A patch of green by the river, in the bustling city, Front Park is the perfect spot to seek respite from the regular rat-race. Since opening in the 1870s, it has gone on to become one of the most popular recreational parks, with hordes coming in to spend a restful moment, bask in its serenity and take in the spectacular views it has to offer. This landscaped park features paved trails, lush green lawns, benches and a children's playground, that makes it a great place for a soothing break for the whole family.
Formerly known as the Humboldt park, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park was established in the year 1977. The years of history left behind still lingers on quite expressively in the Science Museum situated inside the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. However, more than the museum, what is more striking about this park is its large wading pool that serves as a pleasing retreat during the summers.
Located next to the picturesque Lake Erie, Buffalo Harbor State Park is a great place to spend an afternoon with family and friends. Lined with several picnic tables, this park is ideal for day under the bright sun. The park has a great play area where the little ones can keep busy while you soak in scenic views of the marina. There is a path for riding bikes alongside the park, making it perfect for cyclists as well. There are food trucks parked around for a nice snack break. The park also hosts local events.
Located three miles from downtown Buffalo on the Lake Erie shoreline, this unique urban nature reserve offers 264-acre (106 hectares) of trails, anachronistic boardwalks and a marsh. This preserve is the environmental education site for the Buffalo Museum of Science and it's perfect for bird-watching, hiking, and family picnics—not to mention snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the cold winters. In the 1950s, the site was used as a refuse dump, but thankfully it was converted to a nature preserve in the 1980s. Admission is free but donations are requested.
The jewel of Buffalo's park system, this public space was one of six designed by famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in the late 19th Century. The Delaware Park's 376 acres (152 hectares) include one of Buffalo's three public golf courses (Delaware Park Golf Course), plus tennis courts, baseball diamonds, the Buffalo Zoological Gardens and it hosts the popular Shakespeare in the Park Festival every summer. The Rose Garden makes a perfect setting for a romantic walk when Spring arrives and in the winter, bring your skis and do some cross-country skiing over the demarcated trails.
This is the southern terminus of the Frederick Law Olmsted system of parks in Buffalo, and the perfect place for a quiet lunch or walk when business or pleasure takes you to South Buffalo or the nearby suburbs. The year-round ice rink and swimming pool are complemented by one of Buffalo's three public golf courses, featuring the nine-hole Cazenovia Golf Course and pro shop. Hours for the ice rink and pool will vary, so call ahead before putting your skates or bathing suit on.
Spread over 22 acres (8.9 hectares), Riverside Park is a historic park that makes for an excellent recreational spot. Riverside Park includes tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, swimming and wading pools, an ice rink and more. The park, which also features a lighthouse, is the site of the annual Friendship Festival that celebrates the bond between the United States and Canada.
Located in an 1890s tri-domed Victorian glass conservatory on the grounds of South Park and created by NY Central Park designer Frederick Law Olmsted, these gardens feature exotic flowers and plants from around the world. The gardens are operated by the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Highlights include an orchid and bromeliad house, herb collection, and waterfall. There are also seasonal shows such as Spring Flowers, All-American Annuals in summer, and December Poinsettias.