Blend rich Black culture with quality family time on a getaway to Buffalo and Niagara Falls, with amazing museums dedicated to art, science, and play, and Black historical sites, there’s no shortage of memories to be made. Follow along with the family behind @thetravelingchild, as Monet, James, Jordyn, and Kennedy, set out on an unforgettable adventure throughout Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Explore their four-day itinerary below to get inspired for your next family-friendly getaway in New York State!
THURSDAY
11am: Spark imagination at Explore & More – Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Children’s Museum
Credit: @thetravelingchild on Instagram
Kick off your family getaway with a morning of play at the Explore & More – Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Children’s Museum! Geared towards toddlers and younger kids, this museum allows little ones to learn through play with a variety of hands-on, interactive exhibits and ever-changing activities. Youngsters can learn about the diverse communities of Buffalo in the “Being Good Neighbors” exhibit, play in the water table and two-story waterfall while learning about the history of the Erie Canal in “Moving Water,” and more.
3pm: Spend the afternoon Canalside
Credit: @thetravelingchild on Instagram
Once the bustling western gateway of the Erie Canal, Buffalo’s Canalside is now a vibrant gathering space for locals and visitors. Known as the “Crown Jewel of the Queen City,” there are all kinds of activities to try. Get out on the water with a kayak, paddle board, or row boat rental from Buffalo Harbor Kayak, or take the whole family out on a four-person paddle boat from the Buffalo Maritime Center. If you prefer to spend time on land, rent bikes from Buffalo Bike Rentals and enjoy a family bike ride along the water.
Looking to combine time on the water and a biking adventure? Queen City Bike Ferry offers pedestrians and bicyclists a link between Buffalo’s inner and outer harbor, unlocking access to a variety of parks and landmarks like Tifft Nature Preserve, featuring 264 acres of restored habitat with five miles of trails and boardwalks, hands-on exhibits in the visitor center, and more.
Credit: Marta Zielinska
Nearby, you’ll also find the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, the nation’s largest inland naval park, where you can tour four decommissioned naval vessels, admire military exhibits in the museum, and explore monuments honoring service members in Veterans Park. Don’t forget to check out the Canalside summer event schedule for free yoga and fitness classes, live music, movie nights, and more.
6pm: Get a taste of Buffalo at Anchor Bar
Credit: @thelastwingette on Instagram
A trip to Buffalo isn’t complete without wings! Anchor Bar is known for inventing the Buffalo wing back in 1964, so a stop here is a must. Be sure to try the original wings and take a look at other delicious flavors like honey garlic and barbecue. Follow Buffalo’s Wing Trail and check out the 14 places for even more wings.
FRIDAY
9am: Head out to Niagara Falls and grab breakfast at Bella Vista Ristorante
Rise and shine! Hit the road for a 20-minute drive to Niagara Falls, where you’ll start your morning at Bella Vista Ristorante for breakfast. Located directly on the Niagara River, you can indulge in specialities like eggs Benedict, biscuits & gravy, Belgian waffles, and more alongside spectacular views overlooking Niagara Falls.
11:30am: Experience the roar of Niagara Falls on a Cave of the Winds Tour
Credit: @thetravelingchild on Instagram
Now that you’re fueled up for the day, get ready to soak up some of the most jaw-dropping views in the country at Niagara Falls! As the first designated state park in the country, Niagara Falls State Park encompasses more than 400 acres, where you’ll find hiking and biking trails, beautiful gardens, stunning views, and amazing attractions like the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour, Niagara Scenic Trolley, Terrapin Point, and Cave of the Winds.
Credit: @thetravelingchild on Instagram
Get ready to get up close and personal with the falls on a Cave of Winds Tour. Outfitted in a rain poncho, you’ll get to experience the power of the falls for yourself, as you make your way down to within feet of Bridal Veil Falls! Be sure to bring a change of clothes. The tour also includes a pre-falls short video about the history of the falls and Nicola Tesla in the World Changed Here Pavilion before you head out.
Credit: @maidofthemist on Instagram
A Maid of the Mist Boat Tour is another must-do. Throw on a rain poncho and climb aboard the all-electric boat as you make your way to the base of American Falls. Get ready to hear the roar of 600,000 gallons of water crashing down right in front of your eyes, and feel the mist for yourself as it drenches everything in its path.
2:30pm: Learn the story of the Underground Railroad in Niagara Falls
Credit: @thetravelingchild on Instagram
Niagara Falls was once one of the most important points on the Underground Railroad, as a home and safe place for people of African descent to work and live, and a crossing point for freedom seekers heading over the border to Canada. At the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, uncover the authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in Niagara Falls. The center’s powerful permanent exhibit, “One More River to Cross,” showcases the rich stories and actions of Niagara Falls’ African American residents, and the crucial role the area played by its location and geography. Freedom Conversation Tours are also offered twice a day from Tuesday-Sunday throughout the summer, if you’re looking for a deeper dive into the area’s African American history.
4pm: Make aquatic friends at the Aquarium of Niagara
Credit: @thetravelingchild on Instagram
An ocean of discovery awaits at the Aquarium of Niagara! Meet more than 120 species of animals representing a wide array of ecosystems, from Humboldt penguins to sea lions to seahorses. If you’re looking to make your visit even more memorable, add-on exclusive visitor experiences where you can be a trainer for the day, take a selfie with a sea lion, and feed the sharks and stingrays.
6:30pm: Dinner at Simply Soul
After working up an appetite, stop at Simply Soul for delicious comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere. This Black-owned and operated soul food restaurant offers classic dishes like chicken and waffles, catfish nuggets, homemade Salisbury, and more, all served with a side of warm hospitality.
SATURDAY
11am: Explore Buffalo’s rich African American history
From jazz history to the Underground Railroad, Buffalo is steeped in rich Black history. Start day three of your family getaway by taking a deeper dive into the historic sites and landmarks that make up the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor. This nationally and internationally-recognized neighborhood is home to four “anchor” tours: Historic Michigan Street Baptist Church (pictured), The Nash House Museum, WUFO Black Radio Historic Collective, and Historic Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum, plus other area landmarks like The Freedom Wall, Freedom Park, and Zawadi Books. You can choose to book guided tours through the “anchor” sites or follow the MSAACH Walking Map for a self-guided tour through history.
Credit: @explorebflo on Instagram
A central part of the history and culture of the African American community in Buffalo for more than 185 years, the Historic Michigan Street Baptist Church is one of the oldest properties in Buffalo continuously operated by African Americans. Founded in 1836, the building was also a crucial Underground Railroad stop, and played a role in the Progressive Era and the Civil Rights Movement. From 1892 until 1953, Rev. J. Edward Nash, Sr. was the church’s pastor while also serving as a community figurehead, facilitating social change throughout Buffalo. The Nash House Museum (pictured) was his homestead from 1925 until 1987, and many of his sermons and letters were written here. Today, you can learn about the reverend and tour the home, most of which has remained unchanged since the 1940s.
Credit: @thetravelingchild on Instagram
Explore the world of Black radio at the WUFO Black Radio Historic Collective, the only African American- and woman-owned radio station in the region. Learn about the rich history of WUFO and the Black History Collective, discover the power of Black radio on social, cultural, and political activities in the community from the 1960s to today, and see how a real radio station operates.
Credit: @explorebflo on Instagram
Dive even deeper into Buffalo’s impact on Black music at the Historic Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum (pictured), the only remaining African American club of its kind in the United States. Founded in 1917 by a group of talented jazz players who were discriminated against due to the color of their skin, the club quickly became the most popular jazz destination in Buffalo. While the site is currently closed for renovations, the club is still hosting a variety of events like the Annual Queen City Jazz Festival, among other live performances.
Credit: @thetravelingchild on Instagram
About two miles away is The Freedom Wall (pictured), where you can admire the 28 beautiful portraits of local and national civil rights and community leaders like Malcom X, Rev. J. Edward Nash, Shirley Chisholm, and Martin Luther King Jr. At the foot of Ferry Street on the scenic Niagara River is Freedom Park, a designated Network to Freedom Site by the US National Parks Service. This site marks the historic terminus of the Underground Railroad between the United States and Canada, and a plaque in the park pays tribute to those who bravely crossed the water from that point to freedom in Canada.
After exploring these powerful historic sites, continue the experience with a short drive to Zawadi Books, a Black-owned bookstore that’s been a staple of the Buffalo community for 50+ years. Specializing in books and materials by and about people of African descent, stop by for author readings, book discussions, and your next great read.
1pm: Chef BigWayne Jamaican Cuisine for lunch
Credit: @thetravelingchild on Instagram
For lunch, get ready to indulge with the vibrant flavors and rich culinary traditions of Chef BigWayne Jamaican Cuisine. Enjoy a variety of dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail, and banana rum cake for dessert.
3pm: Climb into adventures for the whole family at Buffalo Riverworks
Credit: @thetravelingchild on Instagram
Climb into a new adventure for the whole family at Buffalo RiverWorks! With a rockwall, zipline across the river, a Buffal-O Ferris wheel, carnival rides, live concerts, waterfront dining, and more, RiverWorks is the ultimate playground for kids and adults. Book your adventure in advance and get ready to make unforgettable family memories.
8:30pm: End the night with a Tiki Sunset Cruise
Credit: @thetravelingchild on Instagram
End your Saturday with a relaxing tiki cruise around Buffalo’s Inner Harbor with Buffalo Tiki Tours! Board the Hawaiian-style tiki hut and get ready to soak up an amazing sunset on this 1-hour and 40-minute tour. There isn’t any food or drink available for purchase on board, but you can bring your own or grab some right from RiverWorks before the cruise.
SUNDAY
11:30am: Let curiosity run wild at the Buffalo Museum of Science
Credit: @thetravelingchild on Instagram
With interactive science studios, intriguing exhibits, and exciting programming, let curious little minds run free at the Buffalo Museum of Science. The museum’s extensive collection includes more than 700,000 pieces, including a giant bird egg, a hive big enough for 80,000 bees, and a pendulum that tracks the earth’s movement. Check out exhibits like “Bug Works,” home to the museum’s entomology collection and a giant hive you can walk through, “Find Why In The Sky,” where you can view brilliant night skies from the digital planetarium, and more.
1:30pm: Uncover all things art at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum
Credit: @buffaloakgartmuseum on Instagram
Head home feeling inspired after a trip to the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, renowned for having one of the greatest collections of modern and contemporary art in North America. As you stroll through the museum’s collection, spanning 150 years, you’ll get to admire exhibits like Yayoi Kusama’s “One with Eternity” (pictured, closes July 6, 2026), “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way” (closes September 6, 2026), showcasing paintings by Latinx artists, and a rotating lineup of artwork by Black artists.
Black-Owned Restaurants Restaurants in the area:
-
Golden Cup Coffee (Buffalo): Golden Cup Coffee is a roaster and distributor of high-quality coffee and teas, providing fresh roasted coffee and high-quality beverages.
-
Crenshaw Chicken and Waffles (Buffalo): Famous for serving up some of the best chicken & waffles around, plus chicken and fish sandwiches, mouthwatering sides, and more, all made “The Crenshaw Way.”
-
Manna Culinary (Buffalo): Manna has food for the soul with daily specials, fried or baked chicken and fish, vegetarian options, and fresh-baked sweets, all in the heart of Buffalo.
-
The Fire Spot (Buffalo): The Fire Spot Restaurant offers a taste of homemade comfort food and soul food classics, all prepared with meticulous attention to flavor and served in a warm and inviting space for families and friends.
-
Sunshine Vegan Eats (Buffalo): Amazingly delicious vegan food and fresh juices can be found at this welcoming spot right in the heart of Buffalo.
-
Betty’s Cafe (Niagara Falls): Cozy family-owned spot serving up delicious comfort eats and soul food using recipes that have been passed down for generations.
-
Hyde Park Cafe (Niagara Falls): Family owned- and -operated breakfast and lunch joint serving hearty Southern dishes and comfort classics.
Browse even more restaurants in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls area on the I LOVE NY Food & Drinks page.
Discover more inspiration through I LOVE NY Black Travel blogs, seasonal guides, and curated experiences—and be sure to tag your travels on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok using #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY.
