We went to the zoo this summer (2009) and it didn't take very long to see everything at all. We took our time and looked at everything. We were out of there about 2 1/2 hours later. Remember to bring your wipes as it isn't the cleanest place around!
This is a small zoo, but it seems to be growing. In the last couple of years a new Elephant exhibit was added on. It's nice that it doesn't take forever to get from one end of the zoo to the other. There are some beautiful animals there. The mountain lion and tiger takes my breath away! There is a nice gift shop, places to get a bite to eat, a veterniary "play room" where kids can take care of stuffed animals, and a playground in the middle of the zoo. This zoo is open all year long and is a place all ages would enjoy.
The Seneca Park Zoo is on the outskirts of downtown Rochester. It changes the exhibits pretty frequently and attempts to keep things fresh and new. However, there is not a lot of animals at the zoo. It's pretty small for how big of a city we live in. I have been to many zoo's and this one is just average. There is a playground area for the kids and places to eat and drink. Parking is acceptable and admission prices are good.
It's certainly not the biggest zoo around, but it's easy for me to take my two kiddos during the week when my husband is at work. All of the exhibits are easily accessible with the stroller, and the season passes are a great value for families! The playground with the spiderweb is a big hit with the kids.
This is a very cute, small zoo. There are elephants, monkeys, a tiger and many other animals. They usually have a traveling exhibit, too. Right now it is a white tiger. The zoo is very stroller friendly, too with a few hills. A typical visit for us is an hour and a half to two hours. There are also two playgrounds within the zoo and one on the way in.
Unfortunately this zoo isn't absolutely wonderful. Growing up there seemed to be more animals and more things to do. I wish there was more for my kids to do. It's not out right terrible however, and if you like zoos, it wouldn't be a wasted trip. There is a playground in the middle, and a couple indoor exhibits that teach the kids about the animals and their environments.
Climb a giant spider web on the Genesee Trail, interact with the web of life at the Discovery Center, or watch the underwater antics of penguins, polar bears, and sea lions.