In February of 2024, USA Today readers named The Strong National Museum of Play one of the Top 3 Pop Culture Museums in the United States. If you think a museum of play is just for kids, let me fill you in on why you should add this to your to-visit list.
The Strong National Museum of Play, located in Rochester, NY, is a unique destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the world of play, nostalgia, and pop culture. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, this museum offers a fun and engaging experience for all ages.
I’ve known about The Strong National Museum of Play for years, as my husband John grew up outside Rochester. We visited the museum about eight years ago when our daughter, Julia, was younger and had a blast. She played in the kid’s version of Wegmans, climbed around in fun play areas, and we had a great time. Fast forward to today, and we knew the museum had undergone some major renovations, so we decided to see what was new and whether it still catered to all ages.
Spoiler alert: It does! While it’s easy to think of this museum as a place for kids, it’s much more than that. It’s a museum of play, and let’s face it—play is for everyone, no matter your age.
History of The Strong National Museum of Play
The Strong was established by Margaret Woodbury Strong, a passionate collector who began building her collection of dolls and everyday objects in the late 1800s. Her collection became the foundation for the museum. In 1969, she officially opened the “Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum of Fascination,” which later evolved into The Strong National Museum of Play in 1982 after years of planning and construction.
Today, the museum houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play, including hundreds of thousands of toys, dolls, board games, and video games. It also offers educational programs, workshops, and research opportunities, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the power of play.
Exploring The Strong National Museum of Play
Let’s dive into some of the highlights of the museum, especially for us “Kid-Dults.”
First Floor
Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street? As I mentioned in a previous episode, I saw Sesame Street characters twice in one month, and this museum was the second stop. While this area is aimed at younger visitors, it’s impossible not to feel nostalgic. The photo op on the brownstone steps is a must, and don’t forget to wave to Big Bird in the window!
Pinball Playfields This exhibit is a fun and interactive way to experience the history of pinball machines. You can play both older and newer machines and see how the designs and gameplay have evolved over the years. Personally, I love the simplicity of the older machines, even though they’re harder to score high on.
American Comic Book Heroes This exhibit takes a deep dive into the history of comic books, showcasing some of our favorite superheroes like Iron Man, Black Panther, and The Incredible Hulk. It’s a fun way to reflect on how superhero culture has evolved, and there’s original artwork and radio scripts to explore.
Hasbro Game Park Though this section was closed during our visit, it’s one I can’t wait to explore next time. The exhibit focuses on the history and influence of board games, and outside, you can enjoy giant Candy Land candy canes and a 14-foot-long Monopoly Scottie dog!
Second Floor
Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Exhibit This exhibit is dedicated entirely to the achievements in the video game industry. You’ll find a timeline of past winners and some cool artifacts, like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Half-Life II, and Journey.
Pixel Landing If you’re a fan of video games, this area is a visual treat. It features statues and renderings of iconic gaming characters like Sonic the Hedgehog and Lara Croft. It’s also a great spot for photos!
ESL Digital Worlds: High Score This exhibit doubles as the World Video Game Hall of Fame and offers a fantastic look into the history of electronic games. There are interactive games to play, and I had a blast trying out the supersized Pong and Calico Football games.
One game that stood out to me was Death Race. Released in 1976, it was controversial due to its violent gameplay, where you “ran over” stick-figure gremlins. It was even the subject of a news report about the psychological impact of video games. Now, it looks quaint compared to today’s violent games, but it’s an important piece of gaming history.
eGame Revolution This interactive exhibit allows you to play games from different eras of video game history, including classics like Pole Position, Root Beer Tapper, and Fix it Felix from Wreck-It Ralph. With nearly 50 games to try, it’s a perfect stop for nostalgic gaming fans.
America at Play Explore over 300 years of play with rare board games, dolls, and toys. I was especially fascinated by a Charlie Chaplin doll and the original handmade version of Monopoly.
The Toy Hall of Fame
One of the coolest features of The Strong Museum is the National Toy Hall of Fame. Established in 1998, it was moved to the museum in 2002. Toys are inducted into the Hall of Fame based on their icon-status, longevity, and their ability to foster creativity, discovery, and play. Some of the classic toys that have been inducted include:
- Teddy Bear
- Barbie
- LEGO
- Play-Doh
- Monopoly
- Frisbee
The most recent inductees in 2023 included Baseball Cards, Cabbage Patch Kids, Fisher Price Corn Popper, and Nerf. Fun fact: even non-branded items like the cardboard box (2009) and the stick (2002) have been inducted!
This is such a fun museum, and I think it’s perfect for all ages. Whether you’re revisiting childhood favorites or discovering new ones, there’s something for everyone. The museum’s interactive exhibits make it easy to get involved, and I especially enjoyed spending time in the video game section, reminiscing about the games I grew up with.
Tips for Your Visit:
- Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday/Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Admission: One-day tickets are $23 online or $25 in person.
- Parking: $5 for museum guests.
- Be sure to check the website for special events like Happiest Hour, College Night, and fun workshops.
If you’re in the Rochester area or planning to visit the Finger Lakes, I highly recommend adding The Strong National Museum of Play to your itinerary. It’s a fantastic experience for families and “Kid-Dults” alike. Plus, with its combination of nostalgia, interactivity, and educational value, it’s definitely a place worth visiting.
