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!
Silo City Rocks
- 105 Childs St
- Buffalo, NY 14203
- Phone: (716) 228-9153
Silo City Rocks! is an indoor/outdoor rock climbing gym and bouldering center located in a 100 year old grain silo on the Buffalo River! Climb, boulder, rappel, have a corporate or group outing, or…more
Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
- 425 Cayuga Rd.
- Cheektowaga, NY 14225
- Phone: (716) 206-3300 Visit Website
Sky Zone Buffalo's Indoor Trampoline Park has everything to keep you having fun, feeling fit and staying active. Aside from our huge public Open Court, Sky Zone offers other fun physical…more
Spirit of Buffalo
- 1 Marine Drive
- Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf
- Buffalo, NY 14202
- Phone: (716) 796-7210 Visit Website
Sail back in time aboard the Spirit of Buffalo. Discover traditional sailing on a classic 73 foot topsail schooner. This beautiful schooner with its magnificent red sails is available for private and…more
Sprague Brook Park
- 9674 Foote Road
- Glenwood, NY 14069
- Phone: (716) 592-2804
Sprague is a park of hidden treasures. An outstanding place to see wildflowers, migratory birds, and deer. This park offers the outdoor enthusiast a multitude of diverse and exciting adventures. In…more
The Buffalo History Museum
- 1 Museum Court
- Buffalo, NY 14216
- Phone: (716) 873-9644 Visit Website
This National Historic Landmark building was built in 1901 during the Pan-American Exposition, and now houses The Buffalo History Museum (renamed in 2012). Research library includes a repository of…more
Theatre of Youth (TOY)
- 203 Allen Street
- Allendale Theatre
- Buffalo, NY 14201
- Phone: (716) 884-4400 Visit Website
Theatre of Youth (TOY) engages all ages with crowd-pleasing, child-centered, professionally produced theater. Award-winning original set and costume designs grace the stage of the historic Allendale…more
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historical Site
- 641 Delaware Avenue
- Buffalo, NY 14202
- Phone: (716) 884-0095 Visit Website
Theodore Roosevelt began his presidential journey here. All new state-of-the-art exhibits and a dramatic guided tour offer a museum experience unlike any other. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds…more
Tifft Nature Preserve
- 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard
- Buffalo, NY 14203
- Phone: (716) 825-6397 Visit Website
A 264-acre urban nature preserve just three miles from downtown Buffalo. Five miles of hiking trails, a Visitor's Center with hands-on exhibits, 75-acre cattail marsh, man-made lakes and interesting…more
Transit Drive-In
- 6655 S. Transit Road
- Lockport, NY 14094
- Phone: (716) 625-8535 Visit Website
Movies and fun under the stars since 1952.
Western New York Southtowns Scenic Byway
- PO Box 209
- Orchard Park, NY 14127 Visit Website
Located just southeast of metropolitan Buffalo, the Western New York Southtowns are blessed with events and attractions that please people of all ages and interests. The Byway forms a slender triangle…more
Whirlpool Jet Boats
- Water Street Landing
- 115 South Water Street
- Lewiston, NY 14092
- Phone: (905) 468 4800 Visit Website
Passengers ages six and up will enjoy this 45 minute white water adventure through the Niagara Gorge. Experience history, scenery, excitement and the thrill of a lifetime. Book online for discounts.…more
Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at Buffalo State College
- 1300 Elmwood Avenue
- Science Building
- Buffalo, NY 14222
- Phone: (716)878-4911 Visit Website
The Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium provides students and visitors with viewings of stars, constellations, nebulae, galaxies, planets, and much more, all on one 24-foot diameter dome. Located in the…more
