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Summer Fun Day #33: Play and Explore at The Strong National Museum of Play



Something new and fun to do every day this summer in the Hudson Valley

Summer Fun

Looking for fun ways to fill your long summer days? Already hearing "I'm Bored!"? Don't miss our 'Summer Fun Days'!


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Each day from the first week of summer vacation to the last, we highlight a different activity for your family. Find the best places to cool off, ways to save money, family adventures, attractions, events and more right here.

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Take a trip to a museum that the whole family, young or old, will love! Located in Rochester, the Strong National Museum of Play will have your child exploring and playing through the interactive and hands on activities and toys. Parents will feel like children again as they get to play with the popular toys and video games that they played with as children. Learn about the history of toys and video games as this museum combines learning with play!

{READ MORE: 7 Hudson Valley Museums Your Kid will Love}

It should be a requirement to stop by the Toy Halls of Fame exhibit in this museum! Your family will get the chance to explore the classic toys, see some of your favorite characters through the digital Jack-in-the-Box, create virtual bubbles in the bubble tower, put on a musical show for your family at the Crayon Piano, play with classic toys in a virtual playroom, use a kinetic toy sculptor, see your own virtual portrait from the oversized Etch a Sketch, and learn about the history of toys in the National Toy Hall of Fame.

Take your young ones to the Sesame Street area where they will feel like they’re on the beloved show! Your children can continue to learn by playing the Sesame Street themed interactive games and activities. Meet your favorite characters as you let your imagination go wild by pretend driving a yellow taxi cab with Elmo and Cookie Monster or serve your family at the famous food delivery truck, A’ la Carte Dining.

For at an additional inexpensive cost, your family can explore the butterfly garden. Your family will love the approximately 1,000 beautiful tropical and native butterflies! The turtle pond and waterfall are a great sight to see. Make sure you keep an eye out for Socrates, the garden's brightly plumaged green aracari toucan!

Your children will never get bored with the endless amount of toys and activities that are provided. Adults will find themselves wanting to play as well, especially when they get nostalgic from the toys that they recognize from their time as children. This is guaranteed to be a fun family experience due to its friendly staff and well-maintained toys. Season Passes are always available for families who can’t get enough of this museum!

Also visit our daily calendar page filled with activities and events in every county!

Share your fun by posting and tagging us on social media! Use hashtag #HVPsummer and tag @hudsonvalleyparent on Facebook or {@HVParent} on Twitter or Instagram and we may share your photos with our followers too!

Jacqueline Kavana is an editorial assistant intern at Hudson Valley Parent and a senior at Mount Saint Mary College. 



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