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NY Playbook guide
Top 25 Wheel Friendly locations in United States
byRochester's Playbook and
Kiley Hanje and
Michal Ben-Ari and
Carina Sawyer and
WNY Playbook and
Inbal Pessah
Live update: Updated August 9, 2022Copy link
Copy link1. Mendon Ponds Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Rochester's PlaybookFrom fishing, to hiking, to the playground, nature center, fairy trail and bird sanctuary, Mendon Ponds Park can supply a full day of fun! There is plenty to do and unlimited opportunities to connect with nature in all seasons. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day. Dogs are not allowed on the fairy trail and in the Wild Wings areas. The typical playground, hiking trails and Wild Wings Facilities are driving distance from one another.
To learn more about Mendon Ponds Park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/mendon-ponds-park/Rochester's PlaybookThe playground is off of Douglas Rd. by the Hundred Acre Pond. It has a spring car, typical swings, baby swings and fun train structure. There are two separate structures for the young and old. There is a seasonal restrooms here as well as a big pond to explore just over the hill.
2. Highland Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookHighland is a vast park with sledding, festivals, hiking and a year-round conservatory. Near Highland Ave and Meadowbrook Rd, you can find a new, all natural playground. On the other side of the park is a second playground near the Lamberton Conservatory. This park is also home to the widely popular Lilac Festival.
To learn more about Highland Park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/highland-park/
3. Perinton Community Center
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookThis is a beautiful community center with much to offer. The playground at the Perinton Recreation Center is open to the public, fenced and gated with a padded play surface. The equipment and environment is nicely designed for preschool children and younger. Venture inside the recreation center, and you will find a beautiful aquatics center and preschool open gym!
More information here: https://rochesterplaybook.com/perinton-community-center/
4. Durand Eastman Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookDurand Eastman Park has a beautiful arboretum, a hidden playground, an expansive beach and seemingly limitless hiking opportunities. Come again and again all year round to enjoy all that Durand has to offer. Be sure to check out Camp Eastman as well!
To learn more about Durand Eastman Park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/durand-eastman-park/
5. McCracken Farms' Great Pumpkin Patch 701 white road, Brockport NY
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Carina Sawyerhttps://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158142684747353&id=543992352
Mc Cracken Farms' Great Pumpkin Patch is a fall staple!
Open every weekend in October 11AM-5PM - Come to their woodland village to create memories with your friends and family. Enjoy making crafts in the cozy crafts building, pet farm animals, play on the tire hill and play area. Enjoy a wagon ride to the authentic great pumpkin patch where ANY PUMPKIN YOU PICK and can carry out IS INCLUDED in the price of admission of $10/person, kids under 2 are free.
You can enjoy a quick lunch from the snack shack and other cheap activities throughout.
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*Service animals are allowed with proper vaccination papers/tags. Please keep pets home**
⚠️⚠️ Disclaimer.. the first weekend will have live reenactments with black powder cannons and muskets. Please be aware of those with sensitive sensory. ⚠️⚠️
6. Kent Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookKent Park is a quaint park with a small playground that leads into the Webster Arboretum. Within the arboretum, one can find a variety of plants, beautiful gardens and a pond and stream. The pond and stream is home to many water species that children can observe and explore.
To learn more about Kent Park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/kent-park/
7. The Apple Shed
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookThe Apple Shed is a quaint farm market that has U-Pick apples and pumpkins. There is a lot to do including a corn pit for the kids to play in (Must be 10 or under), goats to feed, a small playground and hard cider tasting from Old Goat Cidery.
Cost: Free to roam the grounds and play. During Halloween season, they have a haunted house for $3 per person, you can choose spooky or not spooky!
To learn more about the Apple Shed, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/the-apple-shed/
8. Center Park West
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookCenter Park West is the perfect park for variety of ages as well as a fun family outing. After playing on the large, multi-age-level playground and children can enjoy a walk along the path. If you’ve completed the playground and story path, you can keep going to enjoy some light hiking through the wooded trails. The fun continues as this park also hosts concerts on Sundays and has great sledding in the winter. The parking lot is off of Ayrault Road. Bathrooms are seasonal.
To read more about the park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/center-park/Rochester's PlaybookThis sledding hill isn’t too populated and great for a wide range of ages. Walk towards the playground from the Park's parking lot and head behind the lodge to reach the bottom of the hill.
9. Buffalo Zoo
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
WNY PlaybookThe Buffalo Zoo is well-balanced with indoor and outdoor exhibits that showcase the animal's large enclosures and charming brick architecture at the 3rd oldest zoo in the United States. Two lion cubs were born in March of 2021 and are a treat to see! Visit multiple times and watch how fast they grow and mature.
10. Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:WNY PlaybookPenn Dixie Fossil Park is the perfect place for diggers of all ages to dig, explore, and find fossils. The 54-acre park sits on an ancient undersea environment that existed 380 million years ago. Penn Dixie is the number 1 ranked fossil park in the United States, yet many local families have never visited. This hidden gem is well worth the drive. You are not going to find an experience quite like this anywhere in the state.
Check out the full article on our website. https://wnyplaybook.com/penn-dixie-fossil-park-nature-reserve/
11. Hamlin Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:WNY PlaybookHamlin Park has much more to offer than meets the eye! There is a large playground, year-round restrooms, and lots of open space. The park serves as a general multipurpose recreational facility. There are 2 open-air pavilions and lots of open space so bring a lunch and make a day of it!
Check out more details on our website at http://wnyplaybook.com/hamlin-park/
12. George's Hot Dogs
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:WNY PlaybookBeloved by generations of families, George's Hot Dogs is the perfect eat and play spot during the warmer months. This seasonal, kid friendly restaurant has two playgrounds, lots of open space, and delicious food!
Check out the full story at http://wnyplaybook.com/georges-hot-dogs/
13. Arcade & Attica Railroad Corporation
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:WNY PlaybookThe Arcade & Attica Railroad immerses visitors into the history of railroading in America while providing modern fun for the whole family. Each ride takes you on a scenic journey through western New York's gorgeous countryside. This hidden gem offers seasonal and holiday events throughout the year. Pair with a visit to the Little Red Caboose during the summer months and enjoy their themed playground, yard games, and small miniature golf course.
14. Billy Wilson Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:WNY PlaybookBilly Wilson Park is located just down the road from The Friendship Fortress and Michael Phelps Swim School. Completed in 2019, the playground has a padded surface with wheelchair accessibility. Kids love to run, crawl, and ride up and down the ramps of this playground. The rubber surface makes this a great visit any time of the year! After the playground, enjoy a shaded walk through the Great Baehre Swamp.
Check out our full article at http://wnyplaybook.com/billy-wilson-park/
15. Schoen Place
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookSchoen Place is probably one of the most popular spots to stroll the canal in Rochester. With many dining spots, Ice Cream, Lock 32 Brewery and shops, it’s a go-to walk on a summer’s day. This spot also often hosts free summer concerts and is a great spot to feed the ducks.
To learn more about Schoen Place and Pittsford Dairy, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/schoen-place-pittsford-dairy/
16. Allegany State Red House Area
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:WNY PlaybookAllegany State Park is the largest state park in New York State and is divided into the Red House Area and Quaker Area. Nestled within the 65,000 acre park are overlooks, playgrounds, hiking, swimming, fishing, nature trails, caves, and even a waterfall. Red House Area can be accessed from I-86 exits 19 and 21. There is so much to see here you definitely won't get it all in with one visit. Consider camping over or visit again and again! The following information outlines a visit to the Red House Area. Please note, there is a seasonal car entrance fee of $7 to enter the park.
For things to do, check out our full coverage at https://wnyplaybook.com/allegany-state-park-red-house-area/
17. Allegany State Park- Wetland Observation Complex
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:WNY PlaybookThis is a must-stop each time we visit Allegany. Each visit is always different and my 3 year old loves running around on the trails!
This interpretive trail includes boardwalks, observation platforms, and a wildlife viewing blind. This trail is fully accessible and offers visitors an up-close look at the plants and animals inhabiting this important ecosystem. There is a large parking area, bathrooms, and picnic tables here. Bring a pair of binoculars and see how many different wildlife can you spot.
For more info, check out https://wnyplaybook.com/allegany-state-park-red-house-area/
18. Highland Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:WNY PlaybookHighland Park playground is a hidden gem tucked away in the city of Salamanca. This inclusive playground is perfectly situated on a low-traffic road and features a rare ropes course to encourage being active as well as play equipment for both 2-5 and 5-12 year olds. This small park boasts several ADA features so everyone will enjoy something here. There is a small open air pavilion with single picnic table. There are no bathrooms at the park.
For more information, check out our website at https://wnyplaybook.com/highland-park-playground/
19. Case Lake Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:WNY PlaybookCase Lake Access Site is well-known by fishers and paddlers, but has so much more to offer. Case Lake has a modern playground, picnic area with large pavilion, and a brand new handicap accessible boat launch installed in 2021. There is a lot of open space to play as well as picnic tables, charcoal grills, and large rocks for the kids to climb on.
For more info, check out https://wnyplaybook.com/case-lake/
20. Winnie the Pooh Trail
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookOntario Pathways is a 23.3 mile trail on an abandoned rail bed. At the trail head off of County Road 10 in Canandaigua you will find the start of the Winnie the Pooh Trail! This part of the trail is entertaining, easy and stroller friendly!
More details can be found in our article at: https://rochesterplaybook.com/ontario-pathways-winnie-the-pooh-trail/
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