A recent trip to visit Buffalo New York, made me realize how many fun things there are there for families and kids! I thought I’d compile a list of 5 places to bring kids in Buffalo and their surrounding locales.
Buffalo has some amazing history and while many of its attractions may attract an older crowd – there is still plenty for the younger set to explore!
1. Buffalo Museum of Science – As well as exhibits for adults and children in the regular wings of the museum, you can find a special areadesigned for early childhood development and science learning, Explorations features interactive stations with play themes focusing on a variety of science-based concepts and encourages adult-child interaction and encourages adult-child interaction as well as independent discovery. Play dress-up and become a ladybug for a morning, create your own skyscraper, or blast off into space! The possibilities are endless at the Buffalo Museum!
2. Buffalo Harbor – This beautiful waterfront provides a wonderful place to have a family picnic, see the Buffalo Harbor Lighthouse, go for a walk, take in a concert or take a cruise on this stunning waterway! A place of true natural beauty that seems to relax you as soon as you feel the wind start whipping your hair off your face. Plus, it’s free!
3. Buffalo Naval Park –The Naval & Military Park is located very close to downtown Buffalo, on Buffalo Place at the foot of Pearl and Main streets, across from HSBC Arena. See all branches of the Armed Forces represented in the park’s exhibits. Tour the decks and hulls of a guided missile cruiser, destroyer and WWII submarine! Inspect uniforms, memorabilia, and equipment in the museum and exhibits aboard the ships. See planes, a tank and more!
4. Letchworth State Park – With multiple look out points, and some of the most magnificent scenery in the United States, Letchworth park comprises 14,350 acres along the Genesee River. Within the park, the river roars over three major waterfalls, one of which is 107 feet high. The cliffs, created by the river’s path over thousands of years, approach 600 feet. Cabin camping, swimming pools, fishing areas, hiking trails, hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting and canoeing by permit are just some of the additional attractions at Letchworth.
5. East Aurora – While there are lots of small towns near Buffalo New York worth exploring I was particularly taken with this one. Walking down its main street made me think of the Rockwellian paintings of small town America. Flags fly happily as passerby’s come in and out of the local shops. One stand out for kids is Viddlers – an very large 5 and 10 style store that fetaures toys from bygone days as well as newer modern ones.
Buffalo New York is full of history and fun – and a great place to relax with kids. If you go in the fall be sure to check out the beautiful multi- colored leaves on display nearly everywhere you turn! I cant wait to go back and to explore Buffalo with my family more.
Do you live in or visit Buffalo New York? What attractions would you add to my list?
About Shannon SchmidShannon traded in her sensible NYC TV producer shoes (they were best for taking the subway), for a pair of Texas Cowboy boots when she married her best friend! He's at fault for making this Yankee a Texan! Shannon writes about all things that make a house a home. Her chief blogging inspiration is being the proud & slightly neurotic mom of a preschool age daughter.
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What a scenic destination! We’ve never been to New York, but I would LOVE to go some day. Thank you for the ideas. 🙂
Love small towns and those nice little shops. Buffalo is pretty close to Niagara Falls too so this would be a perfect stop!
I haven’t been to Buffalo NY since before my kids were born, but it would be fun to take them and explore the city and pop over to Niagara Falls (the spot where we were engaged!) Thanks for sharing!
I have never been to Buffalo, although I have been close many times. Pinning this for the future…