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Where To Picnic in Rochester - Part 1

By: Alan M. Kassirer Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Would you like to save some money by staying close to home this season? Have you considered a family picnic for some inexpensive outdoor fun? If you happen to live near Rochester, NY, you're in luck! Rochester is home to many parks and recreation areas that will be just right for your picnic. Here is just a small sample of those parks and picnic areas.

Charlotte Beach (otherwise known as Ontario Beach) is the showpiece of the Monroe County parks system. Ontario Beach Park is located at the end of Lake Avenue where the Genesee River empties into Lake Ontario. Among Ontario Beach's many attractions are the sandy swimming beach, playgrounds for your children and plenty picnic facilities. The pier that separates the Genesee River from Lake Ontario offers some really good bass and perch fishing. It's also a great spot for a romantic stroll on a warm summer evening. Ontario Beach is also home of "The Dutchess", an original menagerie carousel that was built in 1905. It's one of only 14 menagerie carousels still running in the United States. Your kids will love the ride and you will enjoy the history. If you don't want to cook, there are plenty of nice restaurants within a short walk Ontario Beach. Whatever you do, don't forget to go to Abbott's for the best frozen custard you've ever tasted.

The Seneca Park Zoo is the foremost attraction of Seneca Park on St. Paul Street. Covering about 12 acres, the recently renovated zoo is home to several hundred animals. Your kids are going to want to hang out and watch the sea lions swim around in their pool for hours and then laugh at the antics of the African Elephants. The Seneca Park Zoo also houses monkeys, reptiles, tigers, baboons, birds and a polar bear for you to enjoy. Summer hours are from 9:00 to 5:00 (admission gates close at 4:00) and admission is $9.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors and $6.00 for children aged 3 - 11. Children under 3 are free.

Once you finish at the zoo, drive about half a mile further and you'll come to the park itself. Seneca Park features a beautiful pond where the kids can feed the geese and the grown ups can just sit and relax. You can also get a impressive view of the Genesee River gorge from one of the park's hiking trails. The park also offers ample playground and picnic facilities including three picnic pavilions that can be reserved ahead of time by calling 858-753-7275.

Seneca Park does not provide trash disposal facilities so be plan on carrying out everything you bring in. I'd suggest bringing a picnic basket with reusable napkins, glasses, flatware and plates so you don't have as much trash to carry out. Pets are welcome in the park but must be kept on their leashes. Visit Seneca Park between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM during the summer and from dawn to dusk between mid October through mid May.

Charlotte Beach and Seneca Park are only two of many great parks in the Rochester area. In the next part of this series, we'll visit a few more of Rochester's great parks. Stay tuned.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Alan Kassirer wanders around Pennsylvania and the nearby states checking out cool places and meeting cool people. He also owns Picnic Baskets and More, your one stop shop for picnic baskets, picnic backpacks, grill tools and other picnic accessories. He also suggests Camping Gear Stop for the best camping tents and other camping equipment.