A cardboard box, a stick, and a ball walk into a hall of fame. No punchline. They’ve actually been inducted.
Finally, some recognition for the stuff that kept us entertained before batteries took over.
And the exhibits only get bigger. There’s a 20-foot-tall Donkey Kong game you can actually play. Good luck reaching the high score without looking up.
A giant Monopoly Scottie dog waits outside, while an indoor butterfly garden adds a completely different kind of chaos.
You can ride a vintage carousel, wander through Sesame Street, or revisit your pinball glory days. This upstate New York museum gives your inner child permission to take over.
Forget acting your age. You’ve got decades of recess to catch up on.
A Whole Museum Built Around One Big Idea: Play
Most museums ask you to keep your hands to yourself. The Strong National Museum of Play does pretty much the opposite.
It’s one of the few museums anywhere devoted entirely to the history of play. Margaret Woodbury Strong founded it in 1968, and it opened to the public in 1982.
She was a serious collector of dolls, toys, and everyday objects. Her collection gave the museum its starting point, which is a pretty great legacy to leave behind.
In the 1990s, the museum shifted its focus to play itself. Then in 2006, after a big renovation, it took on the name you know today.
The most recent expansion opened in 2023. It added about 90,000 square feet of new space, so there’s plenty of room to roam.
Families with toddlers find hands-on zones around nearly every corner. Adults get nostalgia, history, and enough arcade machines to lose track of time.
Comfortable shoes are a smart move here. The building is big, and you’ll want energy left for the second floor.
Plan for at least a half day. Many families happily stretch a visit across two days without running out of things to do.
The Toys That Made It Into The Hall Of Fame Might Surprise You
Barbie and LEGO are honored here, and nobody’s shocked. But a plain cardboard box and a stick also made the cut.
The National Toy Hall of Fame began in 1998 and moved to The Strong in 2002. It celebrates toys that sparked creative play and stayed popular for years.
The exhibit opens with a dramatic staircase. A gallery shows 21 portraits of classic toys, which feels like a royal family photo shoot for playthings.
There’s also an interactive digital Jack-in-the-Box. It’s a fun nod to one of the oldest surprise toys around.
New inductees join each year after a public nomination process. The 2026 class includes Care Bears, the Pokemon Trading Card Game, Bingo, and the Slide.
That last one is the playground slide, by the way. It’s hard to argue with a toy that kids have happily climbed for generations.
Spend a few minutes reading the stories behind each pick. You’ll probably start debating which toys from your own childhood deserve a spot next.
Bring that list home and nominate them. Your favorite might just get its own portrait someday.
Hundreds Of Butterflies Are Waiting In A Tropical Room
Winter in Rochester can be chilly. Lucky for you, a tropical garden full of fluttering wings waits just inside.
The Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden is the only year-round indoor butterfly garden in upstate New York.
Hundreds of butterflies fly freely around you in a warm, leafy setting.
It’s a calm change of pace from the busy arcade upstairs. Kids tend to slow down here, which parents may count as a small miracle.
Move gently and watch your step. Butterflies sometimes rest on the path, and they’re not great at dodging sneakers.
Bring your camera or phone for photos. The bright colors against green plants make for some lovely shots.
Keep in mind that the butterfly garden requires an extra ticket beyond general admission. Plan for it when you buy your tickets so nobody misses out.
This spot works well for a mid-visit break. After hours of games and climbing, a peaceful garden can reset everyone’s energy.
Look closely at the plants too. The garden is designed to feel like a tiny rainforest tucked inside a museum of toys.
Go Indoors And Climb Into A Giant Board Game
Board games usually fit on a table. At The Strong National Museum of Play, they’re big enough to walk through.
Hasbro Board Game Place brings classic board games to life inside the museum. You’ll find a giant, 15-foot-high version of Chutes and Ladders built for real-life climbing.
Outside in Hasbro Game Park, an oversized Simon game tests your memory with colorful lights and sounds.
Interactive games give families plenty of chances to play together.
Outside, Hasbro Game Park offers even more oversized fun. A 14-foot-long Monopoly Scottie dog is the star of many family photos. It’s a lot more fun than landing on someone else’s hotel.
The indoor attractions make a great stop regardless of the weather. Kids can burn off energy while adults join the fun.
Wear comfortable clothes that can handle a little climbing and running. There’s plenty to explore, so you’ll want to move freely.
Families can bring their own snacks, though food must be eaten in the designated food court.
Snap photos whenever you get the chance. Between the giant games indoors and the Scottie dog outside, there are plenty of memorable backdrops.
Sesame Street And A Kid-Sized Grocery Store Steal The Show
Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street? In Rochester, it’s right inside the museum.
The permanent exhibit features life-size building facades from the famous TV street. Photo spots with beloved characters make it a favorite for all ages.
Grown-ups who grew up with the show often feel a wave of nostalgia. Don’t be surprised if you hum the theme song.
Nearby, the Wegmans Super Kids Market lets kids shop in a kid-sized grocery store. They push little carts, fill them up, and play cashier.
Wegmans is a beloved grocery chain in this part of the state. Seeing a mini version feels like a very Rochester touch.
The market also includes toddler-only play areas. Tiny shoppers can explore without bigger kids zooming past.
The Berenstain Bears: Down a Sunny Dirt Road brings the book series to life too. Reading Adventureland adds more story-based play, though some parts are closed for upgrades.
Give little ones plenty of time in these areas. Pretend play is serious business when you’re four.
A 1918 Carousel, A Mini Train, And A Rope Course Overhead
Painted horses have been going around on the Elaine Wilson Carousel since 1918. That’s over a century of happy laps.
The carousel offers a classic ride that feels timeless. Kids love it, and parents get a sweet moment to wave from the sidelines.
The Strong Express Train is another kid-sized ride. Little conductors can enjoy a short trip without leaving the building.
For more daring visitors, Skyline Climb is a rope course that challenges balance and coordination. It sits high above the museum floor, so looking down is optional.
The climb requires an extra ticket. It’s a fun way for older kids and adults to burn energy.
Superhero fans can head to American Comic Book Heroes: The Battle of Good vs. Evil. This exhibit lets guests explore the world of caped crusaders.
The Play Lab hosts activities like LEGO building workshops. Check the schedule when you arrive so you can catch one.
Mixing rides, climbing, and building keeps the day moving. Nobody gets bored when the next adventure is just a short walk away.
Snacks, Shopping, And Handy Perks Make The Day Easier
Hungry players need fuel. The Strong National Museum of Play has three dining options on site.
You can choose from Main Menu, Puppy’s Game Cafe, and Bill Gray’s. Bill Gray’s is a well-known name around Rochester, which adds a local flavor.
Bringing your own snacks and lunch is allowed too. Just eat them in the designated food court area.
The gift shop sits in the welcome atrium. You don’t need museum admission to browse, which is handy for a quick souvenir run.
Lockers are available to rent if you’re carrying jackets or bags. A small number of wheelchairs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free Wi-Fi and an on-site ATM round out the conveniences. Restrooms are spread around the building, so breaks are easy.
The museum also hosts special events like Sensory Friendly Sundays. College Nights give older students their own chance to play.
These little details really help families relax. When the basics are covered, you can focus on the fun instead of the logistics.
Plan Your Trip To This Rochester Favorite With Ease
Getting here is the easy part. The museum sits at 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607, close to downtown.
It’s open 362 days a year. Hours run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
Fridays and Saturdays stay open until 8 p.m. Those evening hours make a great option for families who want extra playtime.
An attached parking garage makes arriving simple. Rochester is also an easy stop on a western New York road trip.
Buy tickets ahead when you can, especially for add-ons like the butterfly garden or Skyline Climb. That way, you won’t have to make choices at the counter.
Arrive early on weekends to get a head start. Popular exhibits like the arcade and Sesame Street fill up as the day goes on.
Annual memberships are available for families who want to come back. With this much to see, returning is pretty tempting.
The Strong National Museum of Play proves that play is worth celebrating. Come with curious kids, or just bring your own inner kid along.