Take a Wellness Walk through Tifft Nature Preserve
Watch for wildlife, see wildflowers in bloom or stomp through the snow. Every Thursday at 10 a.m., walkers set off to enjoy nature during a two-hour organized Wellness Walk. The program is offered through Tifft Public Programs for Families, and a small donation is appreciated.
Tifft Nature Preserve
1200 Fuhrmann Blvd.
Buffalo, New York 14203
(716) 825-6397
sciencebuff.org
Sail a Schooner
Feel the wind as the entire family helps hoist the massive square-rig sails on the 73-foot Spirit of Buffalo schooner. The ship sails daily throughout the summer, and evening sunset sails are offered, but call ahead to verify the schedule. Kids will enjoy weekend excursions when the sailing crew members become pirates.
Spirit of Buffalo
Erie Canal Harbor -- Central Wharf
Next to the Buffalo Naval Park
Downtown Buffalo, New York
(716) 796-7210
spiritofbuffalo.com
Attend a Wilderness Workshop
Take a short drive to the nearby town of Tonawanda for a winter camping, map reading or backcountry hands-on cooking clinic. Paths, Peaks & Paddles claims its status as one of New York's largest outdoor specialty shops and its reputation as "The Candy Store for Outdoor People." The staff of licensed guides is knowledgeable about outdoor gear and activities in the region. Kids and adults can try out equipment, sign up for canoe and kayaking classes, or go on a guided wintertime snowshoe outing in the Buffalo and western New York area.
Paths, Peaks & Paddles
1000 Ellicot Creek Rd.
Tonawanda, New York 14150
(716) 213-0350
pathspeakspaddles.com
Hike, Bike or Paddle Eco-Tours
Tour the Buffalo and Niagra River ecosystem with guides from the Buffalo Niagra Riverkeeper association. Tours are held on summer weekends and can accommodate kids as young as 5 with an accompanying adult. Learn how the rivers in downtown Buffalo host a rich life of birds, plants and wild creatures. A donation of $10 to $15 dollars is requested of each participant.
Buffalo Niagra Riverkeeper
1250 Niagra St.
Buffalo, New York 14213
(716) 852-7483
bnriverkeeper.org
Cross-country Skiing at Chestnut Ridge
Spend a day of fun in the snow at Chestnut Ridge Park. Just south of the Buffalo metropolitan area, the park offers miles of trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, sledding and even snowmobiling.
Chestnut Ridge Park
6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd.
Orchard Park, New York 14127
(716) 858-8355
erie.gov/parks/chestnut.asp
Article Written By Denise Schoonhoven
A seasoned business traveler, Denise Schoonhoven specializes in food, travel, landscaping, design and personal development topics. She has lived and worked in London, San Francisco, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Pacific Northwest. Schoonhoven hails from the corporate writing world where she authored marketing material, catalogs, presentations and training documents.
