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.

North of Oceanside and East of Valley Stream sits Rockville Centre, a little city in New York with a prevalent history and big northern charms. The town is quiet and peaceful, and most of the activities and attractions are outdoorsy, like the state parks and historic memorials. Guests to the area are often encouraged to bring a great pair of comfortable sneakers and a refillable water bottle, as everything here is within walking distance of everything else. There is hardly a need for public transportation, but they have that too in the forms of cabs, shuttles, and bus services.

Not to be confused with the destination in Italy, Rome in New York is a rustic little town that represents history, natural beauty, and northern courtesies. Famed for the frontier days that led to the American Revolutionary War, the city is a well-developed reminder of both European and American histories. 

There are settlements to see and explore, mountains to scale and adventure on, and plenty of nightlife that Upstate New York is famed for. Enjoy every kind of atmosphere in Rome, from the quiet and peace during an afternoon of hikes and exploration, to the bustle of an inner city that crawls with party-goers, minglers, and romantics.

Family-friendly and small enough to get through in a matter of 2 hours, the Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo is a much-loved destination for animal lovers to Rome. Family-owned and operated, the zoo has garnered big attention for their collection of wildlife, such as lemurs, kangaroos, baby goats, and peacocks. There are deer to pet, ponds of ginormous fish to feed, and lots of animal facts to learn. Kids will have a blast, especially in the autumn when pumpkins, hot chocolate, and tractor rides are regularly on the schedule. There is also a small playground with a classic ball pit and a specific play area for toddlers.