2013 Family Lake Exploration Programs

Spring and Summer in Buffalo mean a lot of things. Sunshine, heatwaves (but maybe a little hail here and there, who knows!), trips to the beach, cook-outs, and of course flip flops! Another big part of summer in Buffalo is the incredible Farmer’s Markets that spring up all over Western New York! Did you know that there are more than 20 in our area? There are many reasons to enjoy a morning at the Farmer’s Market with your Little. He or she will get the opportunity to try some of the freshest produce our local farms have to offer, and learn more about where it comes from. Most of the vendors at each market are more than happy to educate their customers (especially kids) about…

Check out the Artvoice 2013 Summer Guide. It’s full of fun, free & low cost activities to do this summer, some of which are great for kids! Maybe your Little loves to garden and would be thrilled to check out a Garden Walk. Or maybe he or she is into film and would appreciate Squeaky Wheel’s Outdoor Animation Festival on August 21st. If you have questions about any of these events, or about their appropriateness for your little, please feel free to e-mail bigs@beafriend.org or contact your case manager. Click the link to see the listing.

Here’s a fun craft idea for Bigs and Littles! The Bead Gallery, located on Eggert Road in Amherst, not only has a large, inexpensive selection, but also offers personal service, guiding you through the things you’ll need for any project. If you and your Little are interested in making necklaces, friendship bracelets or earrings, head to the Bead Gallery to pick up supplies and then let the crafting begin! Check out The Bead Gallery’s Website or give them at call at (716) 836-6775. 2050 Eggert Road Amherst, NY 14226    

Our Annual Harvest Festival is taking place on Saturday, September 21st from 10am-12pm at Baird Point on UB’s North Campus. Parking is available in Arena Lot, Lake Lasalle Lot, and Furnace Hall Lot. There will be face-painting, games and fall-activities for you and your Little to enjoy. Snacks will be provided.      

The third annual Canalside Holiday Celebration is a free, festive, and family-friendly event centered around our majestic 30-foot evergreen tree at Downtown Buffalo and Canalside’s newest waterfront attraction – the East Canal, located near the corner of Scott and Washington Streets next to the “Erie Canal Harbor” Station on the NFTA Metro Rail!   The 2013 Celebration kicks off at 4:30 pm on Friday, December 20th, with holiday singing and free kids activities (in a heated tent!), all leading up to the arrival of Santa Claus on the NFTA’s Metro Rail to assist us with our tree lighting! The festivities continue Saturday, December 21st, from 1-5 pm with more free kids activities, free horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, food trucks, and another visit from Santa Claus on the Metro…

Tifft Nature Preserve is a 264-acre nature refuge dedicated to conservation and environmental education. Tifft is hosting many events that you and your Little can enjoy this summer! Please check out our events calendar for one-time special events, and check out the ongoing events below: Wellness Walks: Every Thursday at 10AM Trek Tifft: Every Sunday at 2PM Tifft Nature preserve is located off of Fuhrman Blvd in Buffalo. Science of our City: Health Sciences in WNY: Every Tuesday 3-6PM at Canalside (44 Prime Street, Buffalo)Coinciding with Body Worlds Vital on exhibit at the Buffalo Museum of Science, activities will focus on health sciences of the region including the Museum’s first Science Studio Explore YOU presented by Independent Health, the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, healthy by…