When it comes to winter and how to make the most of it...ask the kids! Children will find more ways to enjoy the ice and snow of coldrush than any adult around. So pack up the kids for a family trip to coldrush country and discover new ways to enliven this uniquely northern season in one of the best places in the U.S.A. for families. Child magazine named Rochester one of America's "Top 10" best cities for families and in 2002, named Strong Museum one of the "Top 10" children's museums in the country. Best of all, opportunities for family fun in the Greater Rochester area are not only highly rated, they are refreshingly diverse as well.

At Strong Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated to the study of play as it reflects American culture, and the home of the National Toy Hall of Fame, kids of all ages are invited to touch, explore and discover, in whimsical, interactive learning environments. Starting January 29, meet Clifford, the Big Red Dog. Bound into the world of Clifford and other Birdwell Island residents from the books and PBS TV series. On February 5, Walk through a rainbow, chisel stone and leave your shadow behind like Peter Pan when the Enchanted Museum: Exploring the Science of Art exhibit opens. Note: Be sure to leave time to visit Mr. Potato Head, Barbie, G.I. Joe, and all the other toys in the National Toy Hall of Fame.

The Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) is another great family destination filled with hands-on activities, historical and science-oriented exhibits. Adventure Zone--with its simulated underwater ride to the bottom of Lake Ontario, weather station and more--is already a favorite stop for imaginative young minds. Check out the Surprise! It's Science exhibit for an exceptional science and technology experience. Rochester's Frederick Douglass is an extensive exhibit that honors this hometown hero's extraordinary life.

A visit to George Eastman House--International Museum of Photography & Film's Discovery Room is just for kids. It's a place where kids are invited to touch antique cameras. Trained volunteers demonstrate antique, hands-on photographic activities. Of course, cool kids will want to spend some time at the Seneca Park Zoo. Stop by and see the ZOT Zone inside the new Animal health & Education Complex.

A day of outdoor fun is planned at Greece Canal Park on January 29. Have you ever tried snow bowling or Frisbee golf? How about a snowshoe walk (or for the real fun loving--a snowshoe race)? The Greece Chamber of Commerce Erie Canal Committee has plenty of family-fun events planned as they present the 3rd Annual Groundhog Day Festival. On Feb. 6, the City of Rochester's annual Lakeside Winter Celebration embraces our winter wonderland along the Lake Ontario shoreline with activities for the entire family. Come on out and cheer for the brave souls who'll take a "Polar Dip," or enter the snow sculpture contest. Need something to warm the tummy? Sample the entries in the "Chilly Chili Challenge."

A coldrush visit during March will amaze and delight the entire family with a day of maple sugaring fun from tapping trees to pouring fresh maple syrup on hot pancakes. Simply head to Genesee Country Village & Museum or the RMSC's Cumming Nature Center. Both also offer rentals of snowshoes or skis to explore well-marked trails--a great way to work off that huge stack of flapjacks! And when kids visit Rochester on March 12, they can join in the excitement of a traditional St. Patrick's Day Parade down Main Street, as well as the fun of an Irish Family Festival.