ADAM'S STREET REC CENTER
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85 Adams St #2210, Rochester, NY 14608
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Pros: Adams Street Rec Center is located just a short distance from Corn Hill Landing. Though this playground is attached to the rec center, it is open to the public! The play surface is padded rather than mulch and there are two separate play areas, plus regular and baby swings.
Cons: As this is part of the Community Center, the playground can become very populated with recreation programs. Likewise, there are picnic tables but no grills or pavillion. The nearest bathroom is an outhouse, but bathrooms can also be found in the rec center when open. 
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BENJAMIN DALEY MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND
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340 Broadway, Rochester, NY 14607
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Pros: Located in a cute neighborhood off Monroe Avenue. There is a partial fence to keep kiddos away from the road. The playground seems to be pretty friendly for all ages, it’s lower to the ground. But want to call out that many activities are for older kiddos. There is a nice grassy area next to the playground to play as well.
Cons: Playground is pretty much full sun. No swings at this park. |
COBBS HILL PARK
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80 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14610
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Pros: The playground at Cobbs hills park is unique as it features a parkour style obstacle course. The course is complete with a challenge board which outlines the course path and how to perform each obstacle. Along side this play area is a smaller playground for younger children, making the park suitable for a wide age range. Also within the park are opportunities for basketball, Fishing, hiking and sledding.
Cons: The bathrooms by the playground are outhouses. The park can get over crowded in areas and is not always well maintained. Notes: Sledding Spots: (1) Near Reservoir toward Monroe Ave (2) Washington Grove Park toward Tay Lodge. **Please Note: The sledding hill may be dangerous and heavily populated 
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CONKEY CORNER PARK
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92 Conkey Ave, Rochester, NY 14621
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Pros: This is a fairly new playground, there are activities for all ages! This is right along the Genesee River Trail along three river. There was a lot of space to run around here as well.
Cons: This would be a good park to carpool with a friend, there isn’t a ton of parking. There also isn’t a lot of shade or facilities. |
EASTMORELAND PARK
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102 Shelbourne Rd, Rochester, NY 14620
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Pros: This is a decent size playground with space to run around. It is in a cute neighborhood by Strong Hospital. There was good parking and some shade to sit in. There was something for all ages here as well!
Cons: The playground is in full sun. There are no facilities. |
ELLISON PARK
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Roadside Shelter, Rochester, NY 14625
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Pros: Ellison is a very large park right outside our city. Aside from the playground, the park features access to the Irondequoit Creek, several athletic fields, tennis courts, Fort Schuyler replica, sledding hills and a legal off-leash Dog Park.
Cons: During our visit, the playground was very muddy and surrounded by swampy grass. Bathrooms, pavilions, grills, hiking and fishing can all be found within the park Notes: Use "Roadside Shelter" in google maps to find the playground. Dogs are not allowed at the playground. 
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ELLWANGER AND BARRY PARK
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800 Meigs St, Rochester, NY 14620
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Pros: Ellwanger and Barry Park is certainly filled with a sense of community. The park is full of household toys such as trucks, kitchen toys, etc. donated by local families. A well attended sing along group is held at the park on Wednesdays.
Cons: As this park heavily relies on community aid, depending on the time you visit, you may find a lot of broken toys, trash, etc. The park is not always well maintained. Limited street parking and no bathroom. Notes: Free music group every Wednesday in the summer starting at 10:30 AM. Bring a blanket! (Follow "Mulberry Bush Sing Along" on Facebook for updates) 
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FIELD STREET PARK AND REC CENTER
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194 Field St. Rochester, NY 14620
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Pros: Nice fenced in shaded play area. There is two playgrounds one for younger kiddos and one for older. There is a nice space for some free play as well if kiddos don't want to play on the playground. There is also a field right next to the playground for play as well.
Cons: Parking may not always be available. This is also a Playground used by the Rec center so can be more busy at times. |
GENESEE VALLEY PARK PLAYGROUND
(ROUNDHOUSE PAVILION)
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Roundhouse Pavilion, Genesee Valley Park, Rochester, NY
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Description: This playground is found within Genesee Valley Park near the beautiful Roundhouse Pavilion and at the site where the Erie Canal meets the Genesee River. The playground has big slides, regular swings, a baby swing, steps and ramps. The best part of this playground though is it's setting; It is surrounded by lovely stroller-friendly paths and plenty of bridges to explore.
Notes: This playground is walking distance from the newer "Genesee Valley Playground for all Children." If you park in the parking lot nearest the tennis courts off of Genesee St (near the inspection of Genesee and Elmwood) you can easily walk to both playgrounds. Just follow the canal trail to the Roundhouse Shelter! There is also a parking lot off of Moore Rd if you are looking for a closer parking spot to this playground. 
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GENESEE VALLEY PARK PLAYGROUND FOR ALL CHILDREN
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1316 Genesee St, Rochester NY 14611
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Pros: Genesee Valley Park has it all including cricket, fishing, geo-caching, hiking, kayaking, and several multi-use athletic fields. The park is located along the Genesee River and walkers and bikers can cross over the river on a pedestrian bridge to get to the other side of the park. The playground itself is very unique. The surface is padded, there are swings for all abilities, and different structures for varying age groups. The "ropes course" appeal to older children while the various slides and spinning mechanisms appeal to the youngins. The playground is surrounded by trees and open fields and is partially fenced in.
Cons: This park is fairly close to the road and the closest parking is in the street, though there is a parking lot further down the road if needed. This can be a common spot for older kids to gather after school so it may be best to come with the younger kids during the day. The playground is in direct sun and there is not a pavilion nearby but there are plenty of surrounding trees. Notes: The park is very large with multiple entrances. Use "Genesee Valley Park Playground For All Children" in Google Maps to find this playground. There are several pavilions and party locations throughout the park, but neither are located near this playground. The bathroom house is seasonal but there is a nearby outhouse. As the airport is close by, many planes fly over ahead. This is a pro for some kids and a con for others! 
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GOODWIN PARK
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Sibley Pl, Rochester, NY 14607
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Description: This is a hidden gem of a park tucked in the Park Avenue neighborhood. There is a community garden along with the cool mushrooms. There are some swings and a decent size climber with a mulch free play surface!!! There is also a cool yellow brick wall through the park. It’s also far from the road. Truly a cool little park. Notes: Its hard to find with google maps but you park on the road and walk over or park on park ave and there is an entrance as well.
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GREENWOOD PARK
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1550 Scribner Rd, Rochester, NY 14625
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Description: Greenwood Park has a small playground which is well loved by younger siblings when the older ones practice on the nearby fields. The playground is in great condition and has an adaptive, baby and typical style swing. The perimeter nearest the parking lot is lined with large rocks which kids love for additional climbing and play!
Notes: This playground is between two fields so if you head over on a summer evening you will likely get to catch some sporting events or practices as well as a handful of playmates on the playground. There are not bathrooms on the premises. |
HUMBOLDT RECREATION CENTER
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1045 Atlantic Ave, Rochester, NY 14609
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Pros: Humboldt Recreation Center features a splash pad and playground open to the public. The splash pad has multiple fountains making this a great spray ground for kids that like to run around and through the water. Along with the playground, there is a large yard that is fenced in near the splash pad that also has several trees for shade!
Cons: As this splash pad is part of the rec center, it can become crowded when programs are in session and there is limited parking within the parking lot. |
HIGHLAND PARK
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180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
What We Love: We really love Lamberton Conservatory! The fact that this playground is directly across from the conservatory makes it a great option if looking to expand the visit!
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Pros: This playground is located within the beautiful Highland Park and across the Street from Lamberton Conservatory. The Poet's Garden and paved walking path through Highland Park are also nearby. The playground has a baby swing and smaller play area for the younger ones.
Cons: Highland Park is what makes this spot special. The playground itself is nothing to write home about. 
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LILAC ADVENTURE ZONE @ HIGHLAND PARK
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Highland Ave and Meadowbrook Rd
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Pros: Highland is a vast park with sledding, festivals, hiking and a year-round conservatory. Near Highland Ave and Meadowbrook Rd, you can find a new, all natural playground. The playground is unique in that it is made entirely out of logs. Because of this, the structures are mostly steps, bridges and balance beams. There is a bathroom nearby and a path leading into Highland park.
Cons: If bringing younger children to this playground, full adult supervision is required. Also, it can be difficult to navigate within the park. Notes:
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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL PARK
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353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14607
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Pros: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial park is an Industrial style playground found with the city of Rochester. The playground features a single fountain "splash pad" to cool off in after climbing its unique structures. Though this playground is geared toward older children, it can be fun for kids of all ages. There is plenty to do around this playground including ice skating in the winter and the year-round museum of play.
Cons: The nearest bathrooms are outhouses. The playground is small and limited. Notes: Picnic tables can be found by the reflection pool. Parking is in the street, which is free on weekends. There is no swimming or wading in fountains/reflection pool. 
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MAPLEWOOD PARK PLAYGROUND
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89 Maplewood Dr, Rochester, NY 14615
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Pros: This is a fun park right within the city of Rochester. There are a few sets of exercise equipment and lots of space for running around. The playground is down hill from the road and parking lot, well secluding it from traffic. There is a large Fire Truck playring structure to climb on and a sign teaching fire safety. There are several play structures spaced apart from one another creating ample space to play and several "stations" to be discovered.
Cons: There are reports and first hand accounts of inappropriate objects lying around the park (Needles, contraceptives). There are several geese and thus lots of goose poop. Parts of the park could use some maintenance and updates. Notes: Do not use "Maplewood Park" for directions in Google Maps. The Park spans a wide distance and therefore the playground is far away from the waterfalls and rose garden. The Genesee Riverway trail connects the rose garden to the playground and it is stroller friendly, but it is a good 25 minute walk. The drive from the rose garden to the playground is a quick 4 minutes. Use the following coordinates for the playground: 43°11'40.6"N 77°37'20.3"W. The Playground is located off of Bridge View Drive. 
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MARIE DALEY PARK
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160 Gregory St, Rochester, NY 14620
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Pros: This is a beautiful playground near the South Wedge. There is a lot of open space for running around as well as unique and fun structures to play on. Along with regular and baby swings, there is a tire swing! There is also picnic tables and grills.
Cons: The only parking is street parking and the road can get busy. The only bathroom is an outhouse. Notes: Consider checking out Coffee Connection, Hippocampo Children's Books, Little Button Craft and much more in the nearby South Wedge. |
PLAY WALK
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353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14607
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About: Starting at Martin Luther King Jr. Park by Strong Museum you follow the yellow and blue dots to the central library. We crossed over the court street bridge and walked along the river to see the aqueduct, crossing back over the river on Broad street. Then circled through Bausch and Lomb Place to see the cool paintings. Then back to Court street and back to Martin Luther King Jr. Park for some spray park and play ground play.
Pros: This is a fun family activity, you get some exercise and fun! We extended the walk as said above and made it a fun day in the city. This is where many of the local protests have taken place recently, this is a great opportunity to talk about equality and activism. Cons: some wear and tear (ie. graffiti) on the libraries along the way but very fun either way. Notes: Bring some books to fill the little libraries! Also Good time to talk about crossing the road safely and using the crossing lights. |
SEBASTIAN PARK
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20 Planet St, Rochester, NY 14606
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Pros: Located in a neighborhood away from a main road. There is a partial fence to keep kiddos away from the road. The playground seems to be pretty friendly for all ages and it looks brand new! The activities on the one playground are unique and fun!There is a nice grassy area next to the playground and a pavilion with a basketball court.
Cons: Playground is pretty much full sun. Parking was a bit confusing but we had no issues parking on the street. |
TROUP STREET PARK
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210-266 Troup St, Rochester, NY 14608
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Pros: Troup Street Park is a little park tucked away in the city. The playground is somewhat newer and had some fun features like a cool bridge. There are also two climbers so this is great for all ages. There is also a small splash pad, perfect to just quickly cool off and continue to play! There is a huge field to play in and exercise equipment if you want to work out as well!
Cons: It is pretty full sun at the park but there are some shaded areas. There is no parking lot, so it’s street parking. There are some broken parts on the playground. Notes: This is a small splash pad, has one water sprayer that comes out of the ground. It is brand new, they replaced the old spray park with this. It is just perfect for a quick cool down on a hot day! |
TRYON PARK
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99 Loudisa Drive, Rochester, NY 14609
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Description:This playground is tucked between the apartments bordering Tryon Park and is widely used by the community there. The playground is small with one play structure and two swings. The playground is surrounded by fields often used for baseball games. Hiking is great at Tryon Park, however, the trail heads are located in a separate area off of Tryon Park Road.
Notes: The nearest parking lot is for apartment residents only. The nearest public parking lot is located of Loudisa Dr. A bathroom shelter can be found near this parking lot. |
UNIVERSITY AVE PLAYGROUND
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740 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
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Pros: This playground is in a convenient spot for strolling and enjoying the city. The Memorial Art Gallery is just a brisk walk away. Speaking of, this playground is amidst the University Ave Art Walk! This playground also features a basketball court and is fenced in with a good amount of space for running around.
Cons: The playground is small and in need of repair. There aren't any swings or much for young children to enjoy for a long period of time. There aren't any bathrooms at the park but many surrounding businesses. 
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VERONA PLAYGROUND
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Verona St Rochester, NY 14608
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Description: Located in a large open space right in the heart of Rochester is Verona Playground! This structure is a little bit older, but still gets the job done. With metal slides, monkey bars and tons of climbing kids are sure to enjoy it. Ground cover is rubber! There are also basketball courts nearby.
Notes: Construction was being done on the parking lot (September 2020), So we had to park across the street. |
