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July 2010
summer at the waterfront
It's true – families can enjoy waterfront fun right here in Buffalo, right now!
By: Brian Kantz
The Erie Canal Harbor Site (Photo Courtesy Buffalo Place)
It’s kind of crazy. We live on the shores of one of the Great Lakes. Yes, the G-R-E-A-T Lakes. But until recently, access to the lake and its tributaries has been pretty limited — especially when you’re talking about downtown Buffalo. Over the years, local families have driven and flown to destinations such as Baltimore, Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach and Fort Myers to experience the kind of waterfront fun that has, until now, eluded us.
But things are changing. Downtown Buffalo and its still-in-development Erie Canal Harbor site promise (cross your fingers) to be a first-class waterfront destination. This summer, the site is kicking things off with a wide array of entertainment options for families.
“There are a good number of programs at the Erie Canal Harbor site for children, as well as programs for the entire family,” says Peggy Beardsley, associate director of Buffalo Place Inc., the non-profit organization dedicated to improving the economic health and quality of life in downtown Buffalo. “There will be an activity every day of the week through August 30.”
Start the Summer Right
The official summer programming schedule begins on Friday, July 2, with the “Try to Fly” program sponsored by Explore & More Children’s Museum of East Aurora. The event, running from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf, will allow kids to practice with parachutes, kites and carp kites.
Explore & More will continue its free “Friday Family Fun on the Central Wharf” programming from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on July 9 (Clay Day), 23 (Marvelous Marbling), 30 (Getting a Feel for Felt) and August 13 (Boats), 20 (Camp Out) and 27 (Field Day) at the Central Wharf with unique activities for children of all ages.
“Explore & More sparks kids’ creativity, curiosity & imagination wherever we go,” says Program Coordinator Sue Musial. “We make sure there’s something for kids of all ages — including the grown-up kids! Each week, we’ll have a new activity, but at the same time, there will always be water play for little ones and unique ways for families to play and create together, with fun meant for the Waterfront.”
Another marquee event at the start of the season, Beardsley says, is the Fourth of July Celebration, which will take place on Sunday, July 4, from 4 to 10:15pm, with a major fireworks display over the Buffalo Waterfront at 10:15pm. Explore & More will also be at the celebration, from 6 to 8pm — helping kids of all ages make patriotic wands to wave during the fireworks!
Fun All Summer Long
In addition to Explore & More’s Friday programming, the Erie Canal Harbor will play host to other regular children’s activities and family-friendly concerts.
The Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve present “Natural Wonders” on Mondays, July 5, 12, 19, 26 and August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 4pm to 7pm. Free activities will be provided by museum staff to help children learn more about the rich biodiversity of plants and animals in Western New York.
In addition, the Western New York Maritime Charter School is offering free “Learn to Sail” lessons for children ages 7 to 14. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Participation is based on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration form and waiver are available online at
www.spiritofgreatlakes.com or by calling 716-432-6589. The lessons will be offered on Saturdays from 9:30am to 12:30pm, July 10 through August 14 at the Erie Canal Harbor Commercial Slip (adjacent to the Naval Museum).
Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education is the sponsor of hands-on science education programs aboard the tall ship, Spirit of Buffalo. Pre-registration is required by calling 716-796-8393. There is a fee for this program, which launches from the Erie Canal Harbor Commercial Slip.
Additional Erie Canal Harbor events are listed on page 8 or you can visit
www.eriecanalharbor.com or call 716-856-3150 for more information.
Fun In The Area
Of course, there are a few other things to do with children in the neighborhood of the Erie Canal Harbor. Be sure to check out these “top five” attractions:
1. The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. Kids will go ga-ga over the display of huge ships, airplanes, helicopters and tanks. Parents and grandparents will enjoy the history and respect paid to servicemen and women at this first-rate naval and military park. Boston may have Old Ironsides (the USS Constitution), but Buffalo has three historic vessels of its own.
The park features the USS Little Rock (cruiser), USS Croaker (submarine) and USS The Sullivans (destroyer) — all of which can be easily explored in a few hours time. It’s a unique experience.
2. The Erie Basin Marina. The marina, with its ample visitor parking, is a terrific spot to take the kids on a summer day or evening. The gardens are expertly tended and serve as one of 25 test gardens in the country for the All-American Rose Selection process. Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch and watch the boats head out toward or in from Lake Erie. You’ll also enjoy a view of the Buffalo Lighthouse. Forgot the food? No problem, stop in at The Hatch, open daily from 7:30am to 9:30pm for burgers and ice cream.
3. NFTA Metro ride. You may laugh, but believe me, every kid gets a thrill from riding on a “train.” The Metro, Buffalo’s light rail system, features an “Erie Canal Harbor” station stop and is free above ground. Ride from the harbor to Theatre station, then jump off and catch the next train back to the Harbor. It’s a great view of downtown Buffalo and a little added excitement for your little railroad fans.
4. Ira G. Ross Aerospace Museum. Located at the west side of HSBC Arena (behind the Sabres store), Buffalo’s newest museum features a large collection of rotating exhibits. You’re sure to see something new every time you visit. The museum has some pretty cool stuff, too — the Bell Model 47, the first U.S. commercially licensed helicopter; a Bell rocket belt, made famous by James Bond; and the actual control panel used by a mission controller during the Apollo moon missions.
5. Miss Buffalo II. One of the best ways to enjoy the waterfront is to get out on the water. If you don’t own a boat, try a ride aboard the Miss Buffalo II. Buffalo Harbor Cruises operates the narrated sightseeing tours out of the Erie Basin Marina. There is plenty to see on these tours, so kids won’t be bored. And best of all, kids five and under ride free.
Brian Kantz grew up in Cleveland before moving to Buffalo. He’s anxious to see a city take full advantage of its location on the shores of Lake Erie.
More family fun at the harbor!
Boat Building on the Green Demonstration - Join the Buffalo Maritime Center and take part in the building of the Buffalo Canoe.
When: July 10 & 11
Location: Grassy area - adjacent to the Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf
Time: 9am to 4pm - FREE
Boat Display - Join the Buffalo Maritime Center as they display a variety of boats from their collection.
When: August 28 & 29
Location: Grassy area - adjacent to the Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf
Time: 11am to 4pm - FREE
Boat Rides - Join the Buffalo Maritime Center for FREE boat rides on the Lake Erie sailboat Scajaquada and the Electric Launch White Electra - two of the Maritime Center’s boats.
When: Wednesdays, July 7-August 25
Location: Commercial Slip - Wharf side
Time: 5pm to dusk
Canal Side Astronomy - Join the Buffalo Astronomical Association for astronomy activities and telescopic observations of celestial objects at the Erie Canal Harbor.
When: Fridays, June 18, July 9 & Aug. 20
Location: Grassy area - adjacent to the Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf
Time: 7pm to 11pm - FREE
Historic Erie Canal Harbor Walking Tour - Join Buffalo Tours and see the world-famous Erie Canal - a vital link to Buffalo’s past and future development.
When: July 2-3, 9-11, 18, 23-25, 30 and August 8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 and September 3-5.
Location: Register at the Visitor Tent, Wharf side of pedestrian bridge.
Time: 12:00 Noon & 5pm - Wear comfortable shoes. Tour takes approximately one hour - FREE.
Kayak Rentals - Buffalo Harbor Kayak offers kayak rentals. Explore the Buffalo waterfront by renting a one or two-person kayak or canoe.
When: Every weekend May through early September or by reservation during the week. For rental rates call 716-228-9153 or visit www.buffaloharborkayak.com.
Location: Next to the dockside building in the center of the historic Central Wharf
Time: 9am to Dusk
Spirit of Buffalo - Sail back in time aboard the Spirit of Buffalo. Discover traditional sailing on a classic 73-foot topsail schooner. Join the crew and hoist the red sails, or sit back, relax and see the city in a new (old?) way. The Spirit operates May through September out of the historic Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf. The Spirit offers public cruises and private charters. Time: Call for departure times, availability and reservations - 716-796-7210 or visit www.spiritofbuffalo.com.
Saturday Adaptive Sailing Program - Join WNYAdaptive Water Sports for a FREE sail adventure and instruction for the physically and mentally challenged. Pre-registration is required.
When: Saturdays, June 12-August 28
Location: Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf Floating Docks
Time: Call to make arrangements. For information or to pre-register call 717-553-7670 or visit www.wnyadaptivewatersports.org .
WNY Adaptive Water Sports Expo - Learn about programs and resources to promote, facilitate and provide individuals with disabilities the means and facilities to participate in water sports. Includes boat rides for the disabled.
When: August 28 & 29
Location: Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf & Floating Docks
Time: 11am to 4pm - FREE
