The Strong National Museum of Play is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play! As one of the largest history museums in the US, the Strong serves families with interactive exhibits and maintains one of the largest collections of historical materials related to play. It is a history museum with interactive characteristics similar to a children’s museum making it the second-largest museum of this type in the United States. The museum instantly induces nostalgia at every turn and is perfect for children and adults alike.
Strong National Museum of Play, Butterfly Room | Photo Courtesy of Erin McKendrick
Exhibits & More
With nearly 150,000 square feet of dynamic and interactive exhibit space, the museum includes exhibits that allow visitors to interpret the key elements of play. The 23 permanent exhibits include the Console Central which delves into the stories of the video game systems through history, Hasbro Board Game Place with a 15-foot high version of Chutes and Ladders, ESL Digital Worlds: Level Up where you can immerse yourself in video games scenarios, Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, and many more. There are also short-term exhibits that pop up every few months.
This immersive museum explores themes of video games, storybooks, television shows, education, nature, history, comic books, carousel and train rides, and children’s lifestyles. The museum also houses The National Toy Hall of Fame, established in 1998, which recognizes toys that have inspired creative play and remained popular over a sustained period of time. Each year, the prestigious hall inducts new honorees and showcases both new and historic versions of classic toys beloved by generations. The 2023 inductee was Baseball Cards. Also housed in the museum is The World Video Game Hall of Fame, which recognizes electronic games that have been popular over a sustained period of time and have influenced the video game industry, popular culture, and/or society.
Strong National Museum of Play, American Comic Book Heroes | Photo Courtesy of Markos Katehis
Looking to spend a little more time in Rochester? The city is filled with arts and culture from the Rochester Museum and Science Center to the George Eastman Museum. Read our Rochester blog to discover more things to do.
“We took the family to the Museum for an afternoon of exploration and fun. We weren’t disappointed. Something there for everyone, from little kids to teens to grandparents. Take it in, you won’t be disappointed.”
—Ed P., TripAdvisor
Hours & Admission
The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and open until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays. Ticket prices vary based on your desired experience (see below). For other ticket options, click here to learn more.
Museum Admission: $19
Museum Admission + Butterfly Garden: $25
Museum Admission + Ropes Course (High-Rise): $27
Museum Admission + Ropes Course (Low-Rise): $25
Museum Admission + Butterfly Garden + Ropes Course (High-Rise): $31
Museum Admission + Butterfly Garden + Ropes Course (Low-Rise): $29
to the Sesame Street stoop—and swoon. Ah, youth!
Take Amtrak to Strong National Museum of Play
Experience the Strong National Museum of Play via Amtrak to Rochester Station in Rochester—Don’t forget to use Amtrak’s See New York and Save 15% discount!
From Rochester Station, get picked up and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Rochester office today at: 585-423-2220.
