Epitomizing the Park Avenue vibe, Parkleigh is a gift shop par excellence and a local institution. One of the oldest retailers of MacKenzie-Childs ceramics, they also specialize in gourmet coffee and tea. You'll also find toys, games, books, jewelry, apparel, stationery, and all kinds of sweets and treats. (Note: the MacKenzie-Childs store is across Goodman Street at 235 Park Ave; its hours are the same except it's closed on Sundays.)
Tue-Sat 10AM-5:30PM, Sun 11AM-3PM
A cozy eatery in the heart of the Park Avenue neighborhood, offering traditional fare with a focus on high-quality local ingredients. Parking can be tricky, as there's no dedicated lot; try Parkleigh next door.
Mon Thu 11:30AM-9PM, Fri Sat 11:30AM-10PM, Sun 11AM-2PM·$20-35
The planetarium adjacent to the RMSC offers a variety of large-format films and planetarium shows using their state-of-the-art star projector. Laser shows set to music are also quite popular. A few space-related exhibits occupy areas outside the star theater. Purchase tickets in person to save $4 on combined admission with the RMSC.
Wed-Sun, show times vary·Prices per show: adults $12, seniors/students/youths $10, under 3 free
A science museum filled with hands-on exhibits and activities. Fantastic for kids, but a lot of it is fun for parents, too. Major hands-on exhibits include Wonders of Water, How Things Work, and Illumination: The World of Light and Optics. Don't miss the enormous mastodon skeleton in Expedition Earth, or the musical Tesla coils in the Electricity Theater. Other permanent exhibits focus on the people of the Haudenosaunee, 19th-century Rochester, and the Underground Railroad. The Strasenburgh Planetarium is next door; get a $4 discount on combined admission when you purchase in person.
Tue-Sat 9AM-5PM (+Mon during school breaks), Sun 11AM-5PM·Adults $19, military/veteran $16, seniors/students $18, ages 3-18 $17, under 3 free