Family Fun Itinerary

Organizing your next family trip can be exciting, but one of the hurdles can be finding a destination that offers activities that everyone will enjoy. Have no fear! We’ve got an itinerary that will spark excitement for all ages of your crew.

Experience the culture and personality of Buffalo, NY with your family by visiting eye-opening exhibits, engaging in hands-on activities, savoring delicious dining options, and exploring sites and landmarks throughout the Queen City.

Day 1

All aboard the breakfast train at the Swan Street Diner! Fuel your first day of adventure when you stop into this favorite among residents and visitors alike, which is serving up retro charm in addition to its delicious dining options. It’s hard to go wrong here with options like breakfast banana split, omelets served in a variety of styles, breakfast tacos, biscuits and gravy, and smothered burritos. Know what else makes this diner unique? It’s housed in a vintage train car!

It’s time to awaken imaginations and playful spirits with a visit to Explore & More. This interactive museum encourages youngsters to engage with the exhibits around them while expanding their minds in a variety of areas. Visitors will learn about Buffalo’s architectural history through hands-on building, understanding wellness and attentive care by diagnosing and treating stuffed animals, plant, grow and harvest crops in the farm to fork exhibit, and so much more. Pro tip: Hold onto your Explore & More receipt; it’ll come in handy for dinner!

After a full morning, you’re likely ready to refill your tank with a great meal. Make your way to Gabriel’s Gate for great food and vibes. While known for their chicken wings, the menu also includes burgers, sandwiches, specialty salads, and small bites like potato skins, nachos, and mozzarella sticks. (Fun fact: Gabriel’s Gate is a staple on the Buffalo Wing Trail!)

Following lunch, relax and enjoy a water cruise when you settle in for a boat tour. Enjoy scenic views of the Buffalo skyline and waterways surrounding you, and keep an eye out for the local wildlife that may make an appearance during your sail. Options great for families include the Buffalo History Tour, Children’s Pirate Cruise, or Family Tiki Cruise.

Your family’s connection with nature continues during a stroll of the Tifft Nature Preserve and the Outer Harbor, known as “Buffalo’s Urban Sanctuary.” Observe the habitats, environment and wildlife around you during this peaceful outing, and take some time to reflect on your Buffalo experience thus far. Be sure to check Tifft’s calendar to see if any special events will be taking place during your visit.

After a packed day, you’re probably ready for some downtime (and possibly a nap!). Take some time to rest and recharge before dinner and the fun that awaits this evening.

Make your way to the waterfront for a fun ride on the Buffalo Heritage Carousel – one of only five solar-powered carousels in the world. Pick your horse or carriage of choice, settle in, and enjoy the vibrant colors, calliope music, and gentle motions of this rotating ride.

Dinner tonight is Pizza Plant Canalside. Known for their pizza pods (which you can customize or order from their specialty menu), this local staple offers delicious meals with a view of Buffalo’s waterfront. (And we hope you brought that receipt from Explore & More: up to two children eat free when you present it, with a minimum $15 purchase per adult!)

Day 2 

Another day, another chance to have a blast in Buffalo! Breakfast today is something sweet from Paula’s Donuts on Sheridan Drive. Paula’s famous and freshly made donuts are available in a variety of flavors and styles such as glazed, jelly, angel cream, Bavarian, and more. You can also go for bagels, breakfast sandwiches and croissants, and hot or iced coffees and teas to pair with your meal.With bellies sufficiently filled, make your way to the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House. This historic museum and cultural pillar in the Western New York region (which completed restoration in 2019) is hailed as an architectural masterpiece, captivating visitors with its signature horizontal lines, customized furnishings, and connection with the natural environment. The museum’s art and design will delight young minds, and the stories shared spark further curiosity.

Next, get into Buffalo’s wild side with a visit to the Buffalo Zoo! You’ll get up close and personal with mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and more. This is a must-visit while in the region, and adults and children alike will enjoy learning more about and engaging with the wildlife and natural elements they’ll encounter.After this morning’s fun visits, you might be ready to taco-bout it over a meal! Make your way to the Lloyd Taco Factory on Hertel Avenue, and crunch into a classic “old school” taco, “new school” tacos that were born from creative experimentation during the owner’s food truck ventures, nachos, quesadillas, and more.Take a breather to rest and let your tasty meal digest; there’s just a few more stops on your family’s bucket list of fun in Buffalo.

Dinner this evening is barbecue from Fat Bob’s Smokehouse. Sink your teeth into smoked-to-perfection meats including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken – dressed in your choice of a sweet or savory house-made sauces, and accompanied by familiar sides such as mac and cheese, baked beans, or coleslaw.

In the mood for dessert? Head over to Lake Effect Ice Cream for an artisan-crafted frozen treat. Unique flavors have included cinnamon toast, Paula’s glazed donut, butter beer, blue moon, and black sesame.

If desired, take your scoops to go and explore the boutiques, specialty shops, and vibrant murals and street art along Hertel Avenue.