Located on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, Buffalo, NY, is enjoying a renaissance replete with family-friendly activities. With a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Buffalo offers adventures for families with members of all ages. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums, experiencing thrilling outdoor adventures, or discovering unique local attractions, there’s plenty to see and do in Buffalo. Here are ten of the top family-friendly activities in Buffalo.
Monkey Around at the Buffalo Zoo
Founded in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo is the third oldest zoo in the United States. Its habitats are home to over 1,200 animals from Africa, the Americas, and Australia/Asia, including African lions, polar bears, and many species of monkeys.
Children will love hanging out at interactive attractions such as the M&T Rainforest or the Ecostation Exhibit, which includes hands-on activities and model equipment to teach visitors about research activities on endangered species. The zoo also offers a range of special events, including a festival of lanterns and lights and summer camps.
Explore the Buffalo Museum of Science
The recently reimagined Buffalo Museum of Science has replaced traditional diorama displays with interactive, immersive science studio exhibits featuring hands-on activities. Current exhibit themes include the “In Motion” engineering studio and “Our Marvelous Earth,” which features a life-sized model of a whale and a simulated earthquake experience.
Fall in Love with the Niagara Falls State Park
Any visitor to Buffalo should consider a side trip to Niagara Falls State Park. Just a short drive from downtown Buffalo, the park offers breathtaking views of one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. Guided scenic hikes along the Niagara Gorge are conducted from May through October, and a trolley tour is available.
Maid of the Mist tour goes into the waterfall basin for a close view of Niagara Falls. Just make sure that you’re ready to get wet!
Visit the Buffalo AKG Art Museum
The AKG Art Museum is double the size of its predecessor, with 50,000 sq ft of space. It showcases works by famous artists including Picasso, Kahlo, and Warhol.
The AKG Art Museum displays some of Albright-Knox’s best-known works, including pieces by Pablo Picasso, Frieda Kahlo, Andy Warhol, and Clyfford Still. It sits on Delaware Park, designed by American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Explore Our Military History Through the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park
The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park is the largest inland naval park in the United States. This unique attraction features walking tours of four decommissioned Naval vessels, including the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and the USS Croaker. The park also features a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits related to military history and technology.
Get Your Wiggles Out at Explore and More
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum, called Explore and More, is a fantastic four-story place for children. It shares the fascinating history of Western New York through seven interactive educational play areas. The museum has fun and educational play areas, like a grocery store, water play zone, and interactive car wash. Perfect for kids!
Feel the Vibe at Canalside
Canalside, built at the 1825 terminus of the Erie Canal, is a vibrant waterfront district that features a range of low-cost and free outdoor activities, including kayaking, paddle boating, and winter ice skating. Children can ride the Buffalo Heritage Carousel on the Boardwalk, and the entire family can enjoy concerts and other events. The area also features plenty of dining and shopping options.
Visit History at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
In September 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was summoned to Buffalo after President William McKinley was mortally wounded by an assassin at the Pan-American Exposition. The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site commemorates his impromptu inauguration as the 26th President of the United States in Buffalo on September 14, 1901.
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is perfect for history buffs of all ages. You can take a guided tour of the site, which includes a museum detailing Roosevelt’s life and legacy. The site also offers ranger-led tours and living history demonstrations throughout the year.
Take a Sail on the Spirit of Buffalo
Spirit of Buffalo, a 73-ft schooner, offers pirate and educational adventures for kids from May to Oct at Buffalo Harbor. The 90-minute pirate event includes a treasure hunt for young swashbucklers.
Catch a Show at the Theatre of Youth
Buffalo’s Theatre of Youth entertains over 30,000 children with family-friendly performances each year. Recent performances have included Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Tuck Everlasting, and the always-popular Pete the Cat.
The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Buffalo in Summary
Buffalo is a vibrant city with lots of family-friendly activities to explore. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, history, or art, Buffalo has something to offer you. From the natural wonder of Niagara Falls to the Buffalo Museum of Science, these top 10 family-friendly activities will ensure your visit is both fun and memorable.
