June 15, 2019
Sara started Rochacha Mama so that other moms wouldn't miss out on Rochester's kid-friendly hidden gems!
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Sara! I have 2 kids, a boy (almost 4) and a baby girl (8 months). I was a special education teacher before deciding to stay home with my children. I have lived in Rochester for 10 years, bouncing around from the westside, to the city, to now the Eastside. We still haven't settled, but know we want to stay in the Rochester area!
What's is your favorite local playground?
We love them all! If we had to choose a favorite, it would have to be Jack's Place at Rothfuss Park in Penfield. It's what started this whole adventure for us, plus it has a giant sandbox, dinosaurs everywhere and really unique play structures.
What's your favorite Library?
We love the Brighton Library and the Toy Library! I try my hardest to be a minimalist in our small apartment. Not only can you stay and play at both libraries, but at the Toy Library you can also borrow up to 10 toys for FREE. By the time the kids get sick of the toys, it's time to return them :)
If you had $1000 and 3 days, what would be your ideal Rochester staycation?
I feel like we have seen most of Rochester so with that time, we would start to branch out a bit more. We might spend a day in Corning and go to the Corning Museum of Glass and maybe do some hiking in the area. The following day we would probably check out the Buffalo Zoo and the Science Museum. We would probably wrap it up with the Museum of Play. Of course, we would eat out to places like Swillburger, Harry G's and Plum Garden to keep the kids entertained and the kitchen clean!
What is your go-to family friendly activity?
When the weather is right, we love going to a local park, grilling some hot dogs, playing on the playground, blowing some giant bubbles and going for a stroll or hike. (That's why I added a key to the playgrounds section indicating which parks have grills and hiking!)
What is your favorite Rochester hidden gem?
We love Powder Mills Park and the Fish Hatchery and Sledding Hill there. Mendon Ponds Park is also pretty amazing with the Birdsong Trail, Fairy Houses, Wildwings and Nature Center all within walking distance from one another.
What do you do with the kiddos during those long Rochester winters?
Visiting all the local Libraries and Rec Centers offering walk-in open play helped us to get out of the house, burn some energy, and get a change in scenery all while staying on budget! We especially love to pretend we are at a resort and head over to the aquatics center at Perinton Rec Center!
What advice to you have for fellow mamas?
Check out Libby! Being able to borrow audiobooks for free has saved us during our journey through toddlerhood! Thanks to this find, car rides are peaceful and my children can start the morning slowly with a book while I get ready and without the guilt of exposing them to too much screen time!
Anything else you would like to add?
I am so glad you are here! Rochacha Mama was designed to be a community of Rochester Moms helping one another find kid-friendly budget-conscious activities in Rochester. I love hearing input from fellow mamas!
My name is Sara! I have 2 kids, a boy (almost 4) and a baby girl (8 months). I was a special education teacher before deciding to stay home with my children. I have lived in Rochester for 10 years, bouncing around from the westside, to the city, to now the Eastside. We still haven't settled, but know we want to stay in the Rochester area!
What's is your favorite local playground?
We love them all! If we had to choose a favorite, it would have to be Jack's Place at Rothfuss Park in Penfield. It's what started this whole adventure for us, plus it has a giant sandbox, dinosaurs everywhere and really unique play structures.
What's your favorite Library?
We love the Brighton Library and the Toy Library! I try my hardest to be a minimalist in our small apartment. Not only can you stay and play at both libraries, but at the Toy Library you can also borrow up to 10 toys for FREE. By the time the kids get sick of the toys, it's time to return them :)
If you had $1000 and 3 days, what would be your ideal Rochester staycation?
I feel like we have seen most of Rochester so with that time, we would start to branch out a bit more. We might spend a day in Corning and go to the Corning Museum of Glass and maybe do some hiking in the area. The following day we would probably check out the Buffalo Zoo and the Science Museum. We would probably wrap it up with the Museum of Play. Of course, we would eat out to places like Swillburger, Harry G's and Plum Garden to keep the kids entertained and the kitchen clean!
What is your go-to family friendly activity?
When the weather is right, we love going to a local park, grilling some hot dogs, playing on the playground, blowing some giant bubbles and going for a stroll or hike. (That's why I added a key to the playgrounds section indicating which parks have grills and hiking!)
What is your favorite Rochester hidden gem?
We love Powder Mills Park and the Fish Hatchery and Sledding Hill there. Mendon Ponds Park is also pretty amazing with the Birdsong Trail, Fairy Houses, Wildwings and Nature Center all within walking distance from one another.
What do you do with the kiddos during those long Rochester winters?
Visiting all the local Libraries and Rec Centers offering walk-in open play helped us to get out of the house, burn some energy, and get a change in scenery all while staying on budget! We especially love to pretend we are at a resort and head over to the aquatics center at Perinton Rec Center!
What advice to you have for fellow mamas?
Check out Libby! Being able to borrow audiobooks for free has saved us during our journey through toddlerhood! Thanks to this find, car rides are peaceful and my children can start the morning slowly with a book while I get ready and without the guilt of exposing them to too much screen time!
Anything else you would like to add?
I am so glad you are here! Rochacha Mama was designed to be a community of Rochester Moms helping one another find kid-friendly budget-conscious activities in Rochester. I love hearing input from fellow mamas!