Family Fun
Family fun comes in many fascinating forms and surprising spots in Buffalo Niagara. Whether it’s watching river otters romp in their way cool pool at the Buffalo Zoo, getting soaked yourself on a summertime excursion on a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour or exploring the amazing collection of exotic plants at the Botanical Gardens, fun is easily found for you and your family.
The Buffalo Museum of Science is the place to be for families to take a journey through the world of natural and physical sciences. Its extensive collections of over 700,000 specimens and artifacts represent all facets of the natural world with an emphasis on Western New York as well as man-made objects spanning the globe.
The Buffalo Zoo has seen some exciting additions to its lions and tigers and bears in recent years, including M&T Bank Rainforest Falls, an enclosed, year-round exhibit that brings visitors up close to vampire bats, anacondas, anteaters, piranhas and much more. 2010 saw the re-creation of a mid-19th century farm on the grounds of the Zoo. This homestead will feature a petting area with heritage breeds of domestic animals and include a replica of an Erie Canal lock and canalway.
At the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park visitors are invited to tour the decks and hulls of a guided missile cruiser, destroyer and WWII submarine. It’s a hands-on experience like no other!
Spark your kids’ creativity, curiosity and imagination at Western New York’s only museum designed just for kids, Explore & More Children’s Museum, or take them to the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum where they can ride an old-fashioned carrousel in the world's only carrousel museum.
For an exhilarating ride into the Niagara River gorge try a Whirlpool Jet Boat tour. It’s a 45-minute ride on the wild side for the whole family from May through October.
If water sports are your thing, take your family for a cruise around Erie Canal Harbor with a rental from Buffalo Harbor Kayaks. If you're looking to learn how to sail yourself, be sure to check out Sail Buffalo Sailing School. Glide past the 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse, the historic grain elevators and the General Mills plant where most of the world's Cheerios are produced. That delicious aroma is the smell of the "O" shaped cereal being made.
Family fun? We’ve got it!
Adventure Landing
- 2400 Sheridan Drive
- Tonawanda, NY 14150
- Phone: (716) 832-6248
This is the place for family fun! Open year-round, there is something for everyone at Adventure Landing. Test your putting prowess on our miniature golf courses, improve your gaming skills in our…more
Adventure Speedway
- 3939 Niagara Falls Blvd.
- Wheatfield, NY 14120
- Phone: (716) 692-3122
Let the Adventure begin! This seasonal park is a great place for families. Featuring a quarter-mile, twisting go-kart track that tests your driving skills, over 40 interactive arcade games and bumper…more
African American Cultural Center, Inc.
- 350 Masten Avenue
- Buffalo, NY 14209
- Phone: (716) 884-2013
Since 1958, the core mission of the Center is to promote, sponsor and develop programs and services that exhibit an appreciation of and allegiance to African American heritage. From the…more
Albright-Knox Art Gallery
- 1285 Elmwood Avenue
- Buffalo, NY 14222
- Phone: (716) 882-8700
An outstanding center of modern and contemporary art, the Albright-Knox collection belongs among the world's top international surveys of 20th century painting and sculpture. Exhibitions and…more
Aquarium of Niagara
- 701 Whirpool Street
- Niagara Falls, NY 14301
- Phone: (716) 285-3575
Dive into an ocean of discovery at Niagara's other water wonder! Highlights include California sea lion demonstrations, harbor seals, and a colony of Peruvian penguins. Over 40 aquatic exhibits.
Arcade and Attica Railroad
- 278 Main Street
- Arcade, NY 14009
- Phone: (585) 492-3100
Scenic, historic train excursions. Home of the last operating steam train in New York State. Many special events. Private charters available. Open Memorial Day Weekend through December. Please visit…more
Beaver Meadow Audubon Center
- 1610 Welch Road
- North Java, NY 14113
- Phone: (585) 457-3228
A 324-acre nature preserve with over 8 miles of trails exploring various habitats. The Visitor Center houses live animals, displays, discovery room, and a nature gift shop. Indoor and outdoor programs…more
BFLO Harbor Kayak
- 1 Naval Park Cove
- Buffalo, NY 14202
- Phone: (716) 228-9153
BFLO Harbor Kayak is located at Canalside on the wharf. Kayaks (single and tandem) or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are available for rental. They also offer kayak tours down the Buffalo River - some…more
Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park
- One Naval Park Cove
- Buffalo, NY 14202
- Phone: (716) 847-1773
This Buffalo waterfront attraction is the largest inland park of its kind in the nation. All branches of the Armed Forces are represented in the park's exhibits. Tour the decks and hulls of a guided…more
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
- 1 Lafayette Square
- Buffalo, NY 14203
- Phone: (716) 858-8900
The Library's outstanding Collections are showcased in exhibits throughout the year. A wide variety of free programs supporting exhibit themes, authors, literacy, and hands-on activities are offered…more
Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society
- 25 Nottingham Court
- Buffalo, NY 14216
- Phone: (716) 873-9644
This National Historic Landmark building was built in 1901 during the Pan-American Exposition, and now houses the History Museum. Research library includes a repository of genealogical information;…more
Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse - NLL
- First Niagara Center
- One Seymour H. Knox III Plaza
- Buffalo, NY 14203
- Phone: (716)855-4100
January-April
Buffalo Bisons Baseball
- Coca-Cola Field
- One James D. Griffin Plaza
- Buffalo, NY 14203
- Phone: (716) 846-2000
The Buffalo Bisons, Triple A affiliate of the New York Mets, play at the finest ballpark in the minor leagues - Coca-Cola Field.
Buffalo Harbor Cruises - Miss Buffalo
- 79 Marine Drive
- Erie Basin Marina
- Buffalo, NY 14202
- Phone: (716) 856-6696
Take a narrated sightseeing cruise and travel through three bodies of water, passing through the historic Black Rock Lock and Canal. Party cruises and private charters also available. Public cruises:…more
Buffalo Museum of Science
- 1020 Humboldt Parkway
- Buffalo, NY 14211
- Phone: (716) 896-5200
Dedicated to its mission of "Inspiring curiosity through exploration," the Buffalo Museum of Science offers entertainment for the whole family. From special traveling exhibits and 3D cinema, to a…more
Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village and Museum at Amherst
- 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road
- Amherst, NY 14228
- Phone: (716) 689-1440
Experience 19th Century life on the Niagara Frontier. Tour historic homes, gardens, churches, one-room schoolhouses and visit a working blacksmith shop. Learn about local history through exhibits on…more
Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper EcoTours
- 1250 Niagara Street
- Buffalo, NY 14213
- Phone: (716)852-7483
Every weekend throughout the summer Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper leads you back to nature with an EcoTour. A variety of hiking, biking, paddling, and boat tours are offered, throughout Erie and Niagara…more
Buffalo Transportation/Pierce-Arrow Museum
- 263 Michigan Avenue at 201 Seneca Street
- Buffalo, NY 14203
- Phone: (716) 853-0084
Featuring automobiles made in Western New York including Pierce-Arrow and Thomas Flyer. Cars from 1903 to 1960s, muscle cars, etc. The museum offers a unique venue for parties, business meetings and…more
Buffalo Zoo
- 300 Parkside Avenue
- Buffalo, NY 14214
- Phone: (716) 837-3900
It's the only place in town to observe a wide variety of exotic and domestic animals year-round in naturalistic habitats, including the Zoo's M&T Bank Rainforest Falls exhibit, which is especially…more
Darien Lake Theme Park Resort
- 9993 Allegheny Road
- PO Box 91
- Darien Center, NY 14040
- Phone: (585) 599-4641
Darien Lake Resort is New York's largest combination Theme Park and Water Park Resort. Get a combo ticket and explore the best of both worlds - Darien Lake Theme Park and new SplashTown Water Park!…more
Diamond Alpacas of Clarence
- 8485 Wolcott Road
- Clarence Center, NY 14032
- Phone: (716) 741-8798
Black, brown, white, gray, fawn or patterned, this herd of Alpacas is as diverse in color as in its blood lines from near and far! Few people know about alpacas and their luxurious fleece, which is…more
Eastern Hills Skating Center
- 4675 Transit Rd
- Williamsville, NY 14221
- Phone: (716)633-6060
Public and private skating.
Epic Fun Center
- 2793 Wehrle Drive
- Williamsville, NY 14221
- Phone: (716)565-3742
The Epic Fun Center is Western New York's newest and largest indoor fun complex. There is state-of-the-art electric go-kart racing, a video game arcade, dodgeball, volleyball, foosball, ping pong, a…more
Erie Canal Discovery Center
- 24 Church Street
- Lockport, NY 14094
- Phone: (716) 439-0431
A new state-of-the-art interpretive center for the Erie Canal, focusing on the role that Lockport played in canal history, and featuring a 20' x 13' Raphael Beck mural, "The Opening of the Erie Canal,…more
Erie Canal Harbor at Canal Side
- 1 Marine Drive
- Buffalo, NY 14202
Learn about Buffalo's roots and experience a self-guided walking tour of the recently restored Erie Canal Harbor area! During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the harbor functioned as the bustling…more
