ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Starting Monday, places in New York like gyms, casinos, aquariums and museums are allowed to operate at a higher capacity.

Rochester's Seneca Park Zoo and Strong National Museum of Play are included in that list. Both will now be allowing guests up to 50% capacity.

"We came to visit the zoo, we haven't been. We didn't come at all last year which is super sad," said Marina Datthyn of Sodus.

The Seneca Park zoo has been limited to 33% capacity since last summer.

Parents like Datthyn decided it was a good time to bring the whole family.

"I'm not worried at all and I know that the zoo is making appointments and all that so it's definitely not going to be super crowded like it normally is. So it's a nice sunny day and it's mostly outside too so that's always good," said Datthyn.

The Strong National Museum of Play was also among the places able to expand capacity. 

Stefanie Chung says it's been long enough.

"We gotta get out and play, right? We gotta socialize and see some toys and just it's time. We've been cooped up at home for a long time huh? So it feels really good to be back," said Chung.

She says she doesn't have any worries as the museum and other activities open up a little more.

"I feel very comfortable with it. They've done a really good job with how they're spacing things out and keeping things clean. So we feel good about it," Chung added.

At both the museum and the zoo, masks are required. Sanitation stations are all over. And tickets can be bought in advance online.