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. A mid-19th century farm was added to the grounds of the Zoo as well. 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.
Dive into an ocean of discovery at Niagara's other water wonder, the Aquarium of Niagara, where over 40 aquatic exhibits include California sea lion demonstrations, harbor seals, and a colony of Peruvian penguins.
If water sports are your thing, take your family for a cruise around Canalside 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!
Niagara Power Project Power Vista
- 5777 Lewiston Road
- Lewiston, NY 14092
- Phone: (716) 286-6661 Visit Website
We've got fun down to a science! Our admission-free and handicapped accessible attraction features more than 50 interactive exhibits about hydroelectricity and an observation deck perched 350 feet…more
Adventure Landing
- 2400 Sheridan Drive
- Tonawanda, NY 14150
- Phone: (716) 832-6248 Visit Website
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 Visit Website
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 Visit Website
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 Visit Website
The Aquarium of Niagara is a non-profit institution, dedicated to education and conservation. The Aquarium strives to create a family-friendly atmosphere, where people of all ages can engage the…more
Arcade and Attica Railroad
- 278 Main Street
- Arcade, NY 14009
- Phone: (585) 492-3100 Visit Website
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 Visit Website
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 Visit Website
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 Public Library
- 1 Lafayette Square
- Buffalo, NY 14203
- Phone: (716) 858-8900 Visit Website
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 Naval & Military Park
- One Naval Park Cove
- Buffalo, NY 14202
- Phone: (716) 847-1773 Visit Website
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 Bandits Lacrosse - NLL
- First Niagara Center
- One Seymour H. Knox III Plaza
- Buffalo, NY 14203
- Phone: (716) 855-4100 Visit Website
The Buffalo Bandits are an indoor lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). They play at the First Niagara Center, along with the Buffalo Sabres. The Bandits have won four NLL championships…more
Buffalo Bisons Baseball
- Coca-Cola Field
- One James D. Griffin Plaza
- Buffalo, NY 14203
- Phone: (716) 846-2000 Visit Website
The Buffalo Bisons, Triple A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, play at the finest ballpark in the minor leagues - Coca-Cola Field.
Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck
- 65 Niagara Square
- Buffalo, NY 14202
- Phone: (716) 852-3300 Visit Website
To see "Windows on Buffalo", take an elevator to the 25th floor and walk up 3 flights for a spectacular view of the Queen City! Dedicated in 1932, City Hall is an Art Deco masterpiece with outstanding…more
Buffalo Harbor Cruises - Miss Buffalo
- 79 Marine Drive
- Erie Basin Marina
- Buffalo, NY 14202
- Phone: (716) 856-6696 Visit Website
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 Visit Website
The Buffalo Museum of Science offers educational and exciting experiences the whole family can enjoy. From special traveling exhibits to a National Geographic 3D Cinema, collections of over 700,000…more
Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village
- 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road
- Amherst, NY 14228
- Phone: (716) 689-1440 Visit Website
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 River Tours
- 1250 Niagara Street
- Buffalo, NY 14213
- Phone: (716) 852-7483 Visit Website
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 River Canoe and Kayak Outfitters
- 900 Harlem Road
- West Seneca, NY 14224
- Phone: (716) 771-2995 Visit Website
Take a paddle through history. Explore the miles of waters that made Buffalo famous, while touring the Buffalo River and experiencing a unique waterfront view of the numerous Grain Elevators and…more
Buffalo Touring Company
- 25 Nottingham Court
- Buffalo, NY 14216
- Phone: (716) 259-4887 Visit Website
Come experience BUFFALO like never before! Ride a SEGWAY on a guided tour of North Buffalo. What's a Segway you ask? It's a cool Personal Transporter that balances you 100 times per second. Glide…more
Buffalo Transportation/Pierce-Arrow Museum
- 263 Michigan Avenue at 201 Seneca Street
- Buffalo, NY 14203
- Phone: (716) 853-0084 Visit Website
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 Visit Website
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
Canalside
- 44 Prime Street
- Buffalo, NY 14203
- Phone: (716) 856-3150 Visit Website
This summer, over 625 events and activities will encompass a wide range of programming including regularly scheduled family programs featuring Explore & More...a children's museum, Buffalo Museum of…more
Classic Cruises
- 5 Austin Street
- Rich Marine
- Buffalo, NY 14207
- Phone: (716)946-7246 Visit Website
Take a ride on an Antique Wooden Boat! Make any day a special day by taking a cruise - Anniversaries, Birthdays, Family Reunions, Weddings, Bachelorette Parties, Photo & History Buffs... You pick the…more
CraigCat Tours of Western New York
- 11 Young Street
- Tonawanda, NY 14150
- Phone: (716) 783-0772 Visit Website
The experts at CraigCat Tours will guide you on a fun-filled tour of the historic Erie Canal and Upper Niagara River while you captain your own CraigCat watercraft. Our tour is fully narrated and…more
