The Indoors Can Still Be Fun!
Spring has arrived in the Buffalo Niagara region! Unfortunately, that means it’s still chilly outside. While we wait for things to heat up, here are some fun indoor activities to keep you busy. Fortunately, Buffalo Niagara has an array of indoor entertainment options to keep you satisfied in any weather.
Visit the Aquarium of Niagara
When time seems like it’s dragging before your next big vacation, sometimes you just need to get a little creative. A trip to the Aquarium of Niagara will have you fantasizing about snorkeling with turtles, seahorses and clownfish- or maybe exploring the arctic with penguins and seals is more your style! Here at the aquarium you’ll find so many amazing animals, such as the Giant Pacific Octopus, Balloon Fish, and Red-Bellied Piranha. What better way to keep that Instagram profile fresh in the meantime? The Aquarium just opened a new Jellyfish exhibit, Aliens of the Sea, so you have more reason than ever before to check it out.
The new jellyfish exhibit at Aquarium of Niagara.
Have an electrifying experience at the Niagara Power Vista.
Get energized at the Niagara Power Vista
Who knew that learning about hydroelectricity could be so fun? The Niagara Power Vista, the visitor center of the New York Power Authority, features over 50 interactive exhibits as well as an observation deck above the Niagara River Gorge. You’ll get to ride a 4-D virtual roller coaster, learn how to operate a power grid during a storm, listen to a debate between Tesla and Edison, and design your own dam. Best of all, admission is FREE! Visit www.nypa.gov/communities/visitors-centers/niagara-power-vista for more information.
Try Curling at Riverworks
Who hasn’t watched the Olympics and wanted to give curling a shot? Get a group of friends together and book your session at Buffalo Riverworks. You’ll receive a 15-minute instructional and get to play for two hours with authentic curling equipment. To learn more and book your session, click here.
There’s always something good showing at North Park Theatre.
There’s always something good showing at North Park Theatre.
Watch a classic movie at North Park Theatre
Built at the start of the Roaring Twenties, this sophisticated theatre is known not only for its gorgeous vintage design, but also for featuring beloved throwback films. It’s the perfect venue for a romantic date- but you might also want to take the kids to one of the $5 matinees! North Park Theatre offers a truly distinguishing experience that you and your loved ones won’t soon forget. Visit www.northparktheatre.com for showtimes and other information.
See a play at the Irish Classical Theatre Company
If you’re in the mood for a live and quirky performance, be sure to check out the Irish Classical Theatre, which features intimate in-the-round seating so that guests are never more than ten feet from the stage. This spring’s big production is William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Located at 625 Main Street in Buffalo.
Take in a play at the Irish Classical Theatre.
Kleinhans Music Hall is home to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Hear the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra live
Founded in 1935, the Buffalo Philharmonic has issued over 50 recordings, featured many distinguished guest performers such as Sergei Rachmaninoff and Yo-Yo Ma, and toured abroad twice. The orchestra currently presents over 120 concerts each year and performs within a variety of genres, from beloved classics to energetic rock music and even children’s favorites. For tickets and other information, visit www.bpo.org.
Have dinner at the Skylon Tower Revolving Restaurant
If you’re long overdue for a date night with your partner, head over to Skylon Tower’s restaurant, which rotates 365 degrees every hour. You’ll get epic views of Niagara Falls illuminated by lights as well as seasonal fireworks from a spectacular height of 775 feet. Enjoy gourmet appetizers like Large Baked Burgundy Escargot or Duck Pastrami, entrees like Rack of Lamb or Broiled Rock Lobster Tails, and then for dessert try Skylon’s famous Creme Brulee or Warm Pecan Pie- among plenty of other mouth-watering options. Restaurant hours are 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch, 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. for early dinner, and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner. To make reservations and learn more, visit www.skylon.com.
Dine with a view at Skylon Tower’s revolving restaurant.
CEPA Gallery has something for every kind of art lover.
Browse art at the CEPA Gallery
CEPA Gallery, a contemporary photography and visual arts center features four galleries with changing exhibits. Here you’ll also find multimedia public art installations, an open-access darkroom, and digital photo lab. Events include art education programs, lectures, fundraisers, auctions, screenings and receptions. Located at 617 Main Street in Buffalo. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.cepagallery.org to learn more.
Smoke a cigar at Buffalo Cigars
Buffalo Cigars is a Cuban-style slice of cigar heaven, now with three locations open around Buffalo! While shopping at Buffalo Cigars, enjoy free coffee and soft drinks. There’s live music and special events every month, and if you come in on your birthday you get a cigar on the house. When you spend $25 or more, you get to spin the prize wheel and win anything from a free cigar to a t-shirt or hat. Located at 2911 Southwestern Boulevard in Orchard Park, 7032 Transit Road in Amherst and 500 Main St. Buffalo. Visit www.buffalocigars.com for hours and information.
Buffalo cigars has a wide variety of cigars to enjoy.
Now Get Out There!
This list should keep you busy for a while! Be sure to check out all of these fun indoor entertainment options before summer arrives in the Buffalo Niagara Region. It’ll be here before you know it!