Activity Ideas

Families flock to Artpark for hours of hands-on discovery and fun with weekly themed workshops and live performances! A variety of “Make and Take” workshops are available at each and every installment of Family Saturdays- no matter the theme. These Artpark classics include, The Paint Space, Costume Closet, Sand Box, Face Painting, and the Pottery Wheel.   An Artisan Market and Amy’s Place Food Truck will be on-site during each and every Family Saturday for families to purchase a unique piece of artwork or an afternoon snack!   The events take place in Artpark’s outdoor Amphitheater, 450 S. 4th St Lewiston, NY 14092. June 6th-27th from Noon-4PM   2013 Schedule  July 6 : Art of the 70’s Workshops!Live performances by Niagara University Repertory Theatre (N.U.R.T.) at…

Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education Foundation presents a two-hour exploration sail on Lake Erie aboard the Spirit of Buffalo. The cost is $5 per person and it takes place from 10AM-Noon on the following days: Monday, June 24th Thursday, June 27th Tuesday, July 2nd-Friday, July 5th Reservations Required: Call (716) 796-8393

  Queen City Ferry offers a water ferry service between Buffalo’s inner and outer harbor. Board the Queen City Ferry at the Central Wharf. The Ferry travels to the Outer Harbor, Erie Basin Marina and along the Buffalo River to Riverfest Park in Buffalo’s old First Ward district. Operations are daily from 12-8pm mid May through September. Round trip takes approximately one (1) hour. Tickets are priced at $8 for adults, $6 for children. Narrated Buffalo River History Tours are available daily from 10:30am-12pm for $14 adults and $10 for children. For more information about the Queen City Ferry call 716.796.4556.

You and your Little can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Canalside while playing a game. Old fashioned board games are available, as well as new ones. The best part is, you can rent them for free! You just need proper identification to sign the games out. Look for the Treehouse kiosk by the water! Presented by Treehouse Toy Store on Elmwood. The kiosk is open during the summer months.    

Summer Reading 2013, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Kids ages 12 & under Summer Reading participants are asked to write brief book reviews, each of which counts as an entry in a prize drawing. The more book reviews submitted, the better chances of winning. Submissions can be fiction or nonfiction books. There are some great prizes to be won. The book reviews can be submitted online. Visit the reading program’s website to get started!

  Now running through the end of October, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Park hosts a guided trolley tour to view over 200 animals! Each ticket comes with a cup of grain and access to Small Animal Adventure, where you can interact with smaller, friendly animals. Tickets are $18 for adults and $14 for kids ages 3-10. The park is located in Varysburg, NY. The tours run on weekdays starting in late June. See Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Park’s website for more details!

  Hawk Creek is a nationally known gem in East Aurora, New York that aims to create an understanding of the natural world. They specialize in environmental education and wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. Hawk Creek has over 80 different types of animals that reside there as they can not be returned to their natural habitat, due to permanent injury or dependence on humans. There are over 2,500 educational programs provided by Hawk Creek each year, such as Rise of the Raptors! coming up tomorrow, June 8th. See the event calendar for more information, and to keep track of more upcoming events at Hawk Creek such as The Wildlife and Renaissance Festival in July! Visit Hawk Creek’s Website to learn more!    

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…

Pop into Dick’s Bicycle Shop in Tonawanda, where you can rent a specialized bike for about $10/hour to ride in Isle View Park or Niawanda Park. The shop is located at: 781 Niagara Street Tonawanda, NY. Give them a call at: 716-694-9232  

At Gateway Harbor in Tonawanda you can rent a Hydro Bike, Kayak or Stand-Up Paddle Board for about $10/hour. This is a fun way to get out and enjoy the summer sunshine on the water with your Little. Life jackets are provided.   Check out Water Bike & Boat Adventure’s Website or call them at 716-316-3905. You can find Gateway Harbor at 11 Young Street, Tonawanda.