​Today’s wild adventure included roaring lions, howling wolves, and slithering snakes... Can you guess where we went? Seneca Park Zoo!
​Some people don’t think of the zoo as a fun winter adventure, but it is!! As long as you dress in suitable cold weather attire, it is the perfect place to visit. During our entire one and a half hour visit we saw all of 10 people.
Masks are being enforced, as well as social distancing.
At the entrance we were given free hot drink (hot cocoa, coffee, or tea) coupons for the Eagle Landing Cafe!! There are multiple indoor areas open, the polar bear/sea lion viewing room, and the reptile/otter viewing room. These are great check points to get inside and warm up during your visit. Most of the animals seemed to be out and interactive, although some stayed hidden inside their habitats.
Remember to visit the gift shop (members get 10% off) and the Tropics Adventure Zone during your zoo visit!
Note- You must reserve tickets online. Everyone over 2 must wear a mask.

​This is a fun craft for a large range of ages. You can display it on the wall or turn into "to" "from" tags! This one is inspired by Art Projects for Kids.

​Not only is it important to feed the birds during these winter months, it has been entertaining and rewarding seeing them at the feeders.There's a lot of ways to make food for the birds, just make sure the ingredients don't contain a ton of sugar or  fillers.
You can make the traditional pine cone rolled in peanut butter and birdseed or if you don't have birdseed, try suet cakes! The attached recipe was provided by a local mama and makes 2 9x13 pans worth (12 cakes) so it's great for gifting or stocking up for the winter. The suet basket can be bought for $2 at most Wegmans! Happy Bird watching!

I've been trying to get the kids more involved in the 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 side of Christmas and this gift wrap project really got them excited!⁣ You can use butchers paper or upcycle some large paper bags. Really any big piece of paper will do! At first we made potato stamps but eventually those were pushed to the side and the kids painted with their hands, feet, crayons, markers etc. and added personal touches for the recipient. They really got into it and I didn't have to buy more wrapping paper. Win win!

Where: Buckskin Rd, Farmington
When: The show starts Thanksgiving night at 6:30p.
Every night after that it runs continuously from 4:30p until 11p
The last night will be Dec. 31st.
Cost: Free! Donations accepted for The John F. Russo Jr Memorial Foundation
Notes: This is an amazing residential light display. Tune into 91.1 for music synced to the display. Most of the houses on the road are synced and the playlist is great! There are several songs so take the loop a couple times! Stay in your car at all times. The traffic moves at a steady pace. Be respectful and mindful of those in front and behind you and others trying to get into the loop.

Where: County Rd 4, Canandaigua
Cost: Free!
Notes: Haunted Housel on CR 4  has their Christmas display blazing! Lots of beautiful vintage snowmen, Santas, gnomes and angels. Unlike the Halloween display, this is not a display to walk on their property- However, there is plenty of space to park on the side of the road to admire all the display. There are also many neighbors that have joined in the festivities of decorating their front lawns as well.

Where:​ Colony Lane, Henrietta
Cost: Free! Canned good or cash donations will be given to the Rush Henrietta Area Food Terminal. 
Notes: This residential holiday display is hosted by roughly 5 houses located in a loop.  The line moved quick, and was easy to get through!

Where: Sleigh Box Drive-Thru Pick Up at Bivona Child Advocacy Center
1 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620
When: December 12-19, 2020
​Cost: Purchase a Sleigh Box for $40 each (ideal for a family of four). Includes: Map to designated homes & neighborhoods, Holiday treats & goodies, Fun & festive activities for the family​ and an opportunity to support a good cause. ​Limited quantities of sleigh boxes are available! Sale ends December 19

Where: 5820 South Park Ave, Hamburg NY 14075
When: Now until December 31
​Cost: $15 per vehicle, tickets must be purchased in advance

Where: 6790 Onondaga Lake Pkwy, Liverpool, NY 13088
When: November 16, 2020 through January 10, 2021, 5-10 pm
Cost: Tickets (valid-1 per carload) are limited and sold by the date. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are priced at $6 for Monday and Tuesday (discounted rate thank to our friends at Wegmans), $10 for Wednesday and Thursdays and $20 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. NEW this year- add a light saber for only $5 each and be part of the light show!

Where: Santa Drive, Pittsford, NY
When: December, 5:00-10:00pm
Cost: Free!
Notes: This is a residential display with two participating houses.
Tune to 88.3 FM.
Pull as far over as you can to park and put your flashers on so residents know you are there for the show.
Keep radio volume down if you have your windows open.
Please stay in your vehicle to watch the show.
And do not use driveways to turn around. There is a circle directly across from the display and the neighborhood is a loop.

Where: Log Cabin Restaurant, 2444 W. Walworth Dr, Macedon, NY 14502
When: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays until January 3.
Cost: $10/person, Kids 5 & under free. You can purchase tickets online or on site when you arrive. Cash & Credit accepted.

Since mid March 2020 our lives have changed in a drastic way.  It has affected our lives and our children's on the way we operate and function within this new world.  With that being said, I know that everyone's level of comfort is different regarding indoor play, so this article is merely to inform  you of the current locations that are open for play and what modifications they have in place.  

Description: An indoor playground in Canandaigua with a bounce house, climbing structures, block box, and much more! The facility caters to children ages 6 months to 12 years. Kidztown is open for Birthday Parties, Private Play groups or Toddler Time (10-12:30pm on various days) for children up to age 5.  Due to limited capacity, they are not open for walk-in play. Playtime is available by reservation only. You can also book the facility for private play.  Give them a call , send them a message on Facebook or email to inquire!
Cost:  
1-hour playgroups- $55 for up to 10 kiddos
1.5-hour playgroup-$65 for up to 10 kiddos
2-hour playgroup-$75 for up to 10 kiddos
2.5-hour playgroup-$85 for up to 10 kiddos
Notes: This is a no-shoe facility so bring socks! If taking Thruway be sure to have an EZpass or cash for tolls.

2997 Buffalo Rd, Rochester, NY 14624

The play area is open for walk-in play at Pure Imagination. Things look slightly than pre-pandemic as many of the toys are placed in bins now allowing children to pick out a couple toys to be sanitized after use. 

Cost: It is free to access the play area. Purchase of food or drink at the Cafe is recommended. 

Description: 2,800 square foot space that provides a safe and fun play space for kids ages 6 and under. In addition to the main play space, there are separate play areas for children over three and for infants, 0-18 months.  Masks are required for staff, children are not required to wear them during camps. Email for private play options.

Cost:  
Open Play-
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00-11:30 am, registration required
$10.80 for 2.5 hours
$2 off  if booking multiple children (use code PLAYTWO)
Capacity- 12 children 

"Keep Calm and Camp On"
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00-11:30 am
For ages 2 and 3
$75 + tax per child per week

"Keep Calm and Break time for Mom" Camp:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9-11:30 am, 
18m-4yrs
$35 for 2.5 hours

Description: Bounce Hopper is an indoor inflatable playground that is fun for kids of all ages! With over 10 thousand square feet of inflatable jumps, slides, obstacle courses, and fun, this indoor play place also includes limited concessions and play areas for toddlers  (but you can use the entire facility when you are there for the two hour time slot).  Adults are required to wear a mask, optional for kids.  This is a shoe free facility, bring your socks!
Cost: Open Play is in 2 hour increments.  Must Pre Purchase ticket before arrival. $12 age 2-12 during the week.  $15 for the weekends.      
Notes: Check their website for open play hours and to reserve a spot.

Description: Ladybugs Play is an indoor play area designed for children 7 years of age and younger. There is a variety of food and beverages available for purchase and an array of unique toys for children to explore. There is also a sectioned off area for children 18 months and younger to play and explore safely.   At this time they are not available for open play but do offer Birthday Parties, Private Play and Small Camps.  Check their website for more information.
Cost:
Private Play- Group
For Small groups of friends and family
Up to 8 children allowed
2 hour slot for $96

Private Play- Family
For children within the same family. Max 4 kids
$50 for 1 hour
$70 for 1.5 hours
$90 for 2 hours

Camps
$75/child/week + $10 registration fee
Also booking for Birthday Parties!

Currently they take reservations for 'PRIVATE-ONLY' whole facility rental Parties and Playdates. Open play is limited to 2-hour time slots which require purchase before visiting the facility. Facility will be closed to walk-in open play during your party time. Facial masks/coverings will be required. The recreational focus is large indoor play structures (All smaller toys are temporarily removed from the facility). Equipment is sprayed and sanitized in between parties. 
Cost:
Children under 2 years old: $7
​Children 2 to 12 years old $11.50 (weekdays) $15 (weekends)
Notes:
Open Play:
Monday         10-Noon , 12:30 - 2:30 pm, 3-5 pm
Tuesday         Private Parties Only
​Wednesday  10-Noon , 12:30 - 2:30 pm, 3-5 pm
Thursday       Private Parties Only
​Friday             10-Noon , 12:30 - 2:30 pm, 3-5 pm 
Saturday       10-Noon   
​Sunday           10-Noon 

Description: Altitude opens its doors to the younger audience to enjoy some jumping time with their parents/guardians.  Masks are required for all in the facility and they encourage young jumpers to wear a mask if possible. Pre purchased tickets are required on their website.  When you arrive at the facility they will check everyone's temperature at the door.  You are allowed to bring your own food, they have pre packaged chips and water only for concessions. 
Cost: During Junior Jumper Jam, the cost is $8.99. Parents can also jump for an additional $2.00. Children under 2 are FREE with regular adult admission. Altitude Trampoline Socks are $2 per pair. 
Hours: Junior Jam is open each weekday from 10:00am – 1:00pm. 

5110 W Ridge Rd, Spencerport, NY 14559

The Bricklab is available for open play! Space is very limited and tickets must be purchased online ahead of time. Masks are required for adults but not children. 
Email info@thebricklab.com to book a private play group. Open play is 9:30-11:30am and 12:30-2:30pm Monday-Friday. 
​Cost: 
Two hour session-
Adults(13+) FREE with Paying Child
Children (3-12): $8.00 each
Toddlers (0-2): FREE with Paying Child

900 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

You are sure to get into the Holiday Spirit and the Eastman Museum's Gingerbread happening now until December 13. Explore this beautiful house and discover wonderfully made gingerbread houses along the way!
Cost: 
Adults $18
Seniors (65+) $16
Students (with ID) $7
Ages 5-17 $7
Ages 4 & under Free

180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

Cost: Youth (0-5) Free, Adult (19-61) $3.00, Youth (6-18) / Seniors (62 and up) $2.00.
Notes: The Conservatory is open 7 days a week, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. except Christmas Day. During the Holiday Show, it is open until 9pm on Fridays and Sundays. Call 585 753-7270 for more information.

Here's the list of Farms around Rochester offering u-cut Christmas Trees! Don't forget a saw (leave the chainsaws at home) and to tip the helping hands if you are able!

​1325 Salt Rd, Webster, NY 14580

Head to Wilbert's for a variety of single priced ($50) u-cut tree options. They also have a live nativity, many photo ops and a slide! You may even spot Santa. 

299 Morgan Rd Scottsville, NY 14546

Choose and cut your own real Christmas Tree at Morgan Hill Tree Farm. Price includes tax and free stump trimming, shaking, baling, and center drilling. $45 for any size u-cut tree or $55 for Blue Spruce! Cash and credit accepted.

997 Canandaigua Rd, Palmyra, NY 14522

Here is a simple u-cut option without the frills. All trees are $30!

1215 W Sweden Rd, Brockport, NY 14420

Shop by price and variety at Windy Meadow Tree Farm in Brockport. White and Scotch Pines, are $30.00, White Spruces $35.00, Douglas, Balsam and Concolor Firs $45.00, Fraser and Turkish Firs $55.00. Tax included! Saws, carts and kneeling pads are available upon request. Baling and shaking provided for free.  

5161 W Ridge Rd, Spencerport, NY 14559

Any Tree you choose is $50 plus tax. Bring your own saw! Dogs are allowed on a leash and drilling and baling provided for free

2520 Arcadia, Zurich Rd, Newark, NY 14513

Aman’s Nursery Christmas Tree Farm is located right outside of Newark. This is small family run nursery that has been open since 1962. They offer a huge variety of u-cut Christmas trees in an easily accessible field. Amans’s is open from 9am-dark weekends (F,Sat,Sun). Prices are $40 up to 8ft and & only $50 for anything over 8ft. They even provide bailing at no additional cost!

3222 Poplar Hill Rd Livonia, NY 14487

This tree farm in Livonia offers various prices for their u-cut trees based on size. Staff will assist in finding, transporting, shaking and baling your tree at no additional cost!

2334 Turk Hill Rd, Victor, NY 14564

You-cut trees are $60 with some lots at $30 to make way for new trees. A 4WD capable vehicle may be required for the muddy days!

423 W Sweden Rd, Brockport, NY 14420

Open Friday-Monday, Shetler Tree Farm offers u-cut for $46.30 plus tax. Cash or Check accepted. Free baling and shaking!

1340 Five Mile Line Rd, Webster, NY 14580

All u-cut trees, regardless of shape, size or variety, are only $45 at Bauman's!

1530 Harris Rd, Penfield, NY 14526

U-Cut Christmas trees are priced at $50. Cash, credit and check is accepted. Shaking, Drilling and baling also provided for free. 

800 Ballantyne Rd, Scottsville, NY 14546

U-cut trees are $45 at this tree farm in Scottsville.

5048 Lima Rd Geneseo, NY

Baughman's has most varieties of trees available for u-cut up to 12 feet. You-cut trees are $45. They also sell wreaths, garland, and have a gift shop for you to browse. They will wrap up your tree for free and carry it to your car.

750 Alderman Rd, Palmyra, NY 14522

U-cut trees are $45 at Stop 28. Open Thursday-Sunday 9:00-5:00pm. They even have pink trees!

4239 Kipp Road Canandaigua, NY 14424

Open Friday-Sunday, the trees at Bodine's are all $60 regardless of cut or size.

2051 County Rd. 23, Clifton Springs, NY 14432

This u-cut tree farm in Clifton Springs provides saws and sleds, shaking, baling, drilling, hand-tie to your vehicle and a gift for the kids! Trees under 4' are $40, 5-9' $60, and 9'+ $80. 

3391 Fairville Maple Ridge Rd. Newark, New York 14513

There are a couple options for u-cut at the apple shed this year. The South lot (on the corner of Decker and Fairville Maple Ridge Rd) is open daily 9-4:30pm for a limited time. Theses trees are all on the small side and are $35 including tax. There is a new lot opening on weekends only behind The Apple Shed with big trees! The prices are as follows: 7 feet and under $35, 7'-10' are $40 and 10' and up are $45, (includes tax)

 8160 Lake Street Rd, Le Roy, NY 14482

U Cut Christmas Trees are available at Pully's November 28 & 29 and December 5 & 6 from 9am-4pm both weekends.  Trees are $45 with baling and drilling provided. 

2780 Ryder Rd, Newark, NY 14513

Pay $30 for anything up to 9' at this tree farm in Newark!

3700 Boss Rd, Marion, NY 14505

This is a fun stop for a u-cut tree and gift shop on site! Trees are $50.00 (+ Sales Tax) up to 8 foot, $75.00 (+ Sales Tax) 8 foot to 10 foot, and $100.00 (+ Sales Tax) 10 foot to 12 foot

Though many Theaters have closed temporarily due to Covid-10, others have modified their operations to include stream at home options, contactless snack/soda retrieval and private watch parties. Listed below are the theaters with modified offerings, but be sure to check their website for the most up to date information. 

2291 Buffalo Rd, Rochester, NY 14624

Open for Private Watch Parties!  Check their website for details or to book online. $99-$149

For everyone’s safety, face masks are required in our theaters except when eating & drinking in auditoriums.  For regular showings, when choosing your seat it will automatically block off seats around you for social distancing.

3189 Co Rd 10, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Open for Private Screenings, $150. Twenty (20) people maximum per theater.
They are currently showing movies Friday through Sunday or on Holidays until further notice.  Show times for upcoming weekend will be purchased on their page the Tuesday before.

4180 Lakeville Rd, Geneseo, NY 14454

Open for Private Screenings, $150. Twenty (20) people maximum per theater.
They are currently showing movies Friday through Sunday or on Holidays until further notice.  Show times for upcoming weekend will be purchased on their page the Tuesday before.

957 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

Open for in person viewing of movies.  Check their page for times, pre order tickets, pre order snacks and preferred seating! You can even stream from home with AMC Theaters on Demand!

957 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

In-person theater events are closed until further notice.
They are currently offering virtual movies you can view in your home.

65 William St, Lyons, NY 14489

In-person viewings are available.  They are following all the NYS and CDC guidelines, including limits on seating. Masks are required for all attendees. 
Movie tickets: Adults: $8, Seniors and Students: $7, Children: $6

Regal Theaters
Pittsford Theater 9
Movies 10
Geneva Movie Plex
The Little Theater

Now, more than ever, is the year to shop local. Many of these local shops have curbside pickup options, some have private shopping appointments available while others have online ordering capabilities. 

120 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424

You are sure to check some items off your shopping list at the Unique Toy Store in Canandaigua. They have books, stem activities, a lot of stuffed animals, baby dolls, and so many other fun and unique toys. I shopped here recently and it felt so good to check the kids off the shopping list in one go!

3349 Monroe Ave # 38, Rochester, NY 14618

​Hobby House Toys is a great option for shopping local and online!
Located in the Pittsford Plaza and Eastview Mall, Hobby house toys has many of the items kids will be asking for this year! Their collection is impressive and well organized. Much of their stock is listed online as well.
If not shopping in store, orders can be placed online. They even offer curbside pickup and free local delivery! I picked up my order in-store and did a little more shopping while there. They had a kid's movie playing so it was easy to slide a couple more presents over the counter and the staff was so good about being sneaky so my son had no idea!
Be sure to check out their sales online on Toy"rrific Tuesdays! They have some great deals every Tuesday and pick up is quick and easy!

90 E Main St #3, Victor, NY 14564

This shop is Victor doesn't only provide you will all your fairy house building needs but it also makes for a great spot for parties and they have some great gift giving packages! Be sure to check their website seasonally for various holiday themed fairy gifts!

 3349 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618

​When in the  Pittsford Plaza, be sure to check out One World Goods.
One World Goods is a not-for-profit store that sells fair trade products from all over the world. The products here are so unique and each thoughtfully made. They have something for everyone, even the kids! Check out their website for their whole story over the past 30 years of being open!
Appointment shopping also available!

620 Titus Ave, Rochester, NY 14617

Juniper Gift Shop opened amidst the pandemic and is continuing to roll with the punches.  This is a great stop to shop for gifts for anyone on your list - There is even a room of unique children's items!  The outside of the store is deceiving as there is much more inside than meets the eye. Aside from the room of children's gifts there are two others stock full of kitchen goods, home decor and other items- many of which are locally made⁣. Give yourself plenty of time to browse, you are sure to find something great! ⁣

450 E Main St, Palmyra, NY 14522

This little independent bookstore offers a wide variety of new, used, rare books and unique gifts for all ages! They have an adorable section of Jellycat stuffed animal and children’s toys. Stop in and see Cody the store dog and give him a treat. This is a great place to shop small this holiday season.

1868 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14609

Head to Laughing Gull for the chocolate lovers on your list. This is a great spot to find delicious and innovative stocking stuffers as well as vegan and ethically sourced options. 

27 North Ave, Webster, NY 14580

Grab some honey sticks as stocking stuffers or choose from a large variety of honey for gifting. The North Bee even has Honey Earrings! Keep browsing and you will find lip balm, lotion bars, ornaments and much much more!

Element of Fun Bookstore
Dan's Craft and Things
Simply New York Marketplace & Gifts 
​Shops on West Ridge
Dantiques
Heart of Hilton Gift Shop
Parkleigh
Little Button Craft
Purple Moon Cottage
​Cheshire Union Gift Shop & Center
​Lift Bridge Books

Playgrounds for all children are starting to be built more and more - and we want to celebrate that! Most of these playgrounds have adaptive swings, padded play surfaces, wide ramps and other features to make the playground wheelchair accessible. New inclusive playgrounds are being built each year so be sure to check back! 

1000 Ridge Road, Webster, NY 14580

1648 Five Mile Line Rd, Penfield, NY 14526

Redman Rd, Brockport, NY 14420

Built in June 2019, this playground and splash pad combo was built with everyone in mind and is guaranteed to entertain for several hours! There are musical instruments that can be accessed with a wheelchair as well as a splash pad that in wheelchair friendly. 

809 Five Points Road, Rush, New York 14543

If looking for a safe place for your child to have fun and explore without limits, be sure to check out Rotary Sunshine Campus. They offer summer camp for children with a wide range of disabilities. 

1558 Lakeshore Blvd., Irondequoit, NY 14617, Rochester, NY 14617

The name says it all! This playground has something for everyone. Some equipment is quite challenging while other features were designed to be fully inclusive. 

Though the playground may be difficult to manage with a wheelchair, the splash pad at Seneca Lake state park is wheelchair friendly! In fact, they have wheelchairs you can use in the water! The wheelchairs are free to borrow, however, there is a $7 vehicle entrance fee to get into the park. The splash pad is on a cycle of being on for 1 hour and off for 20 minutes.

61 Holley St, Brockport, NY 14420

56 Barry St, Brockport, NY 14420

Though the entire playground isn't ADA approved, the ziline might just make the visit worth it! Towards the back of the playground (accessible by a paved path) is a "zipline" with both a typical disc seat and an adaptive swing seat! Kids of all ages and abilities can zip side by side. 

1000 Co Rd 8, Farmington, NY 14425

Since the above listed playgrounds do not have a sandbox, it is worth noting that there is an adaptive sandbox and swing at Farmington town park. This sandbox is raised off the ground so it can be reached at a wheelchair's height. Aside from the swing, the rest of the playground doesn't have many adaptive features. No pets allowed at this park.