Kid-friendly museums in and around Buffalo
Which museums are best for kids?
The Buffalo - Niagara area has great kid-friendly museums, both those designed specifically for kids and those that are family-friendly. Museums are GREAT places to expand horizons, inspire, ignite curiosity, dazzle the senses, and spend a few hours taking it all in. Some are hands-on, some have delicious restaurants, most have gift shops, and ALL are excited for you and your family to pay them a visit! Check out our Big List of area museums below.
If there is an attraction that we have missed in our list below, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it promptly. Thank you!
Additional Resources:
Tips For Visiting A Not-Necessarily-For-Kids Museum
7 Tips For Visiting Art Museums With Kids
Genesee Country Village & Nature Center
Just 25 minutes from downtown Rochester, history, art, and nature come alive at the largest and most comprehensive living history museum in New York State. Genesee Country Village & Museum is open for Winter Weekends, Saturdays and Sundays in January, February, and March. Visitors can explore 600+ acres via cross-country skis or snowshoes, view several open Historic Village houses, sled down the Great Meadow hill, and visit the Nature Center and Art Gallery for exhibits, talks, and more. Visit gcv.org for more information.
Buffalo Museum of Science
Discover why the Buffalo Museum of Science was voted one of the “Best Place to Take Kids in the Buffalo” by KidsOutandAbout.com and “Favorite Museum” by the Buffalo News readers!
From exhibits that captivate, to a staff that guides, to a collection that inspires, the Buffalo Museum of Science is about perpetuating the amazing question of why in all who walk our halls.
Visit Seymour mastodon, feel hurricane-force winds, build and test race cars, get up close to hundreds of insects, make interstellar discoveries, hone your senses through exploration in SensERIE, and so much more! Check our web calendar for special programs and events throughout the year.
Aquarium of Niagara
Dive into a world of wonder at the Aquarium of Niagara—where marine magic meets hands-on discovery! Perfect for families and kids of all ages, the aquarium is home to over 120 species, including playful penguins, mesmerizing jellyfish, and rescued seals and sea lions. Daily animal presentations, interactive touch pools, and behind-the-scenes encounters offer unforgettable ways to learn about aquatic life and conservation. Whether you're watching a sea lion training session or exploring the brand-new Great Lakes 360 exhibit, every visit is packed with excitement and education. Located just steps from Niagara Falls, the Aquarium of Niagara is a must-see destination for your next family adventure!
