negative to me, is the prices. This place is supposed to be family-centric with a focus on kids - at $24 a person regardless of age, this could wrack up quickly for a larger family - and that's before they charge you for parking too! You'll be there awhile, and your kids will prolly get hungry and thirsty - more $$$. Avoid the gift shop. They want $17 for tiny keychain toys.

Kyleigh K.

Yelp

Amazing experience 10/10 recommend for kids of all ages!! The first floor is amazing for 5 and under. Spend extra time down there! Barbie exhibit was our favorite followed by Wegmans!

Mila N.

Yelp

The Strong museum is really fun for family and teens. So many fun activities. The place is huge. The only complaint I had was the food at the cafeteria was horrible and expensive (airport price). Please bring your food or go to the burger place (Bill Gray's). Overall the museum was clean, safe and kids friendly.

Lydia M.

Yelp

My 2 year old loves it here. We brought him for the first time when he was around 1.5 thinking we wouldn't be here very long because he was too young, but we ended up staying three hours! So many different things to do. It's also pretty fun for adults. They do an adults only night once a month during the summer and it is definitely worth it!

Tammra S.

Yelp

Fabulous place for a day full of fun. My son is 13 and we visited for his 9 year old cousin's birthday party. We didn't think he'd have much to do, but he spent hours here. Something for everyone. Rochester is truly fortunate to have such a place locally. Family friendly. Restaurants on site.

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The Strong National Museum of Play

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Strong Museum of Play (Strong Museum of Play)

The Strong National Museum of Play

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A playful powerhouse after its 2023 expansion, with the World Video Game Hall of Fame and the Hasbro Game Park. Frequently highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler as a top U.S. children’s museum.

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-childrens-museums-in-the-us

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The Strong National Museum of Play

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We had a party of 15 attend the Happy Hour and we all had a grand time!!! The doll house exhibit was a huge hit. The arcade is my favorite. It transformed me back to the mid 80s...the good ol' days.

Jody S.

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Marissa C.

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Jon C.

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Peggy C.

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Allison R.

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Peter D.

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Drew W.

Yelp

Brings back all the good memories as a kid. Fun place for kids and adult's. Highly recommend!!

Sara D.

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Eric D.

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Janice Y.

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Kenya M.

Yelp

I attended the Writers and Books Rochester Reads reception and keynote. I love the Strong. Great venue for the event.

Rachel H.

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Audra H.

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Shannon L.

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Marissa B.

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Lynn S.

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Kate B.

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Melody N.

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Sean S.

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Chris S.

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Kelly O.

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Juliet V.

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Penelope A.

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Sue L.

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Jennifer R.

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Angelita G.

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Louis C.

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Great museum. Well worth the visit. Rope course was cool but not for those afraid of heights. Great staff throughout. Shoutout to Brad in the butterfly garden.

Rachel L.

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Daniela H.

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Justin L.

Yelp

Really great! Endless games to play. A great selection. Customer service person LEE was wonderful; helped us with our luggage. Thank you!

Arvid Y.

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Tim N.

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Daymis A.

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Christine D.

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Jenny X.

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Kimberly W.

Yelp

Stacy F.

Yelp

Tiffany F.

Yelp

Erin T.

Yelp

Kristin W.

Yelp

Play! I had fun here. My favorite parts were the history of video games, seeing my original Atari Pong game, and watching little kids in the pretend stuffed animal hospital Go!

B T.

Yelp

Juan S.

Yelp

Hannah L.

Yelp

Richard H.

Yelp

Andrew A.

Yelp

Kyleigh K.

Yelp

Amazing experience 10/10 recommend for kids of all ages!! The first floor is amazing for 5 and under. Spend extra time down there! Barbie exhibit was our favorite followed by Wegmans!

Mila N.

Yelp

Lydia M.

Yelp

Tammra S.

Yelp

The Strong National Museum of Play

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What's Happening in Rochester, New York, for the Total Solar Eclipse in April 2024

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