What to do in Buffalo, NY?
 

Hello!
My friend and her husband are traveling to Niagra Falls and Buffalo New York with their two year old son.
What is there to do in Buffalo with a small child? Also, any restaurant suggestions?

Thank you!

second-hand info from a co-worker who used to from Buffalo: Buffalo Zoo, Albright Art center, Science museum (name?)

Here's what I usually suggest to the question "What to do in Buffalo." However, because you asked what to do with a two year old, I'll add the zoo. The science museum is nothing but an old relic; however, they currently have a robotic dinosaur exhibit, but it would probably scare the daylights of a toddler. I honestly can't come up with any other suggestions for a two year old!!!

That being said, here goes: 1. If the weather is nice, I would suggest the Erie Basin Marina. It is a wonderful place to walk along the lake, with downtown as the backdrop. You can also take a boat ride on the Miss Buffalo, which docks there.
2. A guided trolley tour or walking tour. There are a few to choose from. Check out www.surfbuffalo.com/roambuffalo for tours. If you can't or don't want to bother with a group tour, get a walking tour map from the Visitors Bureau on Main Street or call them at 1-800-Buffalo and ask for walking tour maps/brochures. My favorite neighborhood is Allentown, Buffalo's oldest and most historic neighborhood. Nearby is the Wilcox Mansion, which is definitely worth a visit. It is on Delaware Ave. near downtown/Allentown. When President McKinley was shot and killed here in 1902, Teddy Roosevelt was sworn in at the mansion. The mansion itself has an interesting history from (I believe)the war of 1812, but is also furnished in period pieces and has memorabilia affiliated with its' history.


3. Also, the Darwin Martin House built by Frank Lloyd Wright can be toured. Their website is www.darwinmartinhouse.org/. It is undergoing extensive restoration, but tours are given during this time.
4. Chicken wings. You can get them everywhere, but I suggest Frank & Teresa's Anchor Bar. Some locals will tell you to avoid it because its not in the best neighborhood (it's not) or there are better restaurants (there are) but if you're coming here for the 1st time why not have them where they were invented??? (Anyhow, the old corner bars and restaurants in the old neighborhoods are the BEST places to get local Buffalo food). Also try beef-on-weck, a local favorite.
3. The Chippewa district (downtown) has all types of bars and restaurants
4. The Albright Knox art gallery

As far as restaurants go, there are a lot of great places to eat, but perhaps a little more info. on where they will be staying and what they like would help........

Try Fantasy Island on Grand Island.
If it is an older two year-old, some rides and water stuff for little kids. An old fashioned amusement park. We go whenever we're there.
Good frozen custard and roast beef sandwiches (beef on weck) at a place diagonally across the street from the entrance.

Since you didn't mention when your friends were going to Buffalo...

We're traveling up there over the Labor Day weekend to attend the 2nd annual Buffalo Wing Festival. Saw last year's event on the food channel and it looked like fun.

Our other motive, however, is that we lived in a suburb of Buffalo about 25 yrs. ago and really want to see Niagra Falls, Niagra on the Lake, the Polish Market, and our old house again.

Since we are beyond the ages of knowing what to do with a 2 year old, I can't contribute to that part of the question. Just thought if the timeframe was the same as ours, the festival might be of interest.

But, for the little one the Fantasy Island suggestion might be the best.

I can't believe I didn't think of Fantasy Island!!! They have a really nice selection of kiddie rides...some of them a parent can go with the child (maybe all of them). Admission is not that much $$$ either. Have fun.

I have nothing substantive to add except to comment on the thoughtful responses.

This is why the internet is changing the world....8^)