At just about an hour’s drive from the Rochester Area, Buffalo is an easy and fun trip for the family. There are so many ways to enjoy the area that it is hard to choose just a few. We’ve narrowed it down for you and made some suggestions to make a day in our neighboring city enjoyable and stress free! Check out our free itinerary and all of our tips and advice for a memorable day!
Tips for Visiting Buffalo
- Buffalo is a city that has fun for the summer and winter months. Be sure to check the schedules to make sure the activities you want to do are available.
- Check which activities can be reserved ahead of time to make sure you get to do what you want.
- Make sure the weather is appropriate for the activities you plan to do.
- Plan to pay for tolls or use your EZPass on the thruway.
- Don’t forget to grab a photo-op with Shark Girl as you walk around!
Day Trip to Buffalo Itinerary
The City of Buffalo is a short trip west on the I90 from Rochester. The highways bring you right downtown to the waterfront where you can easily fill a day with engaging activities.
Parking
Parking is available downtown in several places within a few minutes walk of all of our recommended destinations. Make sure to bring some cash/credit cards with you to cover any fees that may be applicable. Availability and cost may vary due to season or local events. Explore & More, KeyBank Center, and the Buffalo Waterfront all have parking guidance online for visitors.
Parking Ramps
- KeyBank Center Parking Ramp (cashless)
- Harbor Center Parking Ramp (cashless)
Surface Lots
- 70 Pearl St Parking
- Lot #51
- Pay2Park, Lot 47
- Premium Parking – P8021 – Aud Lot 1
- Premium Parking – P8052 – Lot #52
- Skyway Loop Lot #026
- Skyway Lot #3
Morning Activity: Explore & More: The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum
To start of your day, I highly recommend Buffalo’s Explore and More Children’s Museum. Here you can have fun and learn, too! Children love the play-based interactive exhibits and parents love the educational focus of each play zone. You can easily spend the morning here in any season and create lasting family memories.
Lunch
To grab a quick bite for lunch, I recommend Explore & More’s Low Bridge Cafe, or a quick walk across the street to Tim Horton’s. You’ll find plenty of food to keep the family happy at either of these easily walkable locations.
Afternoon Activity: The Buffalo Waterfront
There are a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy in the afternoon following a day at the museum. Right where the Erie Canal meets Lake Erie, Buffalo has built up activities for families to enjoy at any time of the year. Just a short walk from Explore & More, visitors can have their choice of family fun.
Warm Weather Activities on the Boardwalk at Canalside:
- The Beach at Canalside
- BFLO Harbor Kayak
- The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park
- Buffalo Heritage Carousel
- Buffalo Boat Tours (check dates and times to make sure it fits into your itinerary)
- Canalside Caricatures
- Water Bikes of Buffalo (water bike and paddle boat rentals)
Cold Weather Activities at The Ice at Canalside:
Dinner
There are many great restaurants in Buffalo (they are rightly proud of their amazing food!), however, for the sake of ease we recommend staying close to your activities. Right down on the waterfront you’ll find Liberty Hound, which is a seafood restaurant with a solid kid’s menu. If you’re looking for something close-by, but a bit further inland, you can visit the Buffalo staple: Pearl Street Grill & Brewery.
Evening Activity: Evening Entertainment
To wrap up a busy day on the Buffalo Waterfront, you can buy tickets to a sporting or special event at Buffalo’s largest venues. At the Key Bank Center you’ll find Sabres Hockey, Bandits Lacrosse, and other major performances. At Sahlen Park, you can have fun watching a family-friendly game of Bison’s Baseball. Don’t forget to plan ahead and get your tickets ahead of time!
Printable Itinerary
To make your day even easier, download our free Buffalo Day Trip Itinerary printable!
