4 Summer Day Trips You Can Take With The Kids Around WNY

It's hard to believe, but football season will be kicking off soon, and before you know it, we'll be shopping for school clothes and supplies. But we still have lots of warm weather left in Western New York, so let's think about ways to get outside and celebrate our summer freedom.

And, yes, it's too soon to start thinking about apple cinnamon and pumpkin spice everything it's definitely not time to pack away the summer shorts just yet.

If the dog days of summer have the kids going crazy, this might be just for you. There are plenty of great things you can do right here in the 716 (and let's not forget about the 905 and the 585), where you can pack up the car and take a quick day trip for a few hours.

With that in mind, here are four (4) quick day trips that you can take with the kids on a Saturday or Sunday (or maybe a hooky day from summer camp and work).

Oh, and the best part is that they are all about an hour or so from Buffalo, New York.

Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World - Grand Island, New York

Formerly known as Fantasy Island, this 85-acre amusement and water park has been a Western New York staple since 1961. It's just waiting for you to take a quick trip over the Grand Island Bridges to come and say hi.

Fort Niagara State Park and Old Fort Niagara - Youngstown, New York

At more than 500 acres, this state park in the northwest corner of New York state has many great things for kids to do. The best part is the historic Old Fort Niagara, which has existed in some capacity since 1678. The park is around 30 miles from Toronto, so on clear days, you can see the Toronto skyline as well.

Crystal Beach - Fort Erie, Ontario

While the world-renowned amusement park featuring The Cyclone and The Comet is no longer there, Fort Erie, Ontario, still has the amazing beach. Crystal Beach and Bay Beach feature a great playground, boat launch, amazing access to Lake Erie, great restaurants and shops along Erie Road, and great views of the Buffalo skyline. The best part is that it's only about a 20-minute drive from downtown Buffalo, depending on traffic on the Peace Bridge.

Seabreeze Amusement Park - Irondequoit, New York

This historic amusement park, just outside of Rochester, has been around since 1879 and literally has something for everyone. My sons and I really enjoy hanging out on the lazy river, and it's still warm enough to do so.