The best things to do in Rochester

L&M Lanes in the Merchants neighborhood runs 12 updated lanes, 6 upstairs and 6 downstairs, with open bowling and bumpers, plus a legit bar scene with 18 taps. Grab Buffalo Garlic wings, tater tots, and a lane with friends... perfect for low-key league nights or spontaneous frames.

From the Rochester newsletter, October 1, 2026

Radio Social turns the historical Stromberg-Carlson warehouse into a 42,000-square-foot playground with 34 lanes, lounge-y hangouts, and seasonal lawn games. Go for the award-winning Middle Eastern menu, stay for craft cocktails and whiskey bars, then bowl off your feast or book an event when the whole crew wants in.

From the Rochester newsletter, November 3, 2026

SimGolfNow runs premium, self-service golf simulators with seamless booking and automated access, so you can dial in your swing or settle bragging rights on your schedule, whatever the forecast. With Rochester locations close to Brighton, it’s a low-fuss way to keep the game sharp year-round.

From the Brighton newsletter, September 10, 2026

Clubhouse Fun Center in Henrietta is the no-fuss way to unleash big-kid joy, with mini golf, fast go-karts, a buzzy arcade, bumper cars, and even gemstone panning. Rally the crew, pick your bragging rights, then refuel with simple eats and keep the friendly trash talk rolling.

From the Rochester newsletter, August 5, 2026

When cabin fever hits, Clubhouse Fun Center (Greece) stacks mini golf, an arcade, batting cages, and the WOW! Factory in one stop. Great for birthday parties or a quick after-dinner play burst, with enough variety to keep both kids and competitive adults happy.

From the Monroe County newsletter, October 21, 2026

Genesee Valley Golf Course gives you 36 holes to choose from, including the historic Old Course from 1899 and a friendlier South Course that still bites back. Add an all-grass range plus big practice greens and you’ve got an easy local tune-up or full round.

From the Rochester newsletter, September 2, 2026

Need a low-key plan this week? Movies 10 has new releases, Mystery Movie surprises, and sensory-friendly shows, so you can roll in, snag caramel corn, and let the big screen do the heavy lifting. Bring a friend, or happily hog the popcorn by yourself.

From the Rochester newsletter, August 29, 2026

Clean trampoline park for all ages, featuring dodgeball, foam pits and climbing walls.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, Durand Eastman Golf Course weaves 18 holes through rolling, tree lined fairways with creeks and ponds that make pars feel earned. This week, tune up with a lesson or jump into a league with their friendly PGA staff, or just enjoy a beautiful park setting.

From the Rochester newsletter, October 14, 2026

Whether you’re chasing a low score or a low-stress venue for meetings and celebrations, The Country Club of Rochester pairs a members-only golf experience with polished club life and thoughtfully run events. It’s the kind of place where rounds turn into relationships, and gatherings feel a notch more intentional.

From the Irondequoit newsletter, September 16, 2026

If you can snag a member invite, Oak Hill Country Club delivers the kind of championship-caliber rounds and modern, family-friendly clubhouse vibe locals quietly flex about, from its storied East and West courses to post-round hangs at the Donald Ross Pub or 1901 Grille.

From the Irondequoit newsletter, August 26, 2026

Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.

If your wedges need tough love, Brook-Lea Country Club brings a Donald Ross designed challenge with a relaxed scene for members and guests that’s been part of Rochester golf since 1926. Think crisp tee shots, post-round dining, and a place to host life’s big moments... all in one spot.

From the Rochester newsletter, October 21, 2026

For a classic Donald Ross track without the haul, Irondequoit Country Club pairs an 18-hole championship course and practice facilities with an Olympic size pool, tennis and paddle courts, and dining that beats another takeout night.

From the Rochester newsletter, September 23, 2026

Seabreeze Amusement Park has that sweet spot locals love, with legit coasters, a full water park for cooling off, and plenty of kiddie and family rides when you’re corralling cousins. Open since 1879 and still kicking, it’s an easy yes for an after-work or sunny Saturday.

From the Irondequoit newsletter, September 9, 2026

1 Mural, a Wall Therapy 2015 piece about balance between people and nature, a litmus for climate urgency and community care. It is colorful, clever, and very Rochester, the kind of street art that resets your brain between errands.

From the Rochester newsletter, August 11, 2026

Golf course, dining hall and ballroom, as well as event and wedding venues.

Over in Amherst, Audubon Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-71 track with a relaxed vibe, a handy practice facility, and leagues that welcome all skill levels, perfect for sharpening the swing midweek. Grab a tee time and treat yourself to 6,412 yards of Buffalo golf bliss.

From the Amherst newsletter, October 9, 2026

One of Rochester’s golf gems since 1932, Lake Shore Country Club pairs a challenging yet forgiving 18-hole course with the Shore Acres Executive Course and big Lake Ontario views. Wrap it with a pour at the Vista Bar and an easygoing deck hang, then call it a week well played.

From the Monroe County newsletter, October 28, 2026

Rochester’s own The Little Theatre keeps the culture meter high with a weekly slate of American indie and foreign films, smart series and special screenings. Add rotating art exhibits and live music in The Little Cafe, all inside a lovingly preserved 1929 venue that feels like home.

From the Rochester newsletter, October 8, 2026

Shore Acres is a 9-hole executive course perched above Lake Ontario with legit views, a par 32 layout, and a friendly mix of par 3s and 4s. Ideal for beginner to intermediate players or a speedy after-work round, the conditions and value are reliably solid.

From the Rochester newsletter, September 12, 2026

Parkside Whispering Pines is the oldest miniature golf course in the United States, a 1930 National Register landmark with quirky fossil-stone obstacles and 18 holes of old-school charm. Follow your round with a legit diner bite next door, because putts land better when fries are involved.

From the Irondequoit newsletter, October 6, 2026