Things to Do in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo, New York, is an exciting city featuring the perfect blend of family-friendly activities, culture, history, art, delicious food and nightlife. Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA Holiday is just a short drive from Buffalo, giving you a fantastic opportunity to experience the area's beautiful nature and explore the city's numerous attractions. 

Why Visit Buffalo, New York?

Buffalo is full of fun family-friendly activities, exciting nightlife, vibrant bars and restaurants and unique experiences. While it is famous for being near Niagara Falls, this lively city features its own thrilling attractions, activities, delicious food and unforgettable experiences.

Indoor Activities in Buffalo

Consider the following indoor attractions and things to do in Buffalo during your stay:

Family-Friendly Activities

Buffalo's family-friendly activities are great opportunities to bond and make lasting memories. Visit the following attractions for an unforgettable family vacation:

• The Aquarium of Niagara: The Aquarium of Niagara offers a unique experience and opportunities to see sea life up close. From penguin encounters to seal and sea lion shows, you can learn more about oceanic creatures at this one-of-a-kind aquarium. You and your family can see over 100 species of fish, touch stingrays and learn about various reptiles through The Aquarium of Niagara's various exhibits and extra visitor experiences.
• Indoor playgrounds: The Warrior Factory was voted Buffalo's Best Indoor Attraction in the 2021 Best of 716 contest. It allows you and your family to test your skills on adult- and kid-friendly obstacle courses. You can also take your kids to Billy Beez to explore giant slides, tunnels, games and ball blasters, or you can visit Get Air Buffalo to experience the area's best trampoline park.
• Creative classes: MUSEjar is a creative space offering fun classes, such as painting, drawing, pottery and crafting, for various skill levels. From babies to adults, MUSEjar features unique experiences for every age.
• Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens: Explore gorgeous gardens, exotic plants and special exhibits at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Your family can also visit during themed nights to explore the gardens under twinkling lights or create your own succulents in fun workshops. Various events occur throughout the year, so you can check for fun activities during your visit.
• Indoor miniature golf: Enjoy an 18-hole round of miniature golf with your loved ones at the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome. This exciting course is open from October through April, so you can challenge your family to a friendly indoor game if you visit during the cooler months.
• Virtual reality (VR) gaming: Orions Landing is the region's largest VR arcade, offering exhilarating, state-of-the-art experiences for kids and adults. You and your family can jump into other worlds and enjoy an unforgettable bonding experience at Orions Landing.
• Paint Splatter: Orions Landing also offers a unique paint splatter experience, allowing kids and adults to unleash creativity on large canvases using UV neon paints. Create a beautiful, messy masterpiece with your loved ones during your Buffalo vacation. 
• Buffalo RiverWorks: RiverWorks is an indoor and outdoor event center featuring food, drinks, entertainment, axe throwing, a covered ropes course and a VR room and arcade.
• Shea's Performing Arts Center: As an important part of Shea's Performing Arts Center and Buffalo's history, Shea's Buffalo Theatre is a Tiffany-designed venue established in 1926. This magnificent facility hosts various Broadway shows and performances throughout the year.

Museums

From Buffalo art museums to fascinating historical exhibits, the city is full of interesting artifacts dating back thousands of years and new opportunities to learn. You can visit the following museums near Niagara Falls and Buffalo on your next New York vacation:

• Buffalo Museum of Science: The Buffalo Museum of Science is full of wonders from throughout time and across the world. Learn more about the Greater Niagara Region's cultural and natural history through various collections and special exhibits.
• The Buffalo History Museum: The Buffalo History Museum features temporary and permanent exhibits that provide a fascinating glimpse into the area's history. “Icons: The Makers and Moments of Buffalo Sports” showcases artifacts from Buffalo's professional sports teams, and “Continuum: A History of Erie County” illuminates Erie County's history dating back thousands of years. You can also explore “The John R. Oishei Pioneer Gallery,” “The Native American Gallery” and “The Trial of Red Jacket” exhibits to step back in time.
• Albright-Knox Art Gallery: Experience world-renowned modern and contemporary art collections from throughout history at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. The museum also features special exhibitions and studio art classes for various age groups.
• Explore & More Children's Museum: The Explore & More Children's Museum gives little ones a chance to learn about science and the world around them through special exploratory activities. Whether they perform maintenance on a play vehicle, experiment with moving water, explore one-of-a-kind inclusive playgrounds or participate in a child-run medical facility for stuffed animals, children leave this museum with new memories and knowledge.

Nightlife

Buffalo's nightlife activities are perfect opportunities to experience the city's vibrant atmosphere. Spend an evening at one of the following establishments for a dazzling night out:

• Rec Room: Rec Room is one of Buffalo's best nightclubs, offering live music, events, concerts and gameday experiences.
• VENU: VENU is another fantastic option for a night out. This exciting entertainment venue is located in downtown Buffalo and hosts various concerts and events.
• PAUSA Art House: Visit PAUSA Art House for an exquisite night of live music and wine. This intimate jazz venue hosts live musicians and art exhibitions that focus on artists indigenous to Buffalo and nearby areas.

Outdoor Activities in Buffalo

Buffalo also features popular outdoor attractions and activities such as Niagara Falls, hiking trails, rock climbing locations and kayak rentals. If you are a football fan, you can catch an exciting Buffalo Bills game for the full Buffalo experience.

Best Restaurants in Buffalo, New York, and the Surrounding Area

Buffalo features a wide range of delightful food and drinks to try during your trip. Some of the area's best dining options are:

• Hombre y Lobo: Hombre y Lobo serves savory tacos made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and bursting with flavor. You can also try delicious options such as quesadillas, Mexican street corn and nachos.
• Jazzboline Restaurant and Bar: Jazzboline Restaurant and Bar serves food and cocktails with bold flavors and a contemporary flair. Dine at Jazzboline for brunch or dinner in a gorgeous, vibrant atmosphere. From indulgent brunch items to delectable chef-crafted dinner options, this elegant restaurant is delightful no matter when you visit.
• Misuta Chow's: Misuta Chow's is a two-story, Tokyo-inspired bar and restaurant featuring authentic Japanese seating and 1980s-style arcade games. Whether you grab a few drinks with friends or enjoy Japanese cuisine, you will feel like you stepped into a Tokyo alley when you visit Misuta Chow's.
• Prohibition 2020: If you are craving a juicy burger and mouthwatering wings, Prohibition 2020 is the perfect spot. This lively bar and restaurant serves brunch, dinner, late-night snacks, draft beer and special cocktails, making it the perfect place to visit during the day or after a Buffalo Bills game.
• Kettles: Kettles is another fantastic bar and restaurant offering delicious food, drinks and a vibrant atmosphere. You can also catch some live music depending on when you visit.

Stay at Kampgrounds of America to Experience Buffalo's Exciting Attractions and Activities 

Buffalo is an unforgettable destination thanks to its family activities, fascinating museums, thought-provoking art, incredible performances and irresistible restaurants. With various ways to stay, convenient amenities, fun campground recreational activities, and only 13 miles from the city center, Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA Holiday is a fantastic place to stay while you explore all that Buffalo has to offer. Reserve a stay to start your Buffalo adventure.