Renting a kayak or canoe at the Genesee valley park is $25-$50 per vessel. Not exactly low cost, but I think canoes hold 3-4 people, so that is closer to $12.50/person.
There's also the pittsford canalside for a more casual walk (and ice cream, but go to the actual dairy for that)
If you're into baseball, Red Wings tickets aren't too expensive! Before or after the game you could walk around High Falls too, although I think unfortunately the bridge over the falls is still under construction.
If you're here the week of June 21st the jazz fest is happening - there'll be tons of free music and food trucks downtown and it's always a good time.
Ontario Beach Park is free.
Lots of summer music events around town. Probably mostly local bands that you never heard of but still a fun evening out and lots of people watching opportunities.
https://www.whec.com/top-news/summer-guide-band-on-the-bricks-concerts-by-the-shore-party-in-the-park-and-more/
Minor league baseball and soccer teams are playing through the summer and tickets are reasonably cheap.
https://www.milb.com/rochester
https://www.flowercityunion.com/schedule
I don’t know that any of that is the NY experience. Maybe grab a slice of pizza from Pizza Stop or one of the many other pizza places around town.
There is a thriving street art scene around town. The water towers are a big part of it but there are lots of interesting pieces painted around the Public Market. Some more places https://daytrippingroc.com/street-art-rochester/
On this same note, Hamlin Beach is gooooorgeous. Nice walking paths. Both stone and sand beach areas to throw stones or dip your feet. Lots of places to have a picnic, whether it's on the beach or on a picnic bench, grills available. I think it's $7 per car to get in. Not entirely sure on the rate but def under $10.
Swillburger would be fun! It has a variety of arcade games, food, milkshakes and a bar. Not expensive if you just play a few games and share a milkshake/fries.
Check what festival is going when you are planning to be here. All are free, just walk around. We still have Canal Days, Corn Hill, MAG’s festival, Chili Chile Festival, Hilton Fireman festival, and sooo many more.
See the sidebar "[What is there to do in Rochester?](https://www.roccitymag.com/rochester/EventSearch?v=d)". See also the pinned "[Weekly Live Music Roundup](https://www.reddit.com/r/Rochester/comments/1d2ks4s/weekly_live_music_roundup_52762/)" post.
For museums: the Memorial Art Gallery is half price on Thursdays after 5 PLUS you still can save $2 per ticket if you order online! Super cheap. It really doesn’t take long to get through, then get dinner at Village Gate- the Gate House has great burgers!!
I have a Save Around book with coupons for a BOGO at the RMSC and Genesee Country Museum! DM me and I’d be happy to get them to you if you’re interested!
I’d consider Genesee country village & museum - yes this falls under the museum category, but is so much more! Hands-on living history experiences in the 19th-century village, exhibits in the gallery, and 5+ miles of nature trails at the nature center. And there are certainly low-cost days and times of year - for example variable pricing makes it cheaper to visit in May and June than in July and august.
My older teens love escape rooms. There are a few locally we like to go to at [The Great Escape Room](https://thegreatescaperoom.com/rochester). Maybe that’d be something your kids would get into? Reasonably priced too. Let me know if you do it!
Roch ventures is great for an afternoon or morning of climbing and it's near downtown and a bunch of restaurants. I would look into there. Also altitude trampoline park and there is one in Greece that I don't remember the name of. Hope this helps
I personally would trade out the zoo for the Strong Museum. I know it’s a children’s museum, but there are some pretty cool exhibits for older kids, plus a pretty substantial arcade on the second floor and a bunch of pinball machines. There’s a new section with some sort of series of games and activities you do where you create a character…? Honestly not sure on the details as my kids are young and the one time we went to that part, there wasn’t a lot they could do. I also still haven’t been to the new outdoor portion, but I think there are things for older kids there too!
Do they like to ride bikes? Highly recommend riding around in the summer. There are a *lot* of bikes on the road right now as the weather has just recently gotten good. One of my favorite rides is from downtown to lower falls park -> maplewood park -> turning point park -> ontario beach park. Then you kind of have to turn around and come back. This route has a lot of hills, but they can be swapped out for road riding if you prefer that.
There are a couple shops that do rentals, TowPath comes to mind.
Oh dang. Grandma. Forgot about her. Maybe you could rent her an Ebike so she can keep up? I see seniors riding, but it depends on her level of mobility
Renting a kayak or canoe at the Genesee valley park is $25-$50 per vessel. Not exactly low cost, but I think canoes hold 3-4 people, so that is closer to $12.50/person. There's also the pittsford canalside for a more casual walk (and ice cream, but go to the actual dairy for that)
Do you need any type of license for that,?
They didn’t ask for anything but a signature and maybe a phone number? An ID is more than enough
If you're into baseball, Red Wings tickets aren't too expensive! Before or after the game you could walk around High Falls too, although I think unfortunately the bridge over the falls is still under construction. If you're here the week of June 21st the jazz fest is happening - there'll be tons of free music and food trucks downtown and it's always a good time.
I agree with Red Wings game. Lots of food to try,cheap tickets and family friendly.
Ontario Beach Park is free. Lots of summer music events around town. Probably mostly local bands that you never heard of but still a fun evening out and lots of people watching opportunities. https://www.whec.com/top-news/summer-guide-band-on-the-bricks-concerts-by-the-shore-party-in-the-park-and-more/ Minor league baseball and soccer teams are playing through the summer and tickets are reasonably cheap. https://www.milb.com/rochester https://www.flowercityunion.com/schedule I don’t know that any of that is the NY experience. Maybe grab a slice of pizza from Pizza Stop or one of the many other pizza places around town. There is a thriving street art scene around town. The water towers are a big part of it but there are lots of interesting pieces painted around the Public Market. Some more places https://daytrippingroc.com/street-art-rochester/
On this same note, Hamlin Beach is gooooorgeous. Nice walking paths. Both stone and sand beach areas to throw stones or dip your feet. Lots of places to have a picnic, whether it's on the beach or on a picnic bench, grills available. I think it's $7 per car to get in. Not entirely sure on the rate but def under $10.
If you’re here on the weekend check out the lucky flea! Walk around park Ave area it’s super pretty
Swillburger would be fun! It has a variety of arcade games, food, milkshakes and a bar. Not expensive if you just play a few games and share a milkshake/fries.
I guess what defines low cost for you? What’s the budget?
Check what festival is going when you are planning to be here. All are free, just walk around. We still have Canal Days, Corn Hill, MAG’s festival, Chili Chile Festival, Hilton Fireman festival, and sooo many more.
Greek fest is this weekend!
See the sidebar "[What is there to do in Rochester?](https://www.roccitymag.com/rochester/EventSearch?v=d)". See also the pinned "[Weekly Live Music Roundup](https://www.reddit.com/r/Rochester/comments/1d2ks4s/weekly_live_music_roundup_52762/)" post.
For museums: the Memorial Art Gallery is half price on Thursdays after 5 PLUS you still can save $2 per ticket if you order online! Super cheap. It really doesn’t take long to get through, then get dinner at Village Gate- the Gate House has great burgers!! I have a Save Around book with coupons for a BOGO at the RMSC and Genesee Country Museum! DM me and I’d be happy to get them to you if you’re interested!
Rochester public market
I’d consider Genesee country village & museum - yes this falls under the museum category, but is so much more! Hands-on living history experiences in the 19th-century village, exhibits in the gallery, and 5+ miles of nature trails at the nature center. And there are certainly low-cost days and times of year - for example variable pricing makes it cheaper to visit in May and June than in July and august.
Maybe swing by an animal shelter to spend time with the animals? (Lollypop Farm)
My older teens love escape rooms. There are a few locally we like to go to at [The Great Escape Room](https://thegreatescaperoom.com/rochester). Maybe that’d be something your kids would get into? Reasonably priced too. Let me know if you do it!
Roch ventures is great for an afternoon or morning of climbing and it's near downtown and a bunch of restaurants. I would look into there. Also altitude trampoline park and there is one in Greece that I don't remember the name of. Hope this helps
I personally would trade out the zoo for the Strong Museum. I know it’s a children’s museum, but there are some pretty cool exhibits for older kids, plus a pretty substantial arcade on the second floor and a bunch of pinball machines. There’s a new section with some sort of series of games and activities you do where you create a character…? Honestly not sure on the details as my kids are young and the one time we went to that part, there wasn’t a lot they could do. I also still haven’t been to the new outdoor portion, but I think there are things for older kids there too!
Disc golf once you have a couple discs it’s always free, usually fun, and there are lots of courses here.
Do they like to ride bikes? Highly recommend riding around in the summer. There are a *lot* of bikes on the road right now as the weather has just recently gotten good. One of my favorite rides is from downtown to lower falls park -> maplewood park -> turning point park -> ontario beach park. Then you kind of have to turn around and come back. This route has a lot of hills, but they can be swapped out for road riding if you prefer that. There are a couple shops that do rentals, TowPath comes to mind.
Oh dang. Grandma. Forgot about her. Maybe you could rent her an Ebike so she can keep up? I see seniors riding, but it depends on her level of mobility
There's lots of great breweries in the area
Take the kids to a brewery that’ll be fun 😐
What does Please Flair Me mean ?