Dunkirk/Buffalo NY Area..

[lisaross]

Hi, this summer we are taking a road trip to Niagra Falls in late August - staying for 3 nights, then we'll be visiting friends in Dunkirk. Looking for somethings we can do with our 2 boys in that area. They will be 10 and 12! Was thinking "Fantasy Land" amuesment park 1 day - anything else u would recommend?

Thanks.

 

[kahblue]

I'm in Rochester. If you don't mind the drive to the city (OK - very small city!), we have the Strong National Museum of Play. They would love this! Here's a link: http://www.museumofplay.org/ It's about a 2 hr drive but well worth it.

 

[mom2rose&john]

Darien Lake is not far from I-90 and might be better for the boys ages. There is a nice water park. Fantasy Island is fun for under 8 but on the small side for older children. What about hiking at a state park? How far would you like to travel? If you travel west on I-90 going to Erie Pa there is an indoor water park "Splash Lagoon" and Presque Isle has some nice beaches and areas for fishing.

 

[Disneychix]

Yes, I would agree that Darien Lake is a better option for the ages of your boys. But Fantasy Island is a good time too-especially if you like a small nice water park with very short lines. It is clean there and a nice place to spend 4 hours or so.
If you have passports for the adults you can go over to Canada and there are some very nice beaches there. We have some beach areas in WNY but they are much cleaner in Canada.

 

[lisaross]

Yes, we would probably be looking for a park to spend just about 4 hours or so - I hate the big crowded parks...what about if it rains or something - anytype of fun indoor places for lazer tag or some other fun?

Yes, I would agree that Darien Lake is a better option for the ages of your boys. But Fantasy Island is a good time too-especially if you like a small nice water park with very short lines. It is clean there and a nice place to spend 4 hours or so.
If you have passports for the adults you can go over to Canada and there are some very nice beaches there. We have some beach areas in WNY but they are much cleaner in Canada.

 

[Disneychix]

Yes, there is a laser tag place on Maple Rd in Amherst NY. I can't remember the name of it but if you PM me I could help you out.
There is also a bigger indoor park type place with mini-golf and water rides, arcade games and stuff on Transit Rd, again can't recall the name but I'll get back to you

In Buffalo there is the Museum of Science and of course the Buffalo Zoo which is a small but very nice zoo. The are some beautiful exhibits there and a newish Rainforest area that is very cool.

 

[Couchy]

Darien Lake is a good park and the lines are often not that long.

Lasertron is the name of the laser tag place in Amherst.

Dave and Busters is usually a hit with kids that age and good if the weather is not that great. Lots of games and activities there.

I second the Splash Lagoon indoor waterpark idea in Erie PA

 

[jak]

I agree that Darien Lake might be a better choice for your boys, especially if they're into roller coasters. You might want to also check out Sky Zone. It's an indoor trampoline park. I haven't been yet, myself, as it's pretty new, but I've heard it's a lot of fun.

 

[Lisa_M]

Darien Lake is definitely better than Fantasy Island. Strong Museum of Play in Rochester is awesome. Its worth the drive.

Hmm, if you're looking for food recommendations: Duff's for wings, Mighty Taco, Amici Ristorante in Kenmore for Italian (for a sit down dinner), DiBella's for subs, Wegman's for cannolis, Zebb's bar and grill (it's like a TGI Fridays but better) on Niagara falls blvd. These are all my regular stops when in town.

 

[tink576]

ohhh I second Duff's! I love their wings!

 

[JoyG]

Eh, I wouldn't waste your time at Darien Lake or Fantasy Island. Since you're posting this question on the DISboards I gotta think you know your way around an amusement park. Neither one of those is anything to write home about. Darien Lake is like your typical Six Flags (actually used to be a Six Flags). Seen one, you've seen them all.

The Stong Museum of Rochester though is the best children's attraction in WNY. It's the best children's museum I've ever been to anywhere...and I've been to lots of them, the big ones in Chicago and Boston, and several little ones other places. I've never found one as nice as the one in my own back yard.

Even at 10 and 12, I think they'll love it. My favorite part is the display of toys from each decade. You just can't go in there without finding your favorite playthings behind the glass.

If you're looking for an indoor water park, Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, Canada is closer than Splash Lagoon. We've never been to SL, but GWL is very Disney-esqe and we love it.

There's supposed to be some indoor trampoline place that opened recently in the area which might be fun to spend the day. I don't know the name of it, maybe someone else can chime in.

There's Bounce Magic which is indoor bounce houses. You might want to check WNY Family Magazine. They post their issues online and are always chock full of interesting things to do and places to go with the kids.

Have fun.

 

[mbf]

My DD lives in Dunkirk/Fredonia! She is a student at SUNY Fredonia but lives there year round now. It is a great little town but lol, not much to do for the younger kids.

There is a nice little beach/park nearby where my DD likes to go. There is the pier as well. I also think there are lake cruises since we went on one once during parents weekend.

For the adults there are plenty of wineries to tour in the area but I guess kids won't find that a whole lot of fun.

With only about 4 hours to spend you probably will not want to drive to Six Flags/Darien Lake. It would not be worth it. Even Amherst and Buffalo are kind of a hike for that short of a period of time.

You should definitely hit up Wing City in Fredonia if you are at all thinking of getting something to eat while there. It is a definite must for any visitor.

I have never been there but Midway State Park looks like a lot of fun and isn't too far. You could check it out.

 

[tink576]

ohhh! If you were to go to the children's museum in Rochester, there is also the science museum there which is also amazing for kids. We took my little brother (15) and sister (11) and they loved it. Very interactive as well.

 

[lisaross]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll just keep a list with me. Like i said we'll be visiting with friends - they might be working 2 days so just thinking of things to do to keep my kids busy till we meet up with them for dinner or something. we will have more than 4 hours - but not sure i want to hit a huge amuesment park like Darien!

The trampoline place seems like that might be lots of fun and something we don't have near us.

any other ideas keep them coming!

will DEFINITLY be getting wings while their - whenever our friends come visit us they must bring me some hot wings!!

 

[elcodfish]

A reminder that to visit Canada you need a passport. Darien Lake has more roller coasters, but Fantasy Island has old west shootouts 4 times a day that my nephew 14 still likes, so it really is all about your kids. Fantasy Island has a couple thrill rides, free parking, and a nice small water park. I would look at both websites and make your choice based on that. Fantasy Island is definitely cheaper.

If your kids like history, Buffalo has a large Navel museum where you get to walk through ships and a submarine.

 

[tink576]

Just thinking and thought of the science museum in Buffalo, you'd have to look it up to see what they offer because I have no idea, but we do have a science museum. Other options would be the Buffalo Zoo, it's not like the big city zoo's but it's still a decent zoo, or if you are looking for something unique there's the carousel museum. It's quite small and has old carousel horses and a carousel, my grandmother used to take me there when I was in elementary school.