Things to Do at Rochester Museum And Science Center
Complete Guide to Rochester Museum And Science Center in Rochester
About Rochester Museum And Science Center
What to See & Do
Expedition Earth
Interactive geology exhibit where you can experience simulated earthquakes, dig for fossils, and explore how our planet actually works through hands-on experiments
Strasenburgh Planetarium
One of the region's best planetariums, featuring dome shows about space exploration, constellations, and cosmic phenomena - the digital projection system is genuinely impressive
Making Connections
Physics and engineering playground where you can build structures, test simple machines, and understand how things work through trial and error
A Sense of Wonder
Designed specifically for younger kids (under 8), with water play, climbing structures, and sensory experiences that let them explore safely
At the Western Door
Thoughtful exhibition about the Seneca Nation and their historical connection to the Rochester region - provides important local context often missing from science museums
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Generally open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm, closed Mondays (except holiday Mondays). Planetarium shows run on scheduled times throughout the day.
Tickets & Pricing
Adults around $15, children (3-18) about $13, seniors $14. Planetarium shows cost extra ($5-7). Annual memberships available and might be worth it if you're local or planning multiple visits.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, especially during school year. Summer can get busy with camps and family visits. Saturday mornings are popular but manageable.
Suggested Duration
Plan for 3-4 hours to see everything comfortably, longer if you catch a planetarium show or have young kids who want to linger in the hands-on areas.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Photography and cinema museum housed in Kodak founder's mansion - one of the world's premier photography collections, about 10 minutes away
Massive interactive museum celebrating play and games, including the National Toy Hall of Fame - particularly great if you have kids in tow
Beautiful park famous for its lilac collection that blooms spectacularly in May, plus conservatory and arboretum worth visiting year-round
University of Rochester's art museum with surprisingly strong collections spanning ancient to contemporary works in an intimate setting