Fall Family Fun!
I know, when did fall finally arrive? It’s kinda crept up on us while we are still in our short sleeves washing our cars. Fall is at its peak in Western New York and the hills are ablaze with color! Want to be dazzled by Mother Nature’s fall foliage display? Just a short jaunt from Buffalo is the Niagara Falls State Park. Just hop on the 1-90 North from Buffalo and enter the Robert Moses Parkway via the exit at the foot of the second Grand Island Bridge, which will lead you along the Niagara River all the way to Niagara Falls State Park where you can enjoy colorful views of the Niagara Gorge and the majesty of Niagara Falls. Don’t miss the 360 view from atop the observation deck!
Afterwards head a bit southeast of Buffalo to be awed by colors running down the sides of the gorge in “The Grand Canyon of the East” at Letchworth State Park. Next take the I-90 East to the 400, exit at Route 20A East for about 30 miles through the countryside, towns and villages. Afterwards, you will view farms and colorful rolling hills leading you to Route 246. Make a right from 20A, through the Town of Perry and follow the signs that lead to the entrance of Letchworth State Park. Then you will see the Genesee River flows through the gorge over three major waterfalls between the cliffs and surrounded by lush forests of color.
Family Fun at the Pumpkin Patch
Be amazed at a local corn maze while drinking hot cider! Afterwards, grab the kids and go winding through a network of cornfield paths at “The Farm Monster Mystery” maze at The Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence. Then if you manage to find your way out of this corn maze, venture over to the hay maze, if you dare! Enjoy the other Fall Festival activities including a petting zoo, a boo barn, amusement rides, hayrides, magic shows and so much more! Finally, don’t forget to pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch before heading home!
Another fall favorite is Becker Farms in Gasport. If you’re brave, jump on the wagon for a Haunted Hayride and find out what strange happenings and eerie encounters you might come upon in the Becker Farms forests after dark. Celebrate the harvest season at Becker Farm’s Annual Pumpkin Fiesta with live music and so many family activities that the kids will want to return year after year. Enjoy the famous chicken and ribs BBQ while quenching the thirst you have worked up with a nice fresh glass of cider. While the kids are enjoying a hayride, climbing on the bales of hay, jumping in the bounce house, taking a pony ride or petting all the animals in the petting zoo, take pleasure in some wine tasting or grab a glass of beer, wine or hard cider.
Family Fun at Aquarium of Niagara
Along with fall comes Halloween! I hear the Aquarium of Niagara has some pretty spooky happenings on October 29th including crafts, a sea animal show, contests and prizes. Wear your favorite costume … sea creatures are welcome! Stay at the Aquarium of Niagara overnight at their annual Halloween sleepover and see what the sea creatures do after dark!