What's a kid to do?
I'm new (-ish) to Buffalo, and my sister and her 2 sons wanted to come out to visit for a day. What is there to do around Buffalo with her kids? The oldest is almost 3, and I've been having a hard time trying to figure out what we can do that will keep him occupied and excited. The best thing we can come up with is going to Rochester to the Strong Museum, which defeats the purpose of them coming to Buffalo to visit (they're from Rochester). -Katie
Whithout a doubt I would take them over to the Tifft Nature Preserve, which is open, and depending on the weather I imagine that they would have a blast running around. Also, don't forget to take them down to Fountain Plaza to watch all the skaters - it appears to be busy every day. The Albright-Knox has the enclosed mirror room that was always a big hit when we were younger, or take them to see a production at the Allendale Theater... it would be fun to catch a kids' show there. Buffalo State has the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium too. Maybe some of our viewers can help you out with some other activities.
In other words - go to Rochester and take them to the Strong! None of the things listed above can touch it. The mirrored room? - yeah that will kill about 3 minutes!
In other words go to Rochester and take them to the Strong Museum. Nothing here can touch it for children. The mirrored room? Yeah that will kill about 3 minutes.
My sister takes her 5-year-old boys to the Science Museum. There's lots of hands-on activities for young kids. Isn't there a Fisher-Price Toy Museum in East Aurora?
How about:
The Buffalo Museum of Science...
or
Fisher Price's TOY TOWN MUSEUM in East Aurora...
or
Show them Niagara Falls....
or
Chuckie Cheese
or
go Sledding...
My sister takes her 5-year-old boys to the Science Museum. There's lots of hands-on activities for young kids. Isn't there a Fisher-Price Toy Museum in East Aurora?
Sally, when will you ever come out from under your rock?
Anywhere there is color and sound can work wonders for these little ones. All the mentions above are t-rific! Does anyone know what the status is on the Mudpies Museum over by the Michigan Corridor?
Sure, the glass room may only be for 15 minutes or so, but the rest of the modern art can really grab a toddler's attention.
I'm calling my old neighbor who had to move due to a transfer (they regret the move, BTW) she had a 2 year old and was always going somewhere with him - she never was a loss for events and places. Sign in later with the info.
Buffalo Zoo
The toy museum is only the size of a small apartment. Hardly enough to keep one occupied very long. I guess the obvious is even the best answers - Toy Museum and Niagara Falls are outside of Buffalo. The taxidermy... I mean science museum is ratty.
Sally please move away
Isn't there an Explore And More museum similar to strong just smaller in East Aurora Is that the same as teh Fisher Price thing?
My favorite memories from a kid in Buffalo were playing on the ice over the small boat harbor, bike rides along the river, the mirror room. It might only be one room but it is a memory that lasts forever.
How about just letting them run around with a ball or frisbee in the park. Kids are not so needy that they need to have fun provided for them. Give them space and sticks and the're happy to just get muddy. Or has terrorism ruined outdoor activities unless in an organized sport supervised by soccer moms.
In all the time that I have spent reading this blog/site-- since the beginning, I have never so constantly come across such a negative and pathetic commentater/personage as this 'sally.'
If you want Broadway ms. sally, then go to the City, if you want the real deal, get a better attitude. Yours is bloody sad and nearly seditious.
PS: Having taken my own two toddlers to the Strong, its cute and all, but doesn't spark the imagination as playing at castle and princesses in Delaware park does.
It's January, you can only let a little one run around outside for so long. A trip to the Niagara Falls Aquarium can be fun. It wasn't what I used to remember it as, but my 2 year old recently had a great time there.
What about the Tonawanda Aquatic Center? Even if you're not a resident maybe it'd be fun to take the kids swimming if they have open swimming.
The Zoo is definately a great time, and bigger than the Rochester zoo. Even on a cold day you can go into the buildings and check out the animals in there to warm up.
If they're in town on a Sabres game day you can go to the arena and watch them practice in the morning (at least i believe they've said game day morning practices are open to the public).
Head up to the top of city hall for a good view.
A trip to any of the malls is always fun.. even if not buying anything a kid is excited to be walking around and seeing people.
Visit any pet store to look at all the animals. We can't drive past any pet store without my son being excited and demanding to stop.
A few things I've done with my son when visiting Buffalo from Rochester.
Ice skating at Fountain Plaza, a movie at the Market Arcade cinema, and snacks at Sweet Tooth. You could even park in Allentown, and take the subway down a stop to the Theater District or to Fountain Plaza. Delaware Park and the Tift Nature Preserve are also good suggestions. The zoo, art gallery, science museum, and historical society. How about walking around the Japanese Garden? Then take them to Niagara Falls or maybe Dave and Buster (or whatever that game place is at Eastern Hills). Front Park, LaSalle Park, or that skateboard park in Riverside. How about rollerskating or bowling? We have gyms with swimming pools and the YMCA in North Buffalo. Go across the bridge to Canada and have Chinese Food with a view of Buffalo's skyline and the Peace Bridge. Too bad it's Winter, because Buffalo has tons to do any time of the year, but in the Summer it's magnificent. I thought of all these things, and I don't even have kids. If your sister still can't find anything for them to do after all that, then maybe she should put them up for adoption.
Sally, if you don't like or find Buffalo interesting maybe you should find another forum. Most of us read BRO because we like what Buffalo has to offer, not Rochester.
The Botanical Gardens would be good also, especially if they still have the dinosaur topiaries and the model trains. Plus, it's warm inside.
I vote for as much time outside as possible. I believe that children can really see much more in natural wonders than us hardened realistic adults and the more they do at that age the more likely they will be to cherish it as they grow up. That makes entertainment simple. I really enjoy pointing out new plants and animals I see around the city and in the country to my niece, who's almost two. Make sure you bring some sunflower seed to Tifft Nature Preserve, the chickadees will eat it right out of your hand.
Take a walk through Delware Park and maybe around the Lake and then stop at the playground near the rose garden. Nothing is better for little kids than playing outside!
You can also check out the Mirrored room in the Albright. Even though some think it only lasts a few minutes to step inside - the memories will last a lifetime for the kids! It is just so cool and magical for kids.
You could take a short walk down Elmwood (little kids get tired pretty quick), get a bite to eat (some Kids friendly places to eat: Globe Market, Acropolis, Spot) and stop at one of the great candy/dessert shops after. I bet everyone has a great time!
Depending on what days they are in town, there is "free Skating" at Buffalo State on weekends. Call to check times. Rental skates are avaialble for children.
Guaranteed to delight small children - take them to Forest Lawn and go to the Mirror Lake. They will love seeing all of the birds and they will be able to run outside and play. I bring my kids to Forest Lawn to collect pine cones. They love it! Bring a bag for collecting the pine cones.
Hope that helps.
the science museum is great- little ones especially enjoy the large portion of the thrid (?) floor for wee campers. outside of that, hands down explore and more (a fifteen minute drive outside of the city) is THE best place to take kids under 5. it's inexpensive and mindblowing. everything is hands-on and kid-proof. they even have a little eating nook so that you can pack your own lunch. though the pictures don't do it justice, you must check out their site-
http://www.exploreandmore.org/
If it is really cold outside, you can check out the Butterfly Conservatory up in Canada - pretty short drive (20 Minutes?). It is really warm and humid inside which is great during a cold winter's day. The butterflies fly freely through the area. It is recommended that you wear bright clothes if you want the butterflies to land on you. Kids LOVE it!
www.niagaraparks.com
Ask most in WNY and they can tell you aobut their first time in the mirror room, most likely on a field trip to the ABK. Forget you Sally!
There is an adult / preschool skate every weekday at the Pepsi Arena in Amherst and they have little "walkers" that preschool skaters can use to skate around without falling down. Kids love it. Also, I've heard that the golf dome has indoor miniature golf. I have not been yet, but friends have told me it's great for a rainy day. I think Explore and More is only fun for very small children. My kids love the science museum -- especially the room with the toys. They can stay there for hours.
how about dropping them off at Sally's house....oh nevermind, that isn't much fun.
I'm not giving up on Sally. I almost fell off my chair last week when she made two very positive comments in a row! I remember thinking to myself - she's turning a corner. Atta girl! One step at a time.
Botanical Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Botanical Gardens, and then across the street to OLV (for the parents).
I had exactly the same thoughts as Sally. When my boys were almost 3 and younger, watching the skaters at the rink would have sucked. This post highlights the fact that this sight does absolutely nothing to serve families that live in the city. Buffalite always had great posts for families. Where is she?
Observation Deck at the top of City Hall, if it isn't closed for repairs.
Metro Rail. I am serious. How many kids get to experience a subway?
Bicycle Museum in Orchard Park.
Take them skating them. They have equiptment that makes it safe for toddlers to skate. Like anything, it's there if you want it --- unfortunately, most want just to complain instead.
I noticed a lot of people talking about things outside the city. Are we actually thinking regionally???
What about the "Science Spot" on Elmwood?
Family Series concerts at the BPO (with instrument zoo beforehand!)
and walk/bike/sled/snowshoe in one of the parks, ski at Kissing Bridge, Historical society, Wilcox Mansion (teddy bears), there are art actvities for kids at the A-K too. Free Sat. movies at Shea's, take them to a great movie downtown, then Sweet Tooth for ice cream.
I don't think sally really hates buffalo but she just hasn't experienced it the way that other people on this site have. Which for the most part is the norm in the region; Most people still hate buffalo and think it should be bulldozed from end to end. This site is here to promote and show that there are lots of things to do and to check them out. The problem with this site is that it is cyberspace and you don't know if anyone actual tries to change their viewpoint or if they just watch TV all day and still never experience what Buffalo has to offer. I wish I knew sally then we could go for a walk around and show that this isn't the worst place on the planet. I have done it before with other friends who had the same attitude. Most will totally change their perspective about Buffalo but at the very least they understand the city better and realize it isn't such a hole that they last thought. Although they rarely will admit to it and still jump a the first chance to make that negative comment, but change is slow when your told your whole like that someplace sucks it takes more than just the blogs from strangers on a website to change your view. Ok enough about that back to the topic at hand.
I remembered a few other places that stuck out from my childhood memories
The subway... I remember riding the subway from Amherst downtown all the time with my grandpa. I have NO IDEA what we did after i got off the train no memories there, but I vividly remember enjoying the train ride down. trying to stand and falling over, seeing what I could peak at out the windows in the tunnel. It was fun. And the burst of colors at the end really stands out.
Parkside candies. Every half day my grandfather would pick me up from school and we would go get a sub on Main Street *mikes which is closed) and go to Parkside candies for some ice cream or sponge candy. Walking into that place is like walking into the past, the smell alone kids love, and there are tons of things for them to look at and the hot fudge Sunday is easily my favorite in the city. Any REAL candy shop will do for this fun evening. Condrels (sp) on Delaware, sweet tooth, (although doesn't have that old school candy shop feel) There used to be one on Bailey that we would walk to as kids also... It was always a good time what kid doesn't like candy. You can even take the subway to the candy shop, what an adventure that would be.
hope it helps,
dt buff - I love this area, but to suggest that a visit to the mirroed room or the tiny East Aurora Toy Museum is on par with the Strong museum, which is by the way the second largest childrens museum in North America and is also home to the Toy Hall of Fame, is just ludicrous. Buffalonians should not be ashamed to admit that there is one thing in Rochester that Buffalo cannot match. It is also interesting to note that almost all of the real suggestions listed for things to do in Buffalo are actually in the suburbs or Niagara County. Which from reading this blog was I thought was tantamount to visiting hell to the self important "elmwood types" that populate the comments and writings here.
Diggin it: The Butterfly conservatory at the newly expanded Strong Museum is better than the one in NF Ont. And yes i have been to both within the last year with my children.
OMYGOD PEOPLE! CHESTNUT RIDGE!
I LOVE that place in the winter. Sledded myself to exhaustion, loved the sleigh ride, drank hot cocco until it came out my ears. And that was only yesterday!
On a side note...my parents always took to me to every museum, gallery, zoo, place to see since before I could walk and they are still some of the strongest memories I have. My favorite was the Science Museum and wouldn't ya know....I'm a biologist!
Check out www.eastaurora.org
Enjoy what the area has to offer and they have a pretty neat site too!
Well, Sally, you seem to have opened up a big can of worms (which can also amuse kids!). The replies to your dilema certainly point out one of the outstanding problems with this region and Buffalo in particular. We all seem to want more activity here, more visitors to boost the economy, more recognition, etc, etc. You may not know it, but you have touched on the probable single biggest hindrance to the success of our area. Here goes the big spiel.........
The greatest boon to Buffalo in the future could be from the number of outside vistors that we can attract. Yes, there will be some "cultural tourists"--adults wanting the Albright, Burchfield, Wright, and Co. experience. They are a small-to-medium size group, mostly adult, and hardy bunch who will suffer greatly to see these things. Some gain here, but no cigar.
What, then, is the goal? What measure do we use to aim for and judge success? Well, Sally has hit the nail on the head. Success will come when people ask about taking the family to Buffalo and the answer goes......"Are you kidding? You can go to Buffalo with the whole family and do stuff for days and days! They have several art galleries, they have the old Richardson complex set up as a visitor center with media shows about Buffalo history and architecture, they have the old hockey arena turned into a vast collection of stuff surplus to the Science Museum, Art Galleriy, and Historical Society with emphasis on family visitors and interactive displays. They even have a satellite of the Strong Museum in this place. There is a transportation museum in the old train station.......and mini buses ferry visitors all over to get to these places. And hotels?.....several big and several boutique places close to the parks and many of the museums. And food?.........some areas (Hertel and Elamwood) will send a van to hotels to pick up guests and take them to the best eating strips. Buffalo is like Baltimore now--an older city that had bottomed out and decided to put together a critcal mass of Convention Center, waterfront activities, historical sites, a variety of art/history/transportation museums, vistor centers with multi displays for all ages, lots of variety in hotels, and rides between places. Now you can bring the family, see a lot and stay a while."
Until we think like this and knock down the barriers to these critical masses of attraction-accomodation-transportation, we will be backwater to the nation and the economy. Cool shops and awsome bars aside, Buffalo needs to grow up and see some cause and effect with regard to who comes here and why. It is a central urgency, second only (and maybe first) to job creation (which it certainly encompases).
sure the mirror room may only take a few minutes, but when I saw that photo on the post it brought back memories of when I was in there as a kid...thanks for posting it!
one thing I'd like to mention thats fun for kids (but isn't happening until the end of august) is toyfest in east aurora. it's a weekend-long celebration consisting of parades, carnival rides, games, and tons of fisher price toys setup for free use in hamlin park. it's pretty much a kids paradise.
Sounds like little East Aurora offers much more for family's todo than Buffalo - how sad.
If they'll be here this Friday, go to Gusto at the Gallery. It's free and this week will be a kids' music celebration! Make music with the teachers/kids from Community Music School, watch kids perform, participate in an open drum circle...you can't beat it! And...did I mention it's free??? I think it gets started at 5.
Not sure if there are any winter hours, but when kids are invloved, a trip to the Naval park, through the ships and submarine will leave the kids chatting for hours about it. A lot of "remember when we.." will follow. And you can't really break anything in those steel monsters.
The most important things for kids is to just let them be kids. People act like they have to take them to big fancy attractions and spend money, when the reality is you just have to put them into an environment where the can be "free". Free to run around, explore, make noise, use thier imagination, and burn themselves out from it.
Back when I was married, my step son was 3 and walked through short hills park for 2.5 hours without a complaint. Always wanting to run ahead to see what is around the next corner of the trail. His mom pooped out before he did. Or everynight after dinner we would walk to a nearby store for a small treat, lettinghim choose the way there. They really do enjoy the simple things, especially when they feel like they are in the lead.
Start at the zoo, then stroll through Delaware park letting them run wild on the way to the Albright to see the mirrors. They should tired out enough to enjoy the mirrors without bouncing off them.
Crammin kids into the car, walking into a building of structured exhibits, then back into the car and home is an underwhelming experience for them. Set them free. The less boundaries around them, the more fun they will have, and the less you will keep having to "settle them down". They may even develop an aprreciation for a livable environment instead of feeling trapped in the unfullfilling ass in front of the TV, in a car, etc environment.
As for sally her "Sounds like little East Aurora offers much more for family's todo than Buffalo - how sad." I'm all for dissenting opinions, but statements like this of complaining just to complain is what is sad. Like a lathargic older sibling putting down thier younger ones, just to discourage them from ever trying to accomplish the things they neve had the effort or vision to themselves. Or knocking them down because they can somehow enjoy the simple pleasures in life, while the older one is trapped in some chase to paradise that leaves them empty. Take a breath. Enjoy your life.
it's not really sad at all because I don't want Buffalo to be known for promoting a family atmosphere....this city is about grit..blood and guts...the Buffalo Bills..chicken wings...beer. If you want it safe and happy...go to East Aurora. Just don't knock Buffalo for keeping it real
also sounds like Bass Pro would solve this dilemma.
Buffalo Child Friendly Attactions include:
The African-American Cultural Center
350 Masten Ave.
Paul Robeson Theatre, AACC Dance & Drum Company, Art and more.
www.africancultural.org
716-884-2013
Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society
25 Nottingham Court off Elmwood Ave.
Great displays of old Main St. in 1870, Rotating exhbibts.
716-873-9644
www.bechs.org
Buffalo Fire Historical Museum
1850 William St.
View real old-time Buffalo history with firemans related items dating back to the 1850's.
716-892-8400
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway
Exhibit about "SNOW" going on right now. Fossils, Water-life, Mummy's oh my.
716-896-5200/ 1-866-291-6660
www.buffalomuseumofscience.org
Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum
263 Michigan Ave. @ Seneca St.
Featuring automobiles made in WNY from 1903-early 1960's.
716-853-0084
www.pierce-arrow.com
Buffalo Zoo
300 Parkside Ave.
Exotic and domestic animals in one setting (indoor and out door)
716-837-3900
www.buffalozoo.org
Lower Lakes Marine Historical Society Museum
66 Erie St. (Behind the Dun Building)
Extensive collection of maritime history related to the creation of the Erie Canal and the 130-year history of Boat building in Buffalo.
716-849-0914
Science Spot
811 Elmwood Ave. @ Auburn
Family interative fun with science
Contact: 716-896-5200
Of course there is also the Albright-Knox Art Gallery on Elmwood Ave. Many museums outside the city limits and beyone. For more info, log onto: www.GoBuffaloNiagara.com for more ideas on Family Fun and more.
sally,
Take some prozac and move away.....
Why not stop at Buffalo Visitor Center, located in the Market Arcade Bldg. at 617 Main St. Downtown Buffalo? They have all sorts of brochures for local attractions. The staff at the center can also make suggestions and look up different schedules for you.
You can call them at 1-800-BUFFALO.
The visitor center hours of operation are Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm and on Saturday from 10am - 2pm.
I have an almost 3 year old and we always have things to do with her! Our favorites are: Science Museum--Wee Explorers Area; Explore & More in E. Aurora; and Barnes & Noble on NF Blvd which has kids' activities and storytimes nearly every day. Literacy Volunteers also hosts storytimes at the Historical Society on Thursday mornings and at the Merriweather Library on Friday mornings. There is also a magazine called WNY Family that offers lots of info on things going on. Finally, I am nearly 9 months pregnant and hence quite exhausted so this is a little bit of cheating but my daughter LOVES the play area and merry go-round at the Boulevard Mall. Come to think of it, there is a kids playland at the Summit Park Mall too and a play place called Monkey Around in East Amherst.
Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum in North Tonawanda! Great fun.
Oops - the carrousel museum is closed until April. Never mind.
That's right -- if you don't think everything in Buffalo is just great as is, get out! And if anyone suggests there is anything worth doing outside the city limits, expect to be tarred and feathered! (Maybe THAT will attract some cultural tourists) Where is the line between appreciating where you live and becoming obnoxiously self-absorbed with your head shoved deep in the sand?
All the comments about the many things to do above prove Sally wrong. There is an abundance of things for families to do in Buffalo.
A great place for little ones is the Aquarium of Niagara Falls. It IS small, but for little kids, it is GREAT! When my daughter was 2, we took her there and she had a wonderful time. She still talks about "Julie" the sea lion. Also, right across the bridge is the Butterfly Conservatory. That is a wonderful place to visit. We also love a day at Barnes & Noble, Puddleduck or Clayton's in Williamsville, and the Clarence Library is "made" for kids. They have an awesome reading area that looks like a jungle gym, and also they have computers for little ones. There are beautiful rocking horses and other animals, and there isn't an expectation for the kids to not look at books. There are toy boxes and toy boxes just FULL of books for the kids to peruse. We DO love the Fisher Price Toy Store, the explore & more museum, the children's wing of the Albright Knox, and of course, the theater. Please remember though, it's not the "things" your children will remember, as much as the experience of spending time with their parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. You could have a carpet picnic in your own living room for goodness sakes!