Visit Rochester’s most Joyful Attraction

Welcome to the Strong National Museum of Play—where childhood memories reign, nostalgia takes centre stage, and play is always encouraged!

Explore Rochester, NY: A City Full of Culture, History, and Family‑Friendly Fun

Whether you’re spending a single day in Rochester, New York, stopping here on a road trip, or making the city your main escape, you’ll find no shortage of attractions and activities to fill your itinerary. Rochester combines rich historical heritage with vibrant cultural experiences, excellent dining, and plenty of outdoor adventures—making it an ideal destination for all types of travellers.

From world‑class museums and art institutions to scenic parks and hands‑on family attractions, Rochester has earned its reputation as one of New York’s top family‑friendly cities. It’s a place where curiosity is rewarded, creativity thrives, and every visit feels uniquely memorable.

One spot we return to again and again is the Strong National Museum of Play—a joyful, immersive destination where play isn’t just encouraged, it’s the entire experience. Get ready to step into a world where imagination takes the lead.

Unleash Your Inner Child: A Journey to The Strong National Museum of Play

Get ready to press “Start” on one of Rochester’s most unforgettable experiences—because a visit to the Strong National Museum of Play feels like stepping directly into a giant, living toybox. Covering nearly 150,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and nostalgia-filled displays, this world-famous museum turns playtime into a full-scale adventure.

One moment you’re building forts in the Imagination Playground, the next you’re racing through a life-sized board game or battling classic pixelated villains inside the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Every corner sparks curiosity, creativity, and pure joy—whether you’re a child discovering new worlds or an adult reliving your favourite childhood memories.

The Strong is designed for all ages, blending play, learning, and storytelling in a way that feels both magical and meaningful. Colourful exhibit zones, immersive environments, and endless opportunities to explore make it a top destination for families, solo travellers, and anyone craving a fun, feel‑good escape.

This isn’t just a museum—it’s a vibrant celebration of imagination, nostalgia, and the power of play. If you’re planning a trip to Visit Rochester, NY, make sure The Strong National Museum of Play sits at the very top of your travel list.

Can you tell me how to get… how to get to the Strong National Museum of Play?

Just follow the giggles! From Buffalo, it’s a quick one-hour joyride east to Rochester, NY. Plug 1 Manhattan Square Drive into your map, crank up your favourite childhood tunes, and let the anticipation build like a tower of blocks. As you roll into town, keep your eyes peeled for giant rainbow letters and the unmistakable sound of laughter floating through the air—like bubbles of pure delight.

That’s when you’ll know: you’ve arrived at the Strong National Museum of Play, the most joyful corner of the city and a wonderland for anyone who believes fun isn’t just for kids. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, high-fiving your inner child, or just ready to play the day away. Welcome to the Strong Museum of Play—where every day is a sunny day.

Rochester is a 2.5 hour drive from Jamestown, NY

The Importance of PLAY: How Imagination Shapes the World

Play is more than just fun—it’s how we understand the world around us. Toys mirror the culture, values, and stories of their era, offering children a playful perspective to explore everything from family roles to visions of the future. Through play, children connect, relate, and interact with their environment, developing emotional and social skills along the way. It’s through play that children experiment, refine, and discover what success feels like. These experiences are not only enjoyable—they are essential for holistic development, shaping minds, hearts, and imaginations for life.

The Toys That Built America: A Tribute to Imagination

The Strong Museum of Play celebrates the titans of toy history—brands like Mattel, Hasbro, Ideal, Wham-O, and Marvin Glass & Associates—whose iconic creations shaped generations of childhoods. But it also shines a spotlight on the imaginative spark of smaller companies and indie inventors whose quirky, clever, and heartfelt toys brought joy to millions. From garage-born board games to boutique plush pals, every playful idea has a place in this colourful tribute to the power of play.

These legendary companies didn’t just make toys — they shaped cultural phenomena.

• Mattel transformed play with Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Masters of the Universe, combining storytelling with style and speed.
• Hasbro introduced us to G.I. Joe, Transformers, and My Little Pony, turning action figures into multimedia empires.
• Ideal Toy Company, a pioneer of the 20th century, created the Magic 8 Ball, Mousetrap, and the original Rubik’s Cube, establishing standards for innovation and fun.
• Wham-O popularised the Hula Hoop and Frisbee, proving that simple ideas can become global obsessions.
• Marvin Glass & Associates, the secretive design firm behind Operation, Lite-Brite, and Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots, transformed quirky concepts into household staples.

Beyond these giants, the museum also celebrates beloved classics like:

Milton Bradley – Battleship, Connect Four, and Hungry Hungry Hippos
Kenner – makers of the original Star Wars action figures, Strawberry Shortcake, and Care Bears
Tyco – makers of slot cars and Remote Control toys.

Each carved out its own playful niche in the ever-evolving toy universe. But the spotlight doesn’t stop there. Visitors will also discover hidden gems from lesser-known brands, such as Remco, known for its quirky sci-fi toys. Galoob, the minds behind Micro Machines and Colorforms, whose stick-on storytelling kits sparked endless creativity. Together, these big names and small wonders built the foundation of America’s toy legacy. One invention, one giggle, one unforgettable moment at a time.

National Toy Hall of Fame: Where Childhood Legends Live Forever

The National Toy Hall of Fame, located within the Strong National Museum of Play, celebrates the toys that shaped our childhoods and changed how generations learned, imagined, and played. This famous attraction honours everything from popular brands to the simplest objects—showing that a great toy doesn’t need bells and whistles to inspire creativity.

Here, you’ll find Barbie’s iconic wardrobe, the humble cardboard box, the satisfying click of LEGO bricks, the swoosh of a Frisbee, and the colourful scribbles of a Crayola crayon. Each inductee has left a lasting mark on culture, storytelling, and the history of play. Nominated by fans and selected by experts, these toys remind us that play isn’t just entertainment — it’s a powerful force that shapes imagination and connection.

Mattel’s Big Hit: Masters of the Universe Joins the Hall of Fame

One of the most notable inductees in 2022 was a personal favourite: He‑Man and the Masters of the Universe. Created by Mattel during a slow sales period in the early 1980s, this bold new line of action figures became an overnight sensation. With detailed characters, imaginative accessories, towering playsets, and a hit animated series to match, Masters of the Universe quickly became a must‑have for children everywhere.

“I Have the Power”: A Personal Trip Down Memory Lane

My nephew—an early‑1980s kid through and through—was completely obsessed with Masters of the Universe. Every trip to a toy shop meant hunting for another He‑Man figure. Decades later, when his mother was decluttering, she offered me his entire collection. I didn’t hesitate. I rescued every well‑loved hero and villain: Beast Man, Skeletor, Ram Man, Man‑at‑Arms, Cringer, Teela, and more.

These toys weren’t merely plastic—they served as gateways to adventure.

By the Power of Greyskull: Toy Legacy that Endures

He-Man and She-Ra didn’t just rule Eternia—they dominated toy aisles worldwide. The Masters of the Universe collection became one of the most iconic, wildly successful toy brands of the ’80s. Decades later, fans from that glorious Saturday-morning era still hunt down action figures, merchandise, and memorabilia as if it’s their quest for Castle Greyskull. And yes, the demand remains real—because some powers never fade.

I still have the opening monologues memorized. It’s my weird flex, and I’m always ready to recite.

New Inductees to the National Toy Hall of Fame

The 2025 National Toy Hall of Fame inductees include three timeless favourites:

Trivial Pursuit
Slime
Battleship

Each one has earned its place in the Hall for inspiring creativity, curiosity, and countless hours of fun.

The Strong Museum of Play – The Next Generation

The Strong National Museum of Play has officially levelled up. After years of renovation and a significant expansion, the museum reopened in summer 2023 with a bang. It includes an incredible lineup of new exhibits, immersive experiences, and next‑generation interactive spaces. It’s brighter, bigger, and more imaginative than ever—making it one of the top attractions to visit in Rochester, NY.

Inside, visitors can explore a life‑sized Monopoly board. Wander through the reimagined Hasbro Game Park. Experience the Toy Hall of Fame. All in a space that blends nostalgia with cutting‑edge technology. From pixel‑powered video game zones to hands‑on exhibits designed for all ages. The Strong Museum doesn’t just preserve childhood memories—it creates brand‑new ones.

With this expansion, the Strong Museum of Play has officially entered its next era—and it’s packed with power‑ups.

Hasbro Game Park

The outdoor Hasbro Game Park transforms traditional board games into an expansive, walk-through adventure. Visitors navigate winding Candy Land pathways, hop over giant game pieces, and discover whimsical installations inspired by popular Hasbro favourites.

This engaging play space brings classic games like Monopoly, Dungeons & Dragons, Scrabble, and more to life. It’s like stepping into your childhood game cupboard—only bigger, brighter, and far more interactive. Perfect for families, gamers, and anyone who enjoys a playful photo opportunity.

Video Game Hall of Fame: Celebrating the Icons of Digital Play

Inside, the newly expanded Video Game Hall of Fame honours digital legends that transformed the way we play. From Pong to Pokémon, each inductee receives its moment in pixelated glory. But the highlight? A towering, playable Donkey Kong arcade cabinet that invites visitors to step into the action. It’s retro, it’s epic, and it stands as proof that video games are not just entertainment—they are cultural milestones.

This is play, reimagined for the next generation.

If there’s one place that deserves top billing on your travel bucket list, it’s the Strong Museum of Play. This isn’t just a rainy-day detour—it’s the main event. From Donkey Kong battles to Candy Land strolls, every corner is built to spark joy, curiosity, and full-throttle fun. It’s where nostalgia meets innovation, and kids of all ages (yes, you too!) play, learn, and laugh out loud. So, skip the ordinary and dive headfirst into a world built for wonder. The Strong isn’t just a museum—it’s the ultimate playground, and it’s calling your name.

Check out other Museums To Visit when you travel.

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