When I think of Buffalo, New York, I automatically think of Niagara Falls. The majestic falls that has captured everyone’s attention for centuries. No trip to the area is complete without a visit to the Niagara Falls State Park. But the Queen City has quite a story that extends beyond its association with the Falls. The city was a the location for an American military headquarters, and was a bustling port during the Civil War. It is also the birthplace of the Buffalo chicken wings, and home to multiple professional sports teams. Needless to say, there is a lot to see and do when visiting the city.
What to Pack
Packing for this trip all depends on the time of year you plan to visit. However, one highly recommended item is a pair of water resistant shoes with good support and grip. These will come in handy for up close encounter activities at the Niagara Falls State Park.
Also recommended, is a pair of shoes you can take on a hike and can get dirty (you will see why later on in this post). And a foldable insulated tote to take for a picnic at the Niagara Falls State Park.
Finally, if you are flying in and traveling with small children, bring a car seat. Here is why.
Buffalo Airport is ideal for its proximity to the Falls. But it is small. My family and I booked a flight from Miami, Florida to Buffalo, New York. We packed fairly light and did not check-in any car seats. We only took a couple of light umbrella strollers and the Kids Fly Safe child airplane travel safety harnesses. Upon our arrival, we went to pick up our rental car. There we were advised there were no car seats available. I had to nervously sit in the back of the rental car with my children while my husband drove us to the closest Target in search of some boosters.
TIP: Call the car rental location ahead of time to make sure the carseats are included in your reservation if you need them. Another two options, simply check-in your own or buy a new one that can pull double duty. There are plenty of FAA approved carseats that are now available for both airplane and automobiles. Do some research to make sure you get the right one that is approved for both.
Now that you are aware of the city’s small airport limitations, let’s see what the Buffalo area has to offer.
Day 1 Niagara Falls
“Fred Olmsted sat at the edge of the stagecoach seat, chattering to his father about their trip. How exciting to see the towns and forests of western New York! Suddenly, Fred stopped talking. That roar in the distance could only be one thing. Niagara Falls!”
Julie Dunlap
Any trip to Buffalo, New York should start at Niagara Falls State Park. It is a 400-acre property that lures more than 8 million visitors every year!
Did you know that the same person who designed New York’s Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted, also designed the Niagara Falls State Park in the 1800s –the first state park in the United States of America? It is thanks to him and other notable figures that we have the beautiful park we enjoy today. Thankfully, the park was specifically designed to offer visitors a place of respite with unobstructed views of the magnificent waterfalls. For this reason and more, Niagara Falls takes center stage in the upstate New York area.
So, start your day with a bountiful breakfast, then head on over to Niagara Falls State Park. If driving, park in Parking Lot 2 where you will be closest to the Cave of Winds.
If you are visiting in the months between May and October, be sure to purchase your tickets and reservations for the Cave of Winds at the Cave of Winds Plaza as soon as you park. Why emphasize May to October? The attraction is re-built every year!
Cave of the Winds provides visitors the opportunity to experience the Bridal Veil Falls from the Niagara Gorge through a series of wood steps and viewing platforms. Here, you can feel the force of the torrent water, a vivid reminder of nature’s power and grandiosity, and our small place within the world. The potent rush of the water is mesmerizing and the sound of their roar hypnotic. It is a truly close-up encounter — wear slip-resistant water shoes!
TIP: Arrive early! The Cave of Winds attraction is very popular and has a timed entry. The Niagara Falls State Park is open 24/7 daily. So, you may be able to beat the crowds to secure your reservation. You do not want to miss this activity.
After you have dried off a bit, hop on the Niagara Scenic Trolley. The trolley will take you to your destination while providing information on the history of the Falls. Make the stop at Tarrapin Point observation area for some great views of Horseshoe Falls. Follow it up with another trolley ride to Three Sisters Island — a beautiful set of islands connected by pedestrian bridges consisting of meandering trails, picnic spots and perfect photo ops.
TIP: Bring packed lunch for a family picnic on Three Sisters Island. Enjoy the surroundings while saving time and money. Top of the Falls Restaurant has beautiful views, but not worth it — in my opinion.
Get ready to experience the power of the Falls within the safety of a boat, Maid of the Mist. See birds soaring overhead, hear the sounds of the roaring water, and feel the sensation of mist on your skin. Despite its brevity — a 20-minute ride– the experience is unforgettable.
After the boat ride, take in the vastness of the Falls from the Observation Tower. Snap plenty of photos!
To learn more about the Niagara Falls history and the science behind it, visit Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. Just a few steps away, is the Aquarium of Niagara, a marine rescue facility the kids will appreciate.
Now, ready yourself for international travel! Time to traverse the Niagara River gorge with a walk across the Rainbow Bridge to Ontario, Canada. I say walk because it offers visitors a chance to take their time and see the whole of Niagara Falls from a different angle. Of course, you can drive across too.
Once in Ontario, pick up a snack and purchase the Niagara Shuttle ticket. From the shuttle, get off at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. The glass-enclosed butterfly conservation is a memorable experience that immerses the visitor into a tropical environment with more than 2,000 colorful butterflies freely circulating the area. Amazing!
Or, if you prefer, stop by the Botanical Garden for a stroll through the 99 acres of blooming landscapes. You can also check out the Floral Showhouse.
Before heading back to the States, try to squeeze in some time for a firsthand look at the Floral Clock. It is both a beautiful and intriguing display.
Finally, set out for dinner right across the state park at the Hard Rock Cafe, and finish the evening with a stroll along Old Falls Street.
Day 2 Delaware Park Area
What is there to do in Buffalo aside from visiting Niagara Falls? Lots!
Begin your morning with a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, a National Historic Landmark built in 1905. The estate’s buildings feature distinctive detailed brickwork, elaborate geometric light screens, and building materials inspired by nature. It is an ode to organic architecture.
There are multiple tours available of various lengths and depth. Can small children enjoy it too? Yes! Mine sure did. I love history and architecture, so I share it with my children.
Expose children to these experiences such as tours. It is a great opportunity for them to learn about the subject matter, acceptable behavior, applying listening skills, and asking questions. It is not an easy task as they can get squirmy, but it can be done.
TIP: Before going on a tour, make sure your child has a full belly, and has gone to the restroom. You may also want to bring a small toy to keep them busy if they start to fuss.
Just two blocks away is the Buffalo Zoo. This is a fantastic visit that is loads of fun for the kids. The zoo is one of the oldest in the United States that has a history dating back to the 1800s. With a focus on conservation and awareness, there is much for kids to enjoy and learn. There is food conveniently available on site with items such as burgers, fries, hot dogs, pizza and ice cream.
After the zoo, take a drive to the Forest Lawn Historic Cemetery. The 269-acre parcel dating back to the 1800s is the final resting place of many well-known figures including the first female member of the American Institute of Architects, Louise Bethune. The property is listed in New York State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Situated within the Forest Lawn property is the Blue Sky Mausoleum made famous by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright for its out of the ordinary mausoleum design. The concept is different in that it is open to the natural environment and is in harmony with its surroundings.
Lastly, finish with an evening in Elmwood Village where you can stroll the Strip, stop in the small shops and have a savory dinner in one of the many restaurants.
DAY 3 Museums and Gardens
Continue exploring Buffalo with a family visit to the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park. So much to do here! The Park offers visitors the chance to walk through multiple historic WWII marine vessels including a submarine listed in the National Register of Historic Places. There are also exhibits, monuments, and more to explore. Give yourself at least a couple of hours to see it all.
Following the Naval and Military Park, drive over to Larkin Square. Depending on when you visit, you may find the urban park bustling with activity and food trucks. After, spend your afternoon at Canalside’s Central Wharf and take a stroll on the Boardwalk. You can also get some ice cream for the family at Clinton’s Dish at Canalside.
Next, visit Buffalo Museum of Science. The museum’s concept started back in the late 1800s, but the building opened in the 1920s. Note, make sure to look up the museum’s hours of operations prior to visiting.
For the last stop of the day, visit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. The gardens are absolutely beautiful and worth your while; we really loved this one.
Day 4 Hikes and Forts
On your last day in Buffalo, start with an early morning hike in Chestnut Ridge County Park. Eternal Flame Falls Trail is a unique trail about half a mile long that leads you to a natural phenomenon — a flame behind cascading waters lit by methane gas emitted from the rocks. A portion of the hike is along the creek, so beware, your shoes will get muddy. It is a fairly moderate trail but is easy enough that can be walked by small children. We completed the hike with our own kids and loved it! There is sufficient signage and nearby parking. Note, when we went the flame was lit, but I have read if it is out upon your arrival, simply use a lighter.
When you are done hiking, clean up your shoes (or change them), and drive to Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historical Site.
Lastly, end the trip with a visit to Old Fort Niagara. The history of the fort goes back about 300 years! Once held by the French and British until finally given over to the Americans in the late 1700s. Today, the site has special events that reenact what it was like living at the fort. Visitors can even witness a musket demonstration. A visit to the Old Fort is a must and it is an experience the whole family will surely enjoy.
If you want to keep the day going, just a short distance away, you can also check out the Fort Niagara State Park Beach.
Recommendations
Stay Longer.
Buffalo has many attractions and activities for visitors — more than I expected. I did not realize the amount of history in the area, and did not imagine I wouldn’t have the time to do it all. If you can, I recommend extending a trip to Niagara Falls and Buffalo a couple more days. This would help capture all that the Falls have to offer (on both sides) and provide the chance to wander through Buffalo a bit longer. Overall, this makes for a phenomenal family trip.
Be Prepared.
As I previously mentioned, Buffalo has a small airport. The evening before our departure, we received a message from the airline that our flight was cancelled, and another would be available in two days. Two days! We contemplated driving all the way back to Miami. Luckily, we found a flight some miles away — about 6 hours away– that left the next day. So, we extended our car rental and drove out to Newark, New Jersey first thing in the morning to catch an evening flight. Slightly crazy, yes. But at least we didn’t have to drive 20 hours straight, right?
On to the next family adventure!