Western New York is home to excellent school districts, many of which have received statewide and national recognition.

There are numerous private school options, including parochial schools.

Our city school system includes a growing number of charter schools and City Honors High School, which has repeatedly made Newsweek’s list of the top 10 U.S. high schools in the country.

In Western New York, your family can explore nature, absorb culture and have fun at every turn.

Our family-friendly destinations and attractions include:

• An extensive park system
• A city zoo that’s home to animals from the Arctic to the rainforest
• Numerous nature centers and campgrounds
• An 18th century fort where history comes alive with reenactments and demonstrations of military life
• First-class amusement parks, including Darien Lake, Fantasy Island and an old-fashioned theme park geared for younger kids
• A science museum that hosts traveling exhibitions, summer camps and more
• A professional children’s theater
• A children’s museum
• Family concerts hosted by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
• Free family nights at the world-renowned Albright-Knox Art Gallery
• Slopes for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and tubing
• Festivals throughout the year

Our tourism bureau offers detailed, current information about area family activities.

This free magazine features a monthly calendar of events for families.