We all know the obvious short jaunts to Strong Museum, Niagara Falls or Darien Lake but there are so many more places to go in the Western New York area and many are free or inexpensive. Here is a list of some of our favorites to the East:
Akron Falls Park: we like to get right in the water and have some catch and release fun with the crayfish and when we are all done we grab lunch at Guys Subs and take the long way home through Clarence on Clarence Center Road (be sure to look for the bikes in bloom in Clarence Center)
Genessee Country Village: watch the events calendar, we went for the 4th of July once and spent hours enjoying the history and sunshine; there are plenty of activities for the kids
Ontario Beach: this beach is an hour and 15 minute drive and can be closed so check before you go but if all is well, this beach is my new fave around; there is beautiful sand (not like dirt), pavilions, a carousel, clean bathrooms and restaurants & custard in walking distance; there are stunning homes to see and there is a public sidewalk between them and the lake if you can get away to check it out
Seabreeze: this amusement & water park is just a few miles from Ontario Beach and is the perfect small park to spend the day at. We really enjoyed just splashing around on a sunny day!
I tried to only include places within an hour and a half drive and only included a few of the great spots around. This summer we plan to try some new places and new things, maybe paddle boarding or kayaking the Erie Canal starting in Fairport, NY, strolling through the gardens and George Eastman Museum in Rochester and revisit the charming town of Geneseo and the treehouses at Tree Creations. If you are in need of some ideas to get the kids out of the house this summer let us know at Stowaway what you are looking for and we will be sure to help!!