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. Step into Sesame Street, pilot a helicopter, and travel through time--all in the same day. (Note: Make it a "Sesame Weekend" as the Rochester Broadway Theatre League presents Sesame Street Live, March 6-8 at the Auditorium theatre). Kids run the store at Super Kids Market, spin on the 1918 carousel and hop aboard the Museum Express train. Lunch in the museum's authentic 1956 diner can be followed by an ice-cream sundae at Louie's Sweet Shop, an old-fashioned ice-cream fountain. Starting January 31, discover "Where the Wild Things Are..." Dress up like a "wild thing" and romp in the forest, cook in the "Night Kitchen," read on Rosie's front stoop, and slide into a bowl of chicken soup! All this while surrounded by illustrations from the magical books of Maurice Sendak. On March 13 (through June 13), The Berenstain Bears Celebrate the Art of Stan and Jan Berenstain. Join this beloved bear clan in an interactive exhibit for the whole family. Become a game-piece on a giant game board, draw expressive faces to illustrate a story, or mix and match gag lines for a cartoon. Along the way, enjoy more than 100 original illustrations by the Berestains. Note: Be sure to leave time to visit Mr. Potato Head, Barbie, Raggedy Anne and all the other toys in the National Toy Hall of Fame.

Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) is another great family destination filled with hands-on activities, historical and science-oriented exhibits. Adventure Zone­with its simulated underwater ride to the bottom of Lake Ontario, weather station and more­is already a favorite stop for imaginative young minds as are the dozens of interactive exhibits in the museum's new ExploraZone section. "Hey, dad, where's the North Star?" and other questions posed by kids are answered with a trip into space at the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium. Ever wonder "what a sound is actually made of?" A dog growls; a balloon bursts; tires scream--each of these sounds produces a response. "Hear Here," and "Sounds All Around Us" are two exhibits that deal with sounds and the layers of sound we encounter every day (through February 29). Note: As much as possible, exhibits are made available to visitors who are hard of hearing or deaf. Many exhibits have "sound touch disks" that vibrate along with audible sounds so sounds can be felt as well as heard; films and computer screens are captioned. The "Sound Lab"component will introduce v

Visitors to some of the terms used to describe sounds). Starting March 17, explore the science of the human body in ways you'd never expect!

"Body Carnival" offers experiences that will demonstrate in an exciting and fun way how physical science principles are continuously at work in the body. The concepts of force and pressure, the properties of light and sound, and the laws of motion come to life as visitors interact with carnival-themed exhibits such as "Tunnel of Blood," "Feel the Music," and "Dizzy Tunnel."

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 newest arrival, an Africian penguin named Nooch, born on November 14. The chick is just one of the hundreds of animals waiting for your winter visit. A day of outdoor fun is planned at Greece Canal Park on January 31. 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 2nd Annual Groundhog Day Festival.

On Feb. 8, 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 13, 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.

What else can a family do around Rochester? Spend a day outdoors with sledding, skiing, or ice-skating.

Sample one of the many plays, concerts or other performances especially for children. (The coldrush calendar is a gold mine of options.) Then at the end of a fun-filled, action-packed, "let's do it again" day, relax in a heated hotel pool or sip hot chocolate by a cozy fire--wintertime amenities offered at many local hotels and restaurants. Be sure to check www.goforthecold.com for a list of activities and special museum and hotel deals!