By Drew Nelson
Western
New York is full of fun things to see and do with kids. From the mountains to the Finger Lakes to Niagara Falls, your kids will have loads of fun in Western New York. Below are just a few of the best day trips for kids. These trips are fun for adults as well.
Genesee Country Village -- Monroe County
Genesee Country Village is a living history museum depicting regional life 150 years ago. Visitors see the villagers in historical dress going about the daily routines of that era. There are 57 historically significant structures in the village. These structures were moved from original locations to the village and then restored. Genesee Country Village is the third-largest living history museum in the country.
Another great feature is the gallery of sporting arts, which includes works by wildlife artists such as Audubon and Tunnicliffe. There is also a 375-acre nature reserve and wildlife refuge. The village hosts special events such as Civil War reenactments and a bagpipe weekend.
Allegany State Park -- Cattaraugus County
Allegany State Park spans 65,000 acres and has one of the only old-growth forests remaining in New York state. It is a great place for outdoor fun--there are two lakes for fishing, swimming and boating, many miles of hiking trails and wetlands for bird-watching. The park has something for everyone--the whole family will enjoy this trip.
Niagara Falls -- Niagara County
Niagara Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The falls can be viewed up close from the Maid of the Mist excursion boat, which will take you into the horseshoe of Horseshoe Falls. They can be viewed from behind through Cave Of the Winds. There are towers overlooking the falls, and helicopter rides are available as well.
While in the area, visit the Niagara Power Project visitor's center. It is billed as one of the largest hydroelectric power projects in the world. There are interactive displays and computer games in the visitor's center, and outside there is a fishing platform and cleaning station. Many kids love to fish, and if they catch one, the fish can be cleaned right on the spot.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Western New York is very mountainous, and in the winter, there is an abundance of snow, which makes the region fabulous for skiing and snowboarding. Kids love to ski and snowboard, and adults will enjoy the activities as well. There are 11 ski resorts from which to choose in Western New York (See the resource link below).
Resources
About the Author:
Drew Nelson is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years experience. As a professional he has written dozens of reports, presentations and manuals. His articles appear on various websites, covering finance, economics, politics and health topics.
