Seneca Park
A 297-acre Olmsted-designed park along the Genesee River, featuring a popular zoo and serene natural landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Seneca Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 297-acre Olmsted-designed park along the Genesee River, featuring a popular zoo and serene natural landscapes.
"A small, family-friendly zoo that's clean, well-taken care of, and offers picturesque park views."
🎯 Zoo Accessibility Features
Seneca Park Zoo offers accessible features for all visitors. Check their website for details! :wheelchair:
🐘 Elephant Incident Awareness
An elephant was recently helped up by a crane after a fall. The animal is under observation. :elephant:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seneca Park Zoo
Within Seneca Park
Home to diverse animals like lions, rhinos, polar bears, and red pandas. A kid-friendly and stroller-accessible experience.
Genesee River Views
Along the riverbanks
Enjoy scenic views of the Genesee River, with walking paths and picnic spots.
Olmsted-Designed Landscape
Throughout the park
Explore the 297-acre park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offering a blend of natural beauty and public access.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Seneca Park's Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Zoo Accessibility Features
Seneca Park Zoo offers accessible features for all visitors. Check their website for details! :wheelchair:
🐘 Elephant Incident Awareness
An elephant was recently helped up by a crane after a fall. The animal is under observation. :elephant:
🦒 Baby Giraffe Sightings
Catch a glimpse of the adorable baby giraffe! A must-see for animal lovers. :giraffe:
🍂 Fall Foliage Spots
Seneca Park is beautiful in autumn, alongside other Rochester parks for leaf-peeping. :maple_leaf:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Zoo Accessibility Features
Seneca Park Zoo offers accessible features for all visitors. Check their website for details! :wheelchair:
🐘 Elephant Incident Awareness
An elephant was recently helped up by a crane after a fall. The animal is under observation. :elephant:
🦒 Baby Giraffe Sightings
Catch a glimpse of the adorable baby giraffe! A must-see for animal lovers. :giraffe:
🍂 Fall Foliage Spots
Seneca Park is beautiful in autumn, alongside other Rochester parks for leaf-peeping. :maple_leaf:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Zoo
Super kid-friendly and stroller accessible, perfect for a family weekend getaway. :child:
🦁 Hand-Raised Cub
Learn about Teddy Graham, a cub being hand-raised by zoo staff. :bear_face:
🌳 Forested Park Feel
For a more natural, 'forested' park feel, Seneca Park is a great choice in Rochester. :evergreen_tree:
🧺 Great for Picnics
Ideal for large group picnics with roomy, comfortable shelters, even in rain. :picnic_table:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Seneca Park for its well-maintained grounds and the contentment of its animals. The zoo is noted as being a good size for families, not too overwhelming, and the park offers picturesque views and a serene atmosphere, making it ideal for picnics and enjoying nature. Some reviews highlight its design by Frederick Law Olmsted.
"As always the kids loved it. Clean, well taken care of and all the animals seem content for the most part.
Parking is easy and doesn't cost extra, nice size zoo, not too large where kids are worn out and screaming by the end."
Jessica Griffin
"I absolutely love this small, family friendly zoo. Kudos, as always, to the staff and employees."
Lea Barrymire
"Very picturesque park with a fishing lake. Lots of bird wildlife. Quite serene."
Brad Campbell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Seneca Park is located in Rochester, NY. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes and times.
Yes, parking is available at Seneca Park and is generally easy to find and free of charge. [^reviews]
While specific routes can vary, Rochester's public transit system often serves major parks. It's recommended to check the RTS (Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority) website for the most current information on bus routes and schedules that service Seneca Park.
Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, NY, is approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Ottawa, making it a feasible weekend getaway.
The park is designed for walking and exploring. Consider driving to different sections or utilizing the walking paths to discover its various features, including the zoo and riverfront areas. [^reviews]
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Seneca Park itself is a public park and generally free to enter. However, the Seneca Park Zoo, located within the park, requires admission tickets. It's best to check the official Seneca Park Zoo website for current ticket prices and operating hours.
Zoo hours can vary seasonally. It's highly recommended to visit the official Seneca Park Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit.
Information on discounts, such as for children, seniors, or group rates, is typically available on the Seneca Park Zoo's official website. Keep an eye out for special event days as well.
Yes, Seneca Park is a great spot for picnics, and visitors are welcome to bring their own food. There are also picnic shelters available for larger groups. [^reviews]
Absolutely! Seneca Park Zoo is noted for being stroller accessible, making it convenient for families with young children.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The zoo features a variety of animals including lions, rhinos, polar bears, red pandas, and more. Keep an eye out for special exhibits and animal talks.
Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, feeding opportunities (like giraffes), and animal viewing areas. The zoo also hosts events like Deaf Culture Awareness Day. 
Beyond the zoo, Seneca Park offers scenic views of the Genesee River, walking paths, and is a popular spot for picnics and enjoying nature. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. [^reviews]
Yes, Seneca Park is known for its bird wildlife and serene atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for bird watchers. [^reviews]
The park features a three-mile loop along the Genesee River, offering picturesque views. Many visitors enjoy exploring the paths that wind through the natural landscape. [^reviews]
📸 📸 Photography
Capture shots of the diverse zoo animals, scenic river views, and the park's natural landscapes. Autumn foliage also provides beautiful backdrops.
Generally, personal photography is allowed at Seneca Park Zoo for non-commercial use. However, always be mindful of any posted restrictions, especially near animal habitats.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light for photography. Weekday mornings can also offer softer light with fewer people in the background.
Look for elevated spots along the Genesee River for panoramic shots, and get creative with animal enclosures at the zoo. The changing seasons offer unique photographic moments.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and zoos to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors and wildlife. It's best to check with park authorities or the zoo directly regarding drone policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
You can see a wide array of animals, from lions to polar bears, and even feed giraffes. The park itself offers plenty of space for kids to run around and enjoy nature, with picnic areas perfect for family meals. [^reviews]Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds and allow your children more space to explore and interact with the exhibits.
The zoo's manageable size means kids are less likely to get worn out, ensuring a more enjoyable experience for everyone. [^reviews]🌳 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
While not a strenuous hiking destination, the park's trails are well-suited for exploration and enjoying the outdoors. Pack a picnic to make a day of it, utilizing the available shelters for a comfortable break amidst nature. [^reviews]
📸 Photographers
[^reviews] The park's natural landscapes, especially during autumn foliage, provide stunning backdrops. Aim for late afternoons for beautiful golden hour light, or weekday mornings for softer light and fewer crowds. Experiment with capturing the animals at the zoo, the expansive river vistas, and the intricate details of the Olmsted-designed landscape. [^reviews] Remember to be respectful of wildlife and any posted photography guidelines.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Seneca Park Zoo
Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals, from majestic lions and rhinos to playful polar bears and charming red pandas. The zoo also provides opportunities for unique interactions, such as feeding giraffes, and features engaging exhibits. Recent events at the zoo have included the heartwarming story of Teddy Graham, a cub being hand-raised by staff after being abandoned by his mother, and a notable incident where an elephant was assisted back to its feet by a crane after a fall.
The zoo also actively promotes inclusivity, hosting events like Deaf Culture Awareness Day in partnership with RIT/NTID, providing sign language interpretation. When planning your visit, consider checking the zoo's schedule for animal talks and feeding times to enhance your experience. The zoo's commitment to accessibility ensures that most visitors can comfortably navigate its grounds.
The Natural Beauty of Seneca Park
Visitors can enjoy the park's serene atmosphere, which offers a more forested and natural feel compared to some urban parks.
Seneca Park is also an excellent destination for group picnics, featuring roomy and comfortable shelters that can accommodate large gatherings, even during inclement weather. [^reviews] Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a family picnic spot, or a chance to connect with nature, Seneca Park offers a refreshing experience.
Historical Echoes: Seneca Village
+1 This 19th-century settlement was primarily composed of African American landowners and was situated within the area that would eventually become Central Park. The residents of Seneca Village were displaced when upper-class developers sought to create Central Park.
Archaeological efforts at the former Seneca Village site have uncovered artifacts, offering glimpses into the lives of its inhabitants. This historical context highlights the complex layers of history often associated with urban green spaces and their development.It's a fascinating piece of history that underscores the evolution of urban landscapes and the stories embedded within them, even if it's a separate entity from the Seneca Park in Rochester.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit