25 Cool Ways to Live Well in Rochester

Preferred Care wants to help you live well. The winter months in Rochester offer many different outdoor and indoor pursuits to get your body—and mind—moving. Get out and participate in an official ColdRush activity…or, create your own ColdRush every day with one of these ideas!

1. Gather your family for an afternoon of building snowmen and snowwomen.
2. Volunteer to shovel the porches, driveways, and sidewalks of neighbors who may not be able to do so themselves.
3. The beach isn’t just for summer! Take a walk along the winter wonderland shoreline of Ontario Beach…be sure to wear your boots.\
4. Fill your thermos with hot cocoa and gas up the car for a drive to any of the Finger Lakes. The winter scenery is spectacular!
5. Head outdoors with your camera, and try your hand at photographing the beauty of winter. Then gather your family to create a scrapbook of your winter fun.
6. Fruit is always in season! Visit the Rochester Public Market or a grocery store to gather oranges, bananas, apples, and more to create a delicious fruit smoothie.
7. Take a winter hike through Mt. Hope Cemetery. Challenge your friends to see who can find the most headstones of famous folks, like Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.
8. Visit one of the local museums that Rochester has to offer. Many offer discounted admission and special exhibits and activities in the winter.
9. Put your apron on and make a pot of chili. Invite your friends over to taste your delicious creation.
10.  Waterfalls in winter? Visit the Pont de Rennes Bridge in the High Falls District for a spectacular view of the snow and ice.
11.  Grab a friend and your pedometer for a trek through Cobbs Hill Park. Who can make it to the top of the hill first?
12. Take a stroll down Park Avenue, and discover a variety of shops and restaurants.
13. Explore the local cultural arts scene, including musical concerts, theatrical presentations, and dance recitals. Many of these activities are free.
14. Take a sled or a tube to Ellison Park for some real downhill fun!
15. Move those legs! Dust off your skates and join an ice hockey league. Or, sign up for a dance class!
16. What’s more fun than s’mores? Graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars are all you need for this winter treat! No fireplace…no problem; these treats are just as good fresh from the oven!
17. Tackle that list of books you’ve been meaning to read. The public library has books, videos, and more for every interest and offers extended hours during the winter.
18. Take up yoga, pilates, or Tai’chi to stay in shape and beat the winter blues.
19. Try your hands—and your feet—at skiing and snowboarding at Bristol Mountain or any of the other local resorts.
20. Head down to the Cumming Nature Center in Naples for some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
21. Who says fishing is a summer sport? Lake Ontario’s Braddock, Irondequoit, and Sodus Bays are great spots for ice fishing and ice boating.
22. See local lacrosse and hockey pros in action. Cheer on the Rochester Knighthawks and the Rochester Amerks at a home game.\
23. Penguins in Rochester? You bet! Visit the Seneca Park Zoo to see a variety of animals, including these friendly arctic pals.
24. Bundle up and head out to one of the area’s ice rinks for an afternoon of skating. Many rinks offer demonstrations and clinics for skaters of all abilities.
25. Winter wouldn’t be complete without making a snow angel! Find a spot of freshly fallen snow and make your winter wonderland creation!