wicker park fest kids
Are you trying to save some money by staying close to home this summer? Would you like to spend some quality time outdoors picnicking with your family? If you would, and you happen to live near Rochester, NY, you’re in luck! Rochester is home to many parks and recreation areas that would be perfect for your picnic. Here are a few places that you might enjoy.
Ontario Beach Park (otherwise known as Charlotte) is the showpiece of the Monroe County parks system. Located at the north end of Lake Avenue, this park offers something for every member of the family. Among Ontario Beach’s many attractions are the sandy swimming beach, playgrounds for the kids and ample picnic facilities. There is a pier separating Lake Ontario and the Genesee River that offers perch, bass and other fishing. It’s also a great spot for a romantic walk on a star filled evening. Ontario Beach is also home of “The Dutchess”, an original menagerie carousel that was built in 1905. It’s one of only 14 like it still operating in the United States. Your kids will enjoy the ride and you will enjoy the history.
The centerpiece of Seneca Park (located at 2200 St. Paul St.) is the Seneca Park Zoo. Covering about 12 acres, the recently renovated zoo is home to several hundred animals. Your kids are going to want to stand and watch the sea lions frolic around in their pool for hours and then marvel at the size of the African Elephants. There are also tigers, baboons, monkeys, reptiles, birds and a polar bear for you to enjoy. Summer hours are from 9:00 to 5:00 (admission gates close at 4:00) and admission is $9.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors and $6.00 for children aged 3 – 11. Children under 3 are free.
Seneca Park also features a beautiful pond where the kids can feed the ducks and the adults can just sit and relax. Seneca Park’s hiking trails offer some great viewing of the Genesee River gorge below. The park also offers ample playground and picnic facilities including three picnic shelters that can be reserved in advance by calling 858-753-7275.
Seneca Park has a carry in – carry out rule meaning that you have take your garbage with you when you leave. Pets are welcome but must be kept on their leashes. Seneca Park is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM during the summer and closes at dusk between October 15 and May 15.
We’ve only scratched the tip of the iceberg of great picnic facilities in and around Rochester. In part 2 of this series, we’ll visit Webster Park, Durand Eastman Park and Powder Mills Park. Stay tuned!
Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos @ Wicker Park Fest 09′, A Children’s Crusade On Acid
