rochester, ny  parks

Highland Park- Highland Park rests in a beautiful setting of hills and valleys created from glacial deposits. Best known as the home of Rochester's famous Lilac Festival, Highland Park has a history as colorful as its 500 varieties of flowering shrubs. The Lilac Festival, held in May each year, draws visitors from all over the world to see Highland Park's collection of lilacs in full bloom. Lamberton Conservatory, the recent recipient of a historical restoration award, houses exhibits that change up to five times a year and feature seasonal floral displays that might not otherwise survive Rochester's temperate climate. Warner Castle, a historic castle in the heart of the park that has become a favorite spot for wedding photos, boasts the Sunken Gardens, a Shady Border, Rock Garden, Courtyard Garden, Iris and Daylily Bed, Old-Fashioned Rose Bed, Miniature Rose Bed, Fern Bed and a 13th Century Herb Garden.



Ontario Beach Park- Ontario Beach Park is located on the shore of Lake Ontario in the northernmost section of the City of Rochester near the Irondequoit border. The park is open daily from 7am-11pm. Whether taking a romantic stroll along its picturesque pier, riding the Historic 1905 Dentzel Carousel, or boating, Ontario Beach Park provides all that’s necessary for a perfect summer day at the beach. Ontario Beach Park attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually. The park is a total of 39 acres and offers five shelters that are available for rent between May 1st and October 31st. The swimming season at Ontario Beach Park is open from the Friday after Father's Day until Labor Day. Swimming is allowed daily 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the summer.  


Cobb's Hill Park- Cobbs Hill Park is located in the city's south east area and features 109 acres of beauty, recreation, and scenic trails. At the park's highest point, a walking trail offers one of the best views of the city. At road level, a collection of lilacs and original tree plantings makes this park a horticultural gem. During summer nights, Cobb's Hill Park bustles with players from local softball leagues.  Located just east of the Cobb's Hill Reservoir, is a breathtaking, undeveloped 100-acre sanctuary filled with large oaks and wildlife in the heart of the city. Walking trails abound and provide hikers with spectacular views. Dogs are welcome on a leash but bikes are prohibited on the trails in the park. Amenities include: Hiking trails, restored forest, and family walks to learn about Washington Grove's birds, geology and more offered in coordination with Flower City Looking Good.


Tinker Nature Park- Includes exhibits on the natural history of New York, an indoor Honey Bee observation hive, and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.


Ellison Park- The new playground at Ellison Park, off of Blossom Road at the bottom of the hill, is good, with a wood chip base. There are bathroom facilities throughout the park.  There are tennis courts, 8 picnic shelters, hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trail, disc golf course, and 5 softball fields.

Webster Park- 
At Webster Park, you'll discover 550 acres beautiful evergreen-planted slopes, rolling lakeshore breakers and cool green valleys. Located along the shore of Lake Ontario, this Monroe County Park even has a fishing pier. There is a multi-use athletic field, tennis/pickleball courts, a scout/youth camping area, and a family Trailer/Tent campground in the park. The park has five enclosed Lodges that accommodate between 36 and 100 people.  Most have picnic tables, wood burning stoves and grills. The White House Lodge has a full kitchen with a refrigerator, sink, stovetop and oven, as well as folding tables & chairs. The park also includes eight open-air shelters that have picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms.