Fun Family Activities In and Around Buffalo
If you live in or are planning a trip to Buffalo, there are lots of fun activities to choose from. There’s no reason to ever get bored on a Saturday afternoon, or any other time, especially when you consider the following options.
Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park is located approximately 20 miles from Buffalo. Spend some time in the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, learning tons of things about Niagara Falls. There’s also a rock-climbing wall, and a wide variety of hands-on (interactive) exhibits to explore. Hiking on numerous trails is another fun option. Let’s not forget the view of the falls… it’s absolutely breathtaking!
City Hall Observation Deck
Buffalo City Hall is referred to as a masterpiece by many people. There are Art Deco murals in the lobby and a skylight on the 13th floor. Even better than that is the view from the top. When you take the elevator up to the 25th floor and walk up three additional flights of stairs, you’ll be privy to a view you’ll probably never forget. And, it doesn’t cost you a penny!
Walking Tours
Taking a walking tour is a fun way to learn about the area and to get exercise at the same time. For a free walking tour of our city, you can print the “Buffalo on Foot” guide online or pick it up at the Buffalo Niagara Visitor Center. The guide highlights several tours around the downtown area. Another option is city tours provided by Preservation Buffalo Niagara (PBN). PBN promotes the unique architecture and historical legacy of our WNY community. For upcoming tour dates, visit their website here. Don’t forget to wear your most comfortable shoes!
Canalside
Canalside is a 21-acre “entertainment district” located along the Buffalo River waterfront. It draws roughly one million visitors every year. There are tons of free events to participate in. You can even rent games like Connect Four, free of charge. Or, if you prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery, you can do that too. It happens to be a fantastic place for a family picnic. During the winter months, enjoying free ice skating at the Rotary Rink.
Free Fridays at the Museum
M&T Bank sponsors “Free Admission Friday” every Friday of the month. The first week, your family is encouraged to visit the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. The second week, consider Burchfield Penny Art Center. The third week, head on out to the Buffalo History Museum. And, last but not least, the Buffalo Arts Studio on Friday number four.
Wilkeson Pointe/Outer Harbor
Wilkeson Pointe is a park located just a short distance from downtown Buffalo. Attractions include a beach, multiple sand volleyball courts, pedestrian bridges, a slide built into a hill, and more. It’s a great place to spend on a hot summer day when you want to get out of the house and create family memories. Don’t forget the sunscreen and lots of tasty snacks!
Niagara Power Vista in Lewistown
Recently updated, this is a new must-see attraction if you will be in the Niagara region! There are exciting, interactive exhibits, 3D animations, and high-definition videos to watch, helping to explain electricity, hydro plants, and the power generated from Niagara Falls. There is a great informational 4D experience in their state-of-the-art theatre, where you will take a ride feeling the transformation of water to hydroelectricity. There are many simulated challenges and things to explore. You can easily spend 4 hours there with your family. Best of all, parking and admission are free!!
These are just a few activities to participate in when you’re in Buffalo. There’s always something fun to do for kids of all ages. Why not add some of these options to your “family fun” calendar today? Your kids will love you for it!
