The Strong National Museum of Play is one of the best museums in the country to bring children and children at heart. We used to bring our kids here all the time when they were little. It was a magical place where they could let their imagination run wild.
Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn a small commission if you purchase products from our site, at no additional cost to you.
Recently, I returned to visit again with my almost 21-year-old daughter and my dad, a gentleman in his 80s. If you think this museum is just for little kids, you’re wrong. We had just as much fun as any little kid. This museum has exhibits that are captivating for all ages.
More importantly, the Strong National Museum of Play is dedicated to playing and fun. The exhibits here feature a large quantity of completely hands-on fun that allows guests to immerse themselves in exploring their own childlike curiosity and imagination. You could literally spend hours in The Strong Museum of Play and not even see a fraction of what is there.
Exhibits
There are lots of exhibits at the Strong National Museum of Play; something for everyone, young and old.
Wegmans Super Kids Market
This is easily one of the most popular exhibits in the entire museum. This is set up like a Wegmans store complete with the different departments you would find in an actual Wegmans, including a sushi bar, only with fake food. Kids can either pretend to work there or push their shopping carts around and decide “what’s for dinner” and then proceed to scan their items and check out, complete with an actual Wegmans itemized receipt.
My kids always had to stop here and “shop”. So much, in fact, that when we recently returned, she wanted to take a shopping cart down memory lane. She said it was just as fun as she remembered, but it was especially nice to not have to pay for her groceries for once.
Reading Adventureland
Encourage reading through giant play areas representing the different genres of literature. Pirate adventures, wizard wand building, fairy tale characters, and spooky mysteries await in this larger-than-life playground. This exhibit brings fantasy to life as kids can explore each genre and decide what adventure tickles their imagination the most.
The Berenstain Bears: Down a Sunny Dirt Road
Spend some time with this lovable bear family while exploring their home and town. Make lunch at the Bear Family Restaurant, Visit the dentist’s office, Papa’s Woodworking Shop, Mama’s Quilting shop, and Farmer Ben’s Farm. Kids will love the brother and sister bears clubhouse.
Can You Tell Me How To Get To Sesame Street?
Everybody loves Sesame Street. Sesame Street has been a childhood staple since 1969. Have your picture taken on the world’s most famous stoop. Kids will love starring in their own Sesame Street episode, visiting Big Bird’s nest, and driving a yellow taxi. Stop at the food truck and pretend to serve or eat lunch. Kids will have a blast playing in this interactive play area and all their favorite characters are there.
Pinball Playfield
Everyone can embrace their inner pinball wizard and you can at the Pinball Playfield at the Strong Museum of Play. Enjoy exploring the history of pinball; from its origins to today’s games reflecting icons of pop culture.
American Comic Book Heroes: The Battle of Good vs. Evil
Who hasn’t dreamed of becoming a superhero? Rather than jump into a vat of toxic chemicals, you can attend the Strong Museum of Play’s Super Powers School. Gain the abilities of super strength, super balance, super memory, and super flight. Follow the history of comic books and comic book art. This is a must-see for all comic fans.
Imagination Destination
Kids can let their imaginations run wild while trying all sorts of roll playing, such as acting on stage, flying a helicopter, or working on a construction site, just to name a few.
Field Of Play
This area is part fun house, part Imaginarium. Learning through play is the hallmark of this museum and it is unleashed in this particular area that is especially popular with older kids. Experience exaggerated perspectives, driving a race car, climbing a rock wall, visiting a jellyfish forest, and playing with a giant kaleidoscope are just some of the fun and exciting adventures awaiting visitors in this play area.
Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden
There is an extra fee to enter the butterfly garden but it is completely worth it. It is magical in there! Of course, there are beautiful butterflies everywhere; but if you look carefully around you, you will see other adorable critters as well. There are these tiny little birds, button quail, wandering along the walking path throughout the exhibit.
Visit during the Christmas season and see the garden all decked out for the holiday. It is a nice place to escape the winter cold and step into a tropical paradise.
eGameRevolution
This is a video game player’s Mecca. Play your way through the history of gaming, everything from classic pinball to Pac-Man to the latest most innovative games in the museum’s recreation of an arcade. See video game memorabilia and artifacts. You’ll have a hard time pulling older kids and video game fans from this area of the museum.
This was the part of the museum that my daughter enjoyed the most. She and her brother are big gamers (he couldn’t join us on the day we visited because he was in school. He was missed, especially in this section. ) This area had not only gaming history but the opportunity to play some of the most iconic games ever created.
Game Time
While you’re in the mood for games, head over to this section of the museum which is dedicated to the history of games. Play all sorts of board games, a giant maze, air hockey, and oversized versions of some of your favorite classic games like battleships. Follow this history of games from its earliest days and see rare historical artifacts.
This is another area that is fantastic for older kids and adults to enjoy interactive games and get their play on.
America at Play
Explore 300 years of play. Enjoy viewing the Strong National Museum of Play’s massive collection of toys and games. This is a fascinating walk through the history of toys and entertainment. It is hard not feeling overwhelming nostalgia here. It was especially delightful to see the evolution of toys throughout our three generations. It evoked so many memories and prompted wonderful conversations.
One History Place
Speaking of history, your little ones will love this fully immersive play area that lets them pretend they are living life in the 1800s. This play area has several sets that allow children to play with props from a bygone era. Pretend to cook in an old fashion kitchen, dress up in old-fashioned clothes in the attic, be a teacher or a student in an old one-room schoolhouse, play piano and entertain in the parlor. Sit back and watch as your children’s imagination is unleashed.
Toy Hall of Fame
This section of the museum is quite captivating. There are state of the art interactive games that are really quite unique. However, the true gem of this section is the 10-foot kiosks featuring the Toy Hall of Fame inductees. One kiosk features the toys that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The other recognizes “the people behind the power of play and the wonderful toys that facilitate it.”
Sky Climb
Feeling adventurous? Try the Museum’s high-rope course if you dare. This is a fun and exciting course that is great for adventure seekers over 48″ tall. There is a less intense course for kids under 48″ as well.
There is an extra fee to participate in the course.
Carousel
Don’t forget to take a ride on the museum’s carousel. This is a great area of the museum that is perfect for getting a bit to eat and take a relaxing ride on a whimsical merry-go-round.
Hours and Admission
Museum Hours
Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
The museum is open every day but Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Address: 1 Manhatten Square Dr. Rochester, NY