Less than two hours from New York City, Rochester is a popular New York destination for lovers of nature, a bustling arts scene, and breezy weather. Located alongside Lake Ontario, the city boasts all of the elements that you would expect from New York, like towering skyscrapers, booming nightlife, and pleasant, peaceful parks that overlook the lake. There is an excellent mixture of city lifestyles and mother nature in Rochester, so your travels are well-balanced.
Many parts of the city are family friendly, like the Seneca Park Zoo. Considered small with 15 acres of habitats and nature paths, the zoo houses well over 90 species of wildlife, from birds and fish, to mammals, insects, arachnids, and reptiles.
For kids and adults alike, the zoo hosts several festivals and annual events, like the Zoo Brew and Book & Beast. While tickets are cheaper than the average New York zoological prices, concessions are a bit pricey, so consider munching on lunch before you enter the park.