Things to do this weekend in and around Rochester
Friendly fun in Rochester for Friday, September 5, 2026 – Sunday, September 7, 2026
(Scroll down for full list of weekend activities.)
Friday, September 5, 2026
Kick off the weekend with a roar of excitement on a family-friendly Safari Tours At Hidden Valley Animal Adventure!, where kids can get up close to camels, zebras, llamas, emus, bison, and more during open-air or self-drive adventures through a 63-acre animal park. For aspiring climbers, a session of Guided Climbing at RocVentures Climbing Gym offers a one-hour, staff-led introduction to the world of indoor climbing that keeps the focus on fun. In the evening, space-loving families can head to the planetarium for Stars with Carl at RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium, a live tour of the night sky using the classic star projector that’s perfect for kids ages 5 and up. Music fans can enjoy dazzling lasers set to favorite hits at Laser Taylor Swift: Remixed - Matinee at Strasenburgh Planetarium or sing along later to more Swift tunes at Laser Taylor Swift: Remixed at Strasenburgh Planetarium, creating a pop-perfect Friday night together.
Saturday, September 6, 2026
Saturday is packed with playful possibilities, starting on the water with a narrated Lunch and Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruise Aboard Sam Patch - Pittsford, NY, where families can journey through a working lock and hear stories of the historic canal (lunch optional). Celebrate the flavors of fall on a cozy Cider & Donuts Cruise Aboard Riverie - Corn Hill Landing, featuring fresh cider and donuts as you float along the Genesee River and Erie Canal. Young performers can shine at OFC Creations Theatre Center in Sing & Dance in PintTopia (Saturday Early Morning Session) starts Sept 5, a lively class full of popular songs and dances, or continue the stage fun at Sing & Dance in PintTopia (Saturday Late Morning Session) - starts Sept 5. Later, groove along to sparkling laser lights and classic tunes during Laser Abba - Matinee at RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium, where ABBA favorites like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” get a colorful, high-energy reimagining.
Sunday, September 7, 2026
Round out the weekend with memorable experiences that blend learning and play, starting at Seneca Park Zoo with the immersive Tales of Conservation sculpture exhibit at the Seneca Park Zoo - Summer 2026, where larger-than-life animal sculptures tell inspirational stories of species saved from extinction. Budding bird enthusiasts can join a guided Beginner Birding Tour at the Seneca Park Zoo - 8am to spot feathered friends and listen for calls with binoculars in hand. At The Strong, preschoolers and their grownups can enjoy meet-and-greets, crafts, dance parties, and themed play during Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days at The Strong, celebrating imagination and kitty fun. Families with active-duty military members can take advantage of Free admission to RMSC for active-duty military and their families, exploring museum exhibits together at no cost. Finally, history buffs of all ages can enjoy a narrated journey on the water with the Scenic River and Canal Cruise Aboard Riverie, savoring Genesee River views, Erie Canal scenery, and a unique look at Rochester’s skyline to close out a joyful family weekend.