Family-Friendly Entertainment
You won’t have to look too hard to find family fun and entertainment in the Buffalo Niagara Region. When the weekend rolls around, don’t get caught without a plan. Here are some of our favorite places to spend time with our loved ones.
Aquarium of Niagara
The Aquarium of Niagara features sea lion shows, penguin feedings, animal rescue presentations, and lessons on the local ecosystem. You’ll find plenty of ocean life here, such as pipefish, reef fish, sharks and seals. The kids will have so much fun that they won’t even realize how much they’re learning! Located at 701 Whirlpool Street in Niagara Falls. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Admission is $14.95/Adult, $10.95/Child, $12.95/Senior. Children under 2 are free.
Say Hi to this guy!
Who doesn’t want to try this?
Explore and More Museum
The Explore and More Children’s Museum is a child’s paradise. The museum is divided into “Play Zones” which invite children to engage in hands-on learning. In the exhibit “Building Curiosity,” children learn about architectural design and worksites, and they’re invited to build their own houses. There’s a “Baby’s Garden” for little ones who aren’t quite big enough to run around just yet. Other zones teach kids about cultures, food markets, creative play, motion, and other brain-stimulating activities. Located at 300 Gleed Avenue in East Aurora. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. the first Friday of the month. Admission is $7 for ages 1 and up. This Museum will be moving downtown in the Spring so keep an eye out for more to come!
Museum of Science
Few places spark such wonder in children as a good science museum, and the Buffalo Museum of Science delivers. Here you’ll find multiple floors of educational and interactive exhibits that will keep everyone in the family entertained. Kids will have a blast learning about healthy eating at the Wegman’s Yum! exhibit, playing with blocks in an earthquake simulator, building water dams, and so much more. If the kids still have energy after you’ve seen all the science stuff, check out the Explorations exhibit on your way out–it’s essentially a big room full of toys and activities to keep them entertained (and give Mom and Dad a break!). Located at 1020 Humboldt Parkway in Buffalo. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. other days. Admission is $13/Adult, $10/Child, $10/Senior, $10/Students, $10/Military. Children under 2 are free.
Plenty of family fun to be had.
You know he isn’t cold.
Buffalo Zoo
Not only will you find animals from every corner of the globe here, but there are plenty of hands-on exhibits that have been designed for little hands at the Buffalo Zoo. Your kids will love digging in the gravel pit for dinosaur bones, petting the animals at the farm exhibit, and burning off some of that pre-naptime energy at the Wegman’s playground. Even when the weather isn’t great, there are plenty of indoor exhibits to keep you warm and dry. Located at 300 Parkside Avenue. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $12.50/Adult, $9.25/Child, $10.25/Senior. Children under 2 are free.
Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
Step back in time and learn about the production of every child’s favorite amusement park ride–the carousel! Play a real Wurlitzer Band Organ, watch a paper music roll demonstration, learn about the evolution of carousel animal styles, and of course, take a ride on either of the two historical carousels located on site. The Carrousel Factory Museum an experience that your children won’t soon forget! Located at 190 Thompson Street in North Tonawanda. Open for special events until April 4th. Spring hours are 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Admission is $7/Adult, $3.50/Child. Children under 2 are free.
Ride an original Carrousel.
There are so many amazing family-friendly places in the Buffalo Niagara Region. These are just a handful of ideas to get you started. If you plan ahead, you could fill your entire calendar with family fun! We hope this list helps you as you seek to create lasting memories with your loved ones. No doubt your children will look back on these adventures for years to come!