Strong National Museum of Play

About

The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, stands as America's premier destination for celebrating the power of play. This isn't your typical quiet museum - it's a vibrant, interactive wonderland where visitors of all ages can touch, explore, and engage with exhibits that celebrate toys, games, and the joy of play throughout history.

The museum houses an impressive collection spanning generations of beloved toys and games. You'll find everything from classic arcade games in the World Video Game Hall of Fame to hands-on exhibits featuring iconic brands like Sesame Street, Nintendo, and LEGO. The Butterfly Garden offers a peaceful escape where colorful butterflies flutter around visitors, while the Adventure Zone challenges kids to climb, slide, and explore in a massive indoor playground.

What sets this museum apart is its commitment to interactive learning. Rather than looking at displays from behind ropes, visitors can actually play with many exhibits. Kids can cook in a miniature grocery store, put on puppet shows, or test their skills in the National Toy Hall of Fame exhibits. The museum regularly rotates special exhibitions, so there's always something new to discover.

The Strong caters beautifully to families, but don't let that fool you - adults often find themselves just as enchanted. Whether you're reminiscing about your own childhood toys or discovering games from different eras, the museum sparks genuine wonder and nostalgia. Plan to spend at least half a day here, though many families find they could easily fill an entire day.

The museum can get busy during school holidays and weekends, so arriving early or visiting on weekday mornings often provides a more relaxed experience. Located in Rochester's cultural district, the museum pairs well with other local attractions if you're planning a longer visit to the area.

Accessibility

The Strong National Museum of Play prioritizes accessibility throughout its facilities. All public entrances are fully accessible for wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, and walkers, ensuring easy entry for all visitors. Most exhibit areas maintain this same level of accessibility, allowing wheelchair users and those with mobility aids to explore the majority of the museum's interactive displays and attractions.

The museum is described as fully wheelchair accessible, with wide pathways and clear sight lines throughout most galleries. While some individual exhibits may include small steps for close-up viewing, the museum provides numerous photo opportunities and alternative viewing angles so all visitors can enjoy the displays.

The interactive nature of many exhibits means that visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids can still participate in hands-on activities. The museum's design accommodates various mobility devices, from manual and electric wheelchairs to mobility scooters.

For visitors with sensory needs or other accessibility requirements, contact the museum directly before your visit to discuss specific accommodations and current accessibility features. The museum staff can provide detailed information about exhibit accessibility, parking options, and any temporary changes that might affect your visit.

More accessible places in New York

• George Eastman Museum (Rochester)
• Buffalo AKG Art Museum (Buffalo)
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (New York City)
• Whitney Museum of American Art (New York City)
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum (New York City)
• Top of the Rock (New York City)