The 2012 Winter Adventures program has concluded. Take a look at the 2011 slate below to get a sense of what's coming for 2013! Stay tuned.
The 2012 Winter Adventures program, brought to you by the Bureau of Recreation, provides many opportunities to experience, learn about, and appreciate Rochester's great and unique outdoors. Be sure to browse to the bottom to learn about all the Winter Adventures series has to offer!
Use the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transporation Authority's Trip Planner to get a bus to these activities
Savor Winter with Outdoor and Indoor Ice Skating
Outdoors at Manhattan Square Park:
Open Skate: Monday-Friday 12:00-1:30pm, 3:40-5:10pm
5:30-7:00pm, also Tues-Thurs. 7:20-8:50pm (if not rented)
Adult Skate: Monday-Friday 1:50-3:20
Indoors at Genesee Valley Park Sports Complex:
Open Skate: Sunday 2:30-3:45pm, Monday-Friday 12:00-1:15pm, Saturday 5:00-6:15pm
Adult Skate: Tuesday-Thursday 10:30-11:45, Friday 10:00-11:15
Fees for both indoor & outdoor skating, adults-$5, 17 & under-$2, Families-$14, Season Pass for Manhattan-$60, Season Pass for Genesee Valley-$125.
Scout Out Nature in Our Big Backyard
During the winter school break, bring the family and look for birds, wildlife tracks and other signs of nature in Rochester’s beautiful parks.
January 14 (Saturday, 10-11:30 am): Barking Up the Right Trees! Learn how to identify 10 different species of trees, just from their bark and branches. We'll wander among the mighty giants of the Washington Grove forest at Cobb's Hill Park, with oaks and tulip trees, standing like columns in an ancient temple. Your guide, Peter Debes, who has spent time in these woods since 1952, will help with identification and clues about past lighting strikes and ice storms. You'll also see how the City is working to protect the Grove and control invasive species such as Norway maples. Meet at the entrance to Washington Grove. map
February 21 (Tuesday, 1-2pm): El Camino Trail Park Walk, meet at corner of Clifford & Conkey map
February 22 (Wednesday, 1-2pm): Genesee Valley Park Walk, meet outside the Genesee Waterways Center at the back of the Genesee Valley ice rink parking lot near the river. map
February 23 (Thursday, 1-2pm) Highland Park Walk, meet outside the Highland Park Conservatory map
Saturday Snowshoe Hiking & Sports
We’ll provide the snowshoes for free , and we hope nature will provide the snow. Even if there isn’t snow, we will go for a hike and play ultimate frisbee. Learn the basics and enjoy a new winter activity. Look for the Recreation on the Move truck at many of these locations! Saturdays, 1-3pm.
January 7: Campbell Street Community Center
January 14: Avenue D Community Center
January 21: South Avenue Community Center
January 28: Edgerton Community Center
February 4: Flint Street Community Center
February 11: David F. Gantt Street Community Center
February 18: Adams Street Community Center
February 25: Carter Street Community Center
Or... Try snowshoeing out on your own at any time! Snowshoe Rentals available from City Recreation Bureau, 400 Dewey Ave., 9am-4:30pm, Mon.-Fri. except holidays, $10 per weekend, $25 for families. For more information, call 428-6755. map
Sunday Park Hikes
Explore all our city's great outdoors has to offer. Bring your family and friends for a wonderful winter hike. Snowshoes available for the hike at no charge. Sundays, 1-2:30pm.
January 8: Pulaski Park, meet at the corner of Avenue D and Carter Street
January 15: Highland Park, meet in front of Conservatory
January 22: Turning Point Park, off Lake Ave. at the end of Boxart St.
January 29: Seneca Park Zoo parking lot – first lot, closest to St. Paul Street
February 5: Cobbs Hill Reservoir and Washington Grove, meet along fence at east end of reservoir
February 12: Lakeside Winter Celebration hike from Port Terminal building to Turning Point Park, meet outside terminal entrance.
February 19: Jones Park and Edgerton Park, meet near the corner of Plymouth Ave. and Lorimer St.
February 26: El Camino Trail Park, meet at the playground at Clifford Ave. and Conkey Ave. map
TIP: Next time you are at Wegmans, look for the “Passport to Family Wellness” brochure. Inside the brochure you will find information about trails in the region.
Lakeside Winter Celebration, February 12, 2012 
Join us at Ontario Beach Park for our outstanding winter celebration, including the 3rd Annual Lake Ontario Ice Wine Festival!
See the Lakeside Winter Celebration page for the full list of events and activities, and schedule! Activities and events include:
Outdoor Children’s Games, Frostbiter’s Sailboat Racing, Chilly Chili Challenge, Dog Sled Demo, Snow Sculpture Contest, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, the 12th Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics, and much more
Earth Explorers
A year-round environmental education program in the recreation centers, connecting youth to nature. Register for the Earth Explorers program at your neighborhood recreation center. Go to the Earth Explorers Page
Snow Cheap Trail Race Series
Details at www.FleetFeetRochester.com
6:45pm registration 7:15pm start
2011/2012 dates: Dec. 21, Jan. 4, Jan. 18, Feb. 1, Feb. 15, Feb. 29
Urban Gardening is Growing!
Gardening can be inexpensive, fun and a great family activity. These free workshops will cover a wide range of topics, from houseplants to starting seeds indoors. Saturdays from 12-1pm.
January 28: Winton Road Branch Library , 611Winton Road
February 4: Maplewood Branch Library, 1111 Dewey Avenue
February 11: Arnett Branch Library, 310 Arnett Blvd.
February 18: Charlotte Branch Library, 3557 Lake Avenue
February 25: Lincoln Branch Library, 851 Joseph Avenue
Also consider entering our Winter Garden Contest: Yeah, we're serious! There's much you can do to make a garden beautiful even in winter. Deadline for entry is Feb. 29, 2012. Submit your application at the link above.