This living museum takes you inside the life of 18th and 19th century Americans. The authentically furnished Colonial cottages and Victorian mansions provide a glimpse of life in a simpler time. The historical interpreters in period costume will guide you through the Town Center and take you inside the world of the period church, doctor, tinsmith, cooper, potter and shoemaker. Children will delight in the many hands-on activities supervised by staff who know their history as they participate in butter churning or the use of an authentic printing press. This truly immersive experience even offers 19th century dining options and afternoon tea in Hosmer’s Inn. So watch demonstrations, participate in games and activities and learn as you progress through three distinct time periods and experience a large swath of American history firsthand.

Mount Hope Cemetery A Unique Stop During Finger Lakes Vacation

While this may seem like an odd choice for a family vacation, a brief stop at this cemetery is sure to be the surprising treat of your Finger Lakes stay. For one it is a far cry from your average place of burial. Featuring gorgeous statues and lush landscaping this is more like a palace garden than a macabre stopover. It is not unusual to find locals picnicking or strolling on the grounds, appreciating the free beauty of the area. In addition to the sights,  this is the oldest municipal cemetery in the nation. It combines elements of a museum with a place of rest and is home to such historic figures as Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, Frank Gannett and members of the Rochester family. Guided tours are available to add to the academic experience. Don’t discount this stop as, in the Finger Lakes, even a cemetery can offer a picturesque view.

This shrine to all things fun will literally bring out the child in everyone. The youngest will enjoy typical children’s museum fair like a virtual supermarket, exhibits on childrens lit and endless interactive exhibits to see, touch and crawl on. Older children will enjoy a history of video games with the opportunity to play many classic and contemporary games. Adults will enjoy a historical toy collection that will contain many past favorites as well as set off the antique-lover in anyone. The additional charge for the butterfly garden will be well worth it as the entire family will appreciate the beauty of walking through a lush garden among a thousand real butterflies that will literally be within arms reach (if not on your arm). If you are still doubting that this museum has something for every child (and adult) view their full list of exhibits and find everything from the Berenstein Bears to comic book heroes, Monopoly, Sesame Street, Aquariums, American boardwalk games and LEGO’s just to name a few.

This site was once a thriving Native American community and home of the Seneca people. One of the six tribes comprising the Iroquois Confederacy the Seneca helped provide some of the inspiration for our American system of government. The actual settlement here was destroyed in a 1687 French attack, but today families can tour an authentic recreation of a traditional Seneca-bark longhouse. The site offers self-guided tours of the house and the grounds as well as guided tours featuring live Q & A sessions with real Seneca tribe members. With Seneca influences running deep through everything from modern medicine to cuisine, there is a lot to learn here in a very special setting. In addition to the history there is a great amount of Seneca art and culture on display for a truly inclusive experience.

Celebrating its 33rd Anniversary in 2014 the Dansville Balloon Festival, renamed the New York State Festival of Balloons, is the largest hot air balloon gathering of its kind. A wealth of activities and a range of options provide something for the entire family to enjoy. The 6PM launch is the perfect end to your day. Whether you stand on the side and simply watch hundreds of colorful balloons soaring over the majestic landscape, or opt for the once in a lifetime chance to actually ride in one (contact Gerri for more info). Enjoy the famed town where the Red Cross was founded while seeing more hot air balloons in one place than you can anywhere else in the country. In addition to the sights and potential rides there are food concessions for an easy family meal along with activities including rides and lumberjack shows for children and music acts for the whole family. To top it all off, proceeds from the event go to benefit local charities so you can create lasting memories while serving a good cause.