Zoo / Aquarium within a day's drive of Buffalo Niagara region

[jenflamingo1]

Hi all , just looking for some ideas for a fun zoo / aquarium for a family trip . the kids are eight-and-a-half .
Thanks !

 

[mrsklamc]

A day's drive one way? Or a day trip?

 

[dsneygirl]

There is the new Ripleys Aquarium in Toronto (about 90min).

 

[jenflamingo1]

OP here ... we would make a long weekend trip of it .

 

[cath32]

All in Canada..
Toronto zoo
Marineland
African lion safari

 

[Jax1023]

Pittsburgh has a nice zoo and several other activites to fill a weekend

 

[Heidi K]

I was also going to suggest Pittsburgh. Their Zoo has an aquarium as well--we had a great visit there a couple years ago. We also enjoyed the Carnegie Science Center.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Baltimore would be an option.

 

[jillbur]

We live between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Both zoos are great and there's lots to do in those areas. Erie and Akron (Ohio) both have smaller zoos as well.

However, the best zoo we've been to in this area is Columbus (Ohio) Zoo. If you are going when it's warm, they also have a waterpark. We are about 3 hours from Buffalo and 3 hours from Columbus, so it should be around 6 hours or less of a drive. It's a great city with tons to do. I highly suggest it for a weekend trip.

 

[Teresa Pitman]

The Toronto zoo also has a waterpark, if you go in the summer. And the new aquarium seems to be very popular.

TP

 

[rimomma66]

Bronx Zoo and Mystic Aquarium in CT.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Aquarium of Niagara is so sad..

 

[Swimalie]

A totally different line of adventure but what about Corning and the glass museum or Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame and Farmer's Museum?

 

[newdeal]

Well off the top of my head you have

Marine Land
African Lion Safari
Toronto Zoo
Ripleys Aquarium
Safari Niagara
Niagara Aquarium
Buffalo Zoo

I have heard very good things about Ripleys Aquarium however it is very busy and right in downtown Toronto. Safari Niagara is good, but depends on when you plan to go as they are only open seasonally, as is Marine land and possibly African Lion Safari as well

 

[Pembo]

Cleveland has a zoo, a rainforest and an aquarium.

 

[jenflamingo1]

OP here - thanks to all !

We did do Corning Museum of Glass this fall and loved it ... the gaffers are rock stars !Each of my kids , on seperate days , had their drawing selected to be made in blown glass - that was a surprise and a thrill to us all !

 

[krazy4crusing]

The Ripley's aquarium also has sleepover programs. You can sleep right in the aquarium tunnel!

Another option is the Children's museum in Rochester. If you do that option then Dinosaur BBQ (restaurant) in Rochester is a great spot for dinner!!!

 

[Kies99]

I'm in Pittsburgh and not only do we have the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium (all one complex), we also are home to the National Aviary. There are also a number of other museums and amusement parks.

 

[Northernlites]

Toledo Zoo in Ohio is one of the best, they opened last May an amazing area on Africa with lots of elephants. I find Toronto atttractions are great but way over priced. The aquarium is $29.99 per person plus HST which adds another $3.50 per person plus parking around $20.00. SO a family of four is going to be around $160 before food. Attractions are much better in the USA and seemed to be way cheaper. In Canada we charge for everything ....... plus GST!!!