As much as we love to explore lively places around the city like our best rooftop bars, sometimes we find ourselves in need of more family-friendly attractions here in Buffalo. Whether you have kids of your own, are babysitting, or playing the fun aunt or uncle for the day, in and around the Queen City you can find all sorts of ways to stay busy here with even the youngest of Buffalonians! If you're ready to check out some of Western New York's most kid-approved attractions, keep scrolling to see all the different places you can find on our list.
1. Buffalo Museum of Science (Buffalo)
When it comes to taking kids to museums, it can be hit-or-miss depending on their age. Whether it be because there’s not enough to keep our youngest Buffalonians busy or because you’re at a museum where silence is more respected, it’s key to choose the right museum to visit. Thankfully, the Buffalo Museum of Science has all sorts of fun activities for you and your family to enjoy! Full of hands-on attractions that both kids and adults alike can enjoy, the Buffalo Museum of Science is made up of exhibits that will have you exploring bugs, construction, golden mummies of Egypt, observatories, planetariums, and so much more.
To find out more, click here.
2. Hidden Valley Animal Adventure (Varysburg)
Less than an hour away from Buffalo, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Park is on our little animal safari right here in Western New York. Open since 2010, the park is home to more than 400 animals and is open from May through October. Along the way, you’ll spot over 40 different species that you’ll have the chance to see up-close along the park’s safari ride!
To find out more, click here.
3. Medina Railroad Museum (Medina)
Another easy adventure to take with the kids that’s just 40 miles outside of Buffalo, the Medina Railroad Museum is close enough to visit yet far enough away that the little ones will be able to fit in a car-ride nap before arriving. Once you’re here, you’ll be able to check out things like one of the country’s largest model train displays and even actual Thomas the Train rides depending on what time of year you visit.
To find out more, click here.
4. Canalside (Buffalo)
In need of something fun to do with the kids during Buffalo's coldest months? Head on down to Canalside! Right along our scenic waterfront, you'll find all sorts of ways to stay busy at Canalside throughout the year, but during the wintertime, your family will able to enjoy everything from ice bumper cars and ice skating to ice bowling and ice bikes. How fun!
To find out more, click here.
5. Herschell Carrousel Factory (North Tonawanda)
Only 20 minutes north of Downtown Buffalo, the Herschell Carrousel Factory is the perfect mixture of fascination and fun. A historic gem of North Tonawanda, grab the kids and hit the road and before you know it you’ll not only be riding carousels with them but you’ll also get to see how they’re actually made.
To find out more, click here.
6. Buffalo Zoo (Buffalo)
Another spot that's close to home, the Buffalo Zoo is an attraction that's always providing you with new reasons to make a return to this familiar place. Throughout the year, the zoo hosts a variety of kid-friendly events, even welcoming massive dinosaurs into the park in the past! Highlighting an array of animals that your kids may have never even seen before, it's always a good time at Erie County's magnificent zoo.
To find out more, click here.
7. Olcott Beach Carousel Park (Olcott)
Just north of Buffalo, the Olcott Beach Carousel Park is situated out along the shores of Lake Ontario. If you're looking for a kid-friendly outing to take during our warmer months, this is the ultimate spot. Affordable and within walking distance of the town's other amazing, family-friendly attractions, you'll find amusement park rides that are sized perfectly and only for the smallest of visitors at the Olcott Beach Carousel Park.
To find out more, click here.
Looking for more ways to stay busy with the whole family? Then be sure to also read about these 12 Unforgettable Buffalo Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!