ONGOING
BOOK BUDDIES The Book Buddies program allows children to practice their reading in a judgment-free zone and can read to the best listeners—cats and other small pets. Book Buddies also helps the animals become better socialized before adoption. 5 p.m. Thursdays Registration required Lollypop Farm 99 Victor Rd. 223-1330 lollypop.org
APRIL 8
EASTER BUNNY EXPRESS Bring your little ones to meet Peter Rabbit and enjoy a round-trip holiday train excursion! There will be an Easter egg hunt and a self-guided tour of the museum at the halfway point. Other children’s activities and concessions will be offered. Restrooms will also be available. Also April 1 & 2 Arcade & Attica Railroad 278 Main St., Arcade 492-3100 aarailroad.com
APRIL 9
GLOW IN THE DARK EASTER EGG HUNT With more than 2,000 eggs to hunt, this glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt will definitely light your kids up. For ages two through fifth grade, your kids can hunt down Easter eggs filled with candy and special prizes. For those who participate in the Sunday service, there will be fun games and activities provided for the children leading up to the event. Register in advance and have a chance to win a gift basket valued at more than $150. April 9 at 10:30 a.m. & April 10 at 12 p.m. CityHope Wesleyan Church 2070 Long Pond Rd. cityhoperochester.com
APRIL 16
(585) KIDS SUMMER CAMP & ACTIVITY FAIR The (585) Kids 2023 Camp and Activity Fair is the perfect way to learn about this summer's activities. This family event will provide you with information about athletic, science-based, outdoor, performing arts camps, and many more summer activities in the area. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastview Mall 7979 Pittsford Victor Rd., Victor 413-0040 info@585kids.com
APRIL 19
NINETEENTH-CENTURY STEM HOMESCHOOL DAY Bring the kiddos and spend some time learning about nineteenth-century science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The nineteenth century was full of scientific progress in urban and rural areas. Students will learn about mechanics in farming, engineering in the trades, chemistry in the kitchen, and math in the general store. They can also see the device that led to the first computer in action and build a simple machine. 1–4 p.m. Genesee Country Village & Museum 1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford 538-6822 gcv.org
APRIL 20
ROCDOG VISIT! RocDog will be bringing therapy dogs to the library to spend time with people of all ages —say hello to the furry friends in the children’s area of the library. Prepare to shed yourself of any unnecessary stress, because petting a dog is good medicine. Drop-ins welcome! 6:30–7:30 p.m. Also April 6, May 4 and 18, June 1 and 15 Gates Public Library 902 Elmgrove Rd. 247-6446 gateslibrary.org
APRIL 22
PAINTING DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS MINIATURES Enjoy painting Dungeons and Dragons miniatures with your little ones. Experts from Just Games will guide participants through the process of painting these small figures. This workshop provides all necessary supplies including a miniature to take home. For kids eight years old and up. A parent or guardian must accompany children under sixteen. 3–5 p.m. Limited admission, registration required Strong Museum of Play 1 Manhattan Square Dr. 263-2700 museumofplay.org
APRIL 23
SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAY The Strong Museum of Play will be open exclusively for children with special sensory, developmental, and physical needs. Explore the museum in a comfortable and accepting environment that features fewer guests, light and sound reduction, extra visual safety signage, and designated quiet areas with sensoryfriendly toys. Due to limited space, tickets are required. A visit to the relaxing Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden and rides on the Strong Express Train are included. 8–10 a.m. Strong Museum of Play 1 Manhattan Square Dr. 263-2700 museumofplay.org APRIL 29 13TH ANNUAL AUTISM AWARENESS WALK Bring the whole family for a fun and inclusive walk to celebrate diversity and raise awareness for autism. Food and beverages will be provided. 8–10 a.m. Eastview Mall 7979 Pittsford Victor Rd. 223-3693 eastviewmall.com
MAY 2
TEEN/TWEEN MOTHER’S DAY CRAFTS The best gifts are always handmade, especially when they are for a parent. These Mother’s Day crafts are great projects for both teens and preteens to work on. Supplies limited; registration required. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Gates Public Library 902 Elmgrove Rd. 247-6446 gateslibrary.org
MAY 9
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA This Tony Award–winning musical is a family favorite. Featuring designs inspired by French pop-up books and spellbinding on-stage illusions, this triumphant Cinderella fits like a glass slipper! Through June 4 Geva Theatre Center 75 Woodbury Blvd. 232-4382 gevatheatre.org
MAY 12
KIDS ZONE Get some fresh air, take in the warm weather, and experience the blooming lilacs at the Lilac Festival. The kids will have the time of their lives playing outside and exploring the zipline, bounce houses, and rides in the Kid Zone. Through May 21 Rochester Lilac Festival Highland Park 473-4482 rochesterevents.com
MAY 13
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH TRAIN RIDE Ride the rails to celebrate Mother’s Day! Relax and enjoy a trip to Curriers Station as well as a catered brunch by Catered Creations. 11 a. m. Also May 14 Limited seating available Arcade & Attica Railroad 278 Main St., Arcade 492-3100 aarailroad.com
JUNE 9
SYMPHONIC SAFARI Pack your binoculars and join the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for a Symphonic Safari. The RPO will take attendees on an African adventure right here in town. Kids and families just might find an elephant or lion. Sweet and snuggly stuffed animals are not only welcome but encouraged! 2 p.m. Hochstein Performance Hall 50 N. Plymouth Ave. 454-2100 rpo.org/event/symphonic-safari
JUNE 9
RIDE FOR MISSING CHILDREN Bring the whole family for a unique and wonderful experience on the Ride for Missing Children. You will ride two-by-two for fifty to one hundred miles, escorted by the NYS Police and local law enforcement along the route. The ride takes educational rest stops at schools where there will most likely be presentations for the children. 7 a.m. Registration required Total Sports Experience 880 Elmgrove Rd. 458-4263 give.missingkids.org/theride