Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and Around Buffalo - 2020
2020's Winners: Best for Kids in the Buffalo / Erie / Niagara region!
The best places to take kids in Buffalo, Erie County, and the Niagara Region of New York, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey.
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Buffalo Zoo
Throughout the year, the Buffalo Zoo offers guests fascinating animal exhibits, naturalistic wildlife habitats, beautiful garden areas and several unique areas in which to enjoy an environment that is full of fun, adventure and history. The Buffalo Zoo is open daily rain or shine!
Explore & More Children's Museum
Built on the historic footprint of the terminus of the Erie Canal, the all-new Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum sits at the crossroads between canals and bridges that have become year-round community destinations on the city’s waterfront at Canalside. This totally unique location makes it the perfect place to learn about the region’s roots as an innovative port at the turn of the century, while using hands-on play to spark the imagination of the next generation of great minds.
Kelkenberg Farm of Clarence
Kelkenberg Farm of Clarence provides fun and memories for all ages year-round. We are a real livestock and horse farm; visit animals up close, pony rides, horse and tractor drawn hayrides, farm market and U-pick. There is fun for everyone every season of the year. Hug baby animals in spring, pick sunflowers in summer, pumpkin pickin’ in fall, sleigh rides in winter,. Come for your birthday, with your school, for pumpkins, or just for fun.
Rolly Pollies
Rolly Pollies is a children’s gym with 3 locations throughout Western New York. For 15 years, Rolly Pollies has specialized in offering developmental gym classes for children ages 4 months thru 9 years old and an Open Play schedule you can count on. In addition to baby and me, toddler, preschool, and school aged gym classes, Rolly Pollies offers active and engaging themed Summer Camp programs, and WNY's best family-friendly Birthday Parties!
Billy Beez Walden Galleria, Buffalo, NY
Billy Beez is the ultimate indoor play park for kids and kids-at-heart! Our 20,000* sq. ft. play parks offer a variety of features and activities, from slides to sports courts, tunnels to towers, ball blasters to bouncy trampolines, adventure is always right around the corner at Billy Beez. The park is ideal for all ages, including infants, toddlers, adults and every age in between.
Voted best birthday party place, choose from one of our award-winning packages which includes our Private Party Room, with anywhere from 90-120 minutes of catered or non-catered customizable add-on options. Your upcoming celebration will truly WOW all of your party guests.
Billy Beez is the park that they’ll ask for by name.
Erie County Fair
A summertime tradition in WNY! Located in Hamburg, NY, the Erie County Fair is produced annually by the Erie County Agricultural Society, a not-for-profit membership organization. Join us August 12-23, 2021 to celebrate the Best 12 Days of Summer. From its roots as a traditional county fair, the fair has grown to feature a half million dollars in free entertainment, rows of shopping vendors, classic to wild and crazy foods, as well as thousands of events from livestock shows to demonstrations and competitions across the grounds. Visit ECFair.org.
My local library
Of course, the libraries in the Buffalo area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them to the best places to take kids this year!
Buffalo Museum of Science
The Buffalo Museum of Science is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to the study and interpretation of the natural and physical sciences. BMS offers traveling exhibits, a 3D cinema and permanent exhibit halls, including our hands-on early childhood gallery, Explorations, and the new interactive health science studio, Explore YOU presented by Independent Health. Our museum offers free parking and is handicapped accessible.
JCC of Greater Buffalo
At the JCC of Greater Buffalo, we seek to inspire thought, drive innovation and create new possibilities for you and your family. Come experience the one-of-a-kind warm embrace that the JCC has to offer!
Fort Niagara
Standing on a bluff above Lake Ontario not far from Niagara Falls, Old Fort Niagara has dominated the entrance to the Niagara River since 1726.
Canalside
Canalside is a growing regional destination and entertainment district, situated on 21 historic acres along downtown Buffalo’s emerging waterfront on the Buffalo River.
Olcott Beach Carousel Park
In the shadow of Olcott’s famous Lighthouse is a wonderful vintage amusement park. It features a 1928 style Hershell-Spillman two row carousel. Five vintage kiddie rides, and a wonderful 1931 Wurlitzer band organ. Opens for the season Memorial Day Weekend. Open weekends in June and Wednesdays - Sunday July - Labor Day.
Aquarium of Niagara
The mission of the Aquarium of Niagara is to broaden the public’s awareness of aquatic ecosystems. With our community and partners, we celebrate our natural wonders and inspire people to make a difference for aquatic life.
Buffalo Bisons
The Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Come out to Coca-Cola Field in spring and summer for the absolute best quality sports and family entertainment experience and value in town!
Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
Hidden Valley Animal Adventure is located in Varysburg, NY and was founded by Hans Boxler in 2006. The company allows customers to experience the wild game and other exotic animals by taking a guided tour through the park, where you will be able to interact with over 200 animals, feeding them right out of your hands.
Lasertron
Entertainment Center with LASERTRON, Cyber Sport, Mini-Golf, Extreme Big Wheels & Arcade. Specializing in Birthday Parties and Group Events. Open Thursday - Sunday. Available for Private Events Monday - Wednesday.
Darien Lake Amusement Park
New York State's Coaster Capital, and Western New York's #1 Family Fun Destination!
Allegany State Park
Gorgeous and amenity laden, the park is divided into two areas - Red House and Quaker - both located in Salamanca.
Becker Farms and Vizcarra Vineyards
Becker Farms and Vizcarra Vineyards is a family owned 340 acre working fruit and vegetable farm. Pick your own apples, pumpkins, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, & raspberries. Also has a Community Supported Agriculture Program (CSA)! Farm animal petting zoo open all season. Educational tours. Pumpkin Fiesta, kids activities weekends in September and October.
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are Western New York's National Hockey League team. Their season runs October-April and they play at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in six categories. Here were their choices.Favorite Place to Have Fun INSIDE
Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's MuseumBuilt on the historic footprint of the terminus of the Erie Canal, the all-new Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum sits at the crossroads between canals and bridges that have become year-round community destinations on the city’s waterfront at Canalside. This totally unique location makes it the perfect place to learn about the region’s roots as an innovative port at the turn of the century, while using hands-on play to spark the imagination of the next generation of great minds.
Favorite Place to Have Fun OUTSIDE
Buffalo ZooThroughout the year, the Buffalo Zoo offers guests fascinating animal exhibits, naturalistic wildlife habitats, beautiful garden areas and several unique areas in which to enjoy an environment that is full of fun, adventure and history. The Buffalo Zoo is open daily rain or shine!
Favorite Kid-Friendly Museum
Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's MuseumBuilt on the historic footprint of the terminus of the Erie Canal, the all-new Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum sits at the crossroads between canals and bridges that have become year-round community destinations on the city’s waterfront at Canalside. This totally unique location makes it the perfect place to learn about the region’s roots as an innovative port at the turn of the century, while using hands-on play to spark the imagination of the next generation of great minds.
Favorite Performing Arts
Shea's Performing Arts CenterShea’s Performing Arts Center started out in 1926 as a movie theater built by Michael Shea. Today, we are a campus compromised of three theaters here in the Buffalo Theatre District, intent on bringing the best of live performance through touring productions and local collaborations to Western New York.
Favorite Nature Center
Tifft Nature PreserveTifft Nature Preserve is a 264-acre nonprofit nature refuge dedicated to conservation and environmental education. Tifft provides educational programming and exciting public events all year round!
Favorite Farm (agri-entertainment)
Kelkenberg Farm of ClarenceKelkenberg Farm of Clarence provides fun and memories for all ages year-round. We are a real livestock and horse farm; visit animals up close, pony rides, horse and tractor drawn hayrides, farm market and U-pick. There is fun for everyone every season of the year. Hug baby animals in spring, pick sunflowers in summer, pumpkin pickin’ in fall, sleigh rides in winter,. Come for your birthday, with your school, for pumpkins, or just for fun.
Favorite Professional Sports Team
Buffalo BillsFor over six decades, the Buffalo Bills have been a staple in the Western New York community. One of the National Football League’s 32 franchises, the team’s storied history and rich traditions have been enjoyed by fans of all ages for generations. Located on Abbott Road in Orchard Park, the Bills offer an unmatched game day experience, complete with activities fit for the whole family. For more information, visit buffalobills.com.
Favorite Arts Education Program/Center
Academy of Theatre ArtsAcademy of Theatre Arts and the ATA Theatre is a FULL TIME YEAR ROUND theatre venue in Western New York created and designed solely for the development and training of children and young adults in the genres of acting, vocal performance and musical theatre dance. Dedicated to enriching young lives, ATA provides an extensive year-long program for anyone between the ages of 3 and 18 who has an interest and passion for theatre arts, public speaking and just having a good time.
Favorite Sports Education Program/Center
Rolly PolliesRolly Pollies is a children’s gym with 3 locations throughout Western New York. For 15 years, Rolly Pollies has specialized in offering developmental gym classes for children ages 4 months thru 9 years old and an Open Play schedule you can count on. In addition to baby and me, toddler, preschool, and school aged gym classes, Rolly Pollies offers active and engaging themed Summer Camp programs, and WNY's best family-friendly Birthday Parties!
