Traveling is when your dreams become your reality but the reality of traveling with kids is that it can be expensive. After a recent visit to the Rochester area, we've got some helpful tips on how to save a bit when traveling to Rochester with kids in-tow.
1. Reciprocity - Rochester is home to some of the most amazing museums and zoos including The Strong Museum, The Seneca Park Zoo and the Rochester Museum & Science Center. If you have a membership at home to similar science museums, play museums or zoos many of them offer some form of reciprocity including free or discounted admission and museum / zoo discounts on gifts or food. For example visitors to the Seneca Park Zoo that are also members of the Philadelphia Zoo, Brandywine Zoo or Elmwood Park Zoo can save 50% on admission. Visitors to The Strong Museum that are also members of the Please Touch Museum or the Delaware Children's Museum can save as well. Other local museums that offer some level of reciprocity include the Franklin Institute, The Delaware Museum of Natural History and the Academy of Natural Sciences. Be sure to check the museum / zoo website for all of the details. Often times it depends on the level of your membership and discounts are subject to change. It's always a good idea to call the attraction to confirm, but it may end up in significant savings and more family fun!
2. Take a Hike - The Rochester area has many beautiful walking, biking and hiking trails including areas that are stroller friendly. Take a walk along the Erie Canal or hike in Letchworth State Park (only $10 per carload to enter). The surrounding views and history will amaze you, your whole family can enjoy the outdoors.
3. Festivals - Rochester is home to some amazing and family-friendly festivals, many of which have free admission including Canal Days, Lilac Festival and the Corn Hill Arts Festival. Check out a full listing here for more ideas to help you plan your visit: http://www.visitrochester.com/events/
4. Coupons and Promos - Some of the spots we visited in Rochester, including places like Seabreeze Amusement Park offer coupons and promo codes to help you save on admission. Additionally at Seabreeze they offer a Spectator Pass for adults in your party that won't be riding any rides for only $13.99! You can check local Rochester area Wegman's stores for discounts to various attractions as well.
5. Save on Souvenirs - Want an awesome souvenir from your trip but don't want to bust your travel budget? We love making souvenir pennies when we travel. Guess what? It usually only costs 51 cents per kid! You can find penny machines all over Rochester at many of the great attractions and you can even purchase a Penny Book to hold all of your penny treasures. We love using the Penny Finder app to help us locate the machines and plan our adventures.
6. Visit Wegman's - That's right - the Wegman's you know and love in our area got it's start in Rochester. You can visit the original Wegman's in Pittsford, NY where they also work on researching and developing new products and ideas. That means you might experience some items and options that you can't experience here in Chester County. If you love Wegman's, you know the store and accompanying Burger Bar are family-friendly and you'll love popping in to where it all began.
7. Macaroni Kid - That's right there is a Macaroni Kid edition in Rochester - two of them actually since there is so much family fun to be had. You already know that it's FREE to subscribe and that many of the events and activities on the calendar are free or low-cost. Subscribe to the local newsletters before you go and consult the calendar daily during your adventure. You'll find listings of free activities like concerts, movies, festivals and more. Check out the local newsletters and event calendars from our friends at:
Visit Rochester hosted Macaroni Kid for a 4-day press trip. Accommodations and most meals and activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received in consideration of this article and all opinions are that of the writer.
