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!
Martin's Fantasy Island
- 2400 Grand Island Boulevard
- Grand Island, NY 14072
- Phone: (716) 773-7591 Visit Website
For over 50 years, Martin’s Fantasy Island has been WNY’s favorite family destination for fun. With a day’s worth of rides, shows & attractions, the fun never ends at Martin’s Fantasy Island. There…more
Midway State Park
- 4859 Route 430
- PO Box 72
- Bemus Point, NY 14712
- Phone: (716) 386-3165 Visit Website
This historic amusement park nestled on the shores of Chautauqua Lake includes rides, arcade, food concessions, mini golf, go-karts, museum and gift shop. Beautiful picnic grove, pavilions for groups…more
Murphy Orchards
- 2402 McClew Road
- Burt, NY 14028
- Phone: (716) 778-7926 Visit Website
Privately-owned and operated fruit farm, located 25 miles east of Niagara Falls. The farm is believed to have been part of the Underground Railroad network between 1850 and 1861. The farmhouse, barn,…more
New Skateland Arena
- 33 E. Ferry Street
- Buffalo, NY 14209
- Phone: (716)882-2104
Year-round roller skating for family and friends.
Niagara Adventure Theater
- Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center
- Prospect Street
- Niagara Falls, NY 14303
- Phone: (716) 278-5040 Visit Website
The recently upgraded Adventure Theater is proud to present the 40-minute show that has been viewed by more than 14 million people worldwide. Learn about the explorers and settlers that put Niagara on…more
Niagara Climbing Center
- 1333 Strad Ave
- North Tonawanda, NY 14120
- Phone: (716) 695-1248 Visit Website
Niagara Climbing Center has established itself as the premier indoor climbing destination in Western New York. As the only full service rock climbing gym in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area, it is home…more
Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
- 2565 Niagara Parkway
- Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2
- Phone: (905) 356-2241 Visit Website
The world's largest glass enclosed butterfly conservatory with over 2,000 free flying tropical butterflies in a rain forest setting. Extended hours in Summer months. Visit website for hours and…more
Niagara Power Baseball (NYCBL)
- Sal Maglie Stadium
- 1200 Hyde Park Blvd.
- Niagara Falls, NY 14301
- Phone: (716) 773-1748 Visit Website
The Niagara Power, named for the power that is made evident when admiring Niagara Falls, is an expansion team in the New York Collegiate Baseball League (NYCBL) and is an Affiliate of the Fellowship…more
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
North Buffalo Ice Rink
- 156 Tacoma Ave
- Buffalo, NY 14216
- Phone: (716)873-8481
Open Friday and Saturday until 8:45pm.
Olcott Beach Carousel Park Inc.
- 5979 Main Street
- Olcott, NY 14126
- Phone: (716) 778-7066 Visit Website
A Vintage Kiddy Park near Lake Ontario. Open Memorial Day Weekend, June and September, 1st weekend in October Sat & Sun 12pm - 6pm July - Labor Day Thur/Fri/Sun 12pm - 6pm and Sat. 12pm - 8pmt
Old Fort Niagara
- 2 Scott Avenue, Fort Niagara State Park
- PO Box 169
- Youngstown, NY 14174
- Phone: (716) 745-7611 Visit Website
Three-hundred years of history, just minutes from the Falls. The site of historic battles and sieges, trading and conquest, Old Fort Niagara is an exciting place where the past comes to life.…more
Open-Air Autobus of Buffalo
- 14 Lafayette Square, Suite 1425
- Buffalo, NY 14201
- Phone: (716) 854-3749 Visit Website
Open air bus tours with 360 degree views of historical and architectural attractions. Campaign for Greater Buffalo offers neighborhood walking and bus tours. Scheduled and group tours by appointment.
Original Kazoo Company, Factory, Museum, and Gift Shop
- 8703 South Main Street
- Eden, NY 14057
- Phone: (716) 992-3960 Visit Website
The only metal kazoo manufacturer in the world operating as a working factory and museum, with belt-driven machines dating back to 1907. The museum highlights history, amusing trivia and a unique view…more
Penn Dixie Paleontological & Outdoor Education Center
- 4050 North Street
- Blasdell, NY 14219
- Phone: (716) 627-4560 Visit Website
A unique 54-acre site with fossil collecting, geology, astronomy, birding, wetlands, nature programs, summer day camps, schools, scouts, & other special summer and winter programs. Over 4,100 ft. of…more
Queen City Ferry Company
- One Naval Park Cove
- Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf
- Buffalo, NY 14202
- Phone: (716) 796-4556 Visit Website
The Queen City Ferry will begin its operations around Memorial Day and continue through Labor Day. The ferry, which will seat 35 passengers and some bikes, will take people to various points of…more
